Weather Alert in Illinois

Recent Locations: Elgin, IL Seneca, IL Lansing, MI

Special Weather Statement issued February 5 at 8:45PM CST by NWS Chicago IL

AREAS AFFECTED: Winnebago; Boone; Ogle; Lee; De Kalb; Kane; La Salle; Kendall; Grundy; Kankakee; Livingston; Iroquois; Ford; Southern Will; Newton; Benton

DESCRIPTION: A fast moving weather system will produce a short 3 to 5 hour period of freezing drizzle overnight into early Friday morning. While significant ice amounts are not expected, a minor glaze of ice will be possible on untreated surfaces such as sidewalks and side streets. Accordingly, motorists and walkers should be prepared for the possibility of some slick surfaces early Friday morning.

INSTRUCTION: N/A

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Weather Topic: What are Cirrus Clouds?

Home - Education - Cloud Types - Cirrus Clouds

Next Topic: Condensation

Cirrus clouds are high-level clouds that occur above 20,000 feet and are composed mainly of ice crystals. They are thin and wispy in appearance.

What do they indicate?
They are often the first sign of an approaching storm.

Next Topic: Condensation

Weather Topic: What are Contrails?

Home - Education - Cloud Types - Contrails

Next Topic: Cumulonimbus Clouds

A contrail is an artificial cloud, created by the passing of an aircraft.

Contrails form because water vapor in the exhaust of aircraft engines is suspended in the air under certain temperatures and humidity conditions. These contrails are called exhaust contrails.

Another type of contrail can form due to a temporary reduction in air pressure moving over the plane's surface, causing condensation. These are called aerodynamic contrails.

When you can see your breath on a cold day, it is also because of condensation. The reason contrails last longer than the condensation from your breath is because the water in contrails freezes into ice particles.

Next Topic: Cumulonimbus Clouds