Quick Reference Humidity: Water vapor in the air, in invisible gas form. Three types: Relative humidity (a percentage), absolute humidity (grams per cubic meter), specific humidity (grams per kilogram of air). Dew point: The temperature at which the air would be 100 percent saturated. The cleaner outdoor-comfort measure. Why warm air feels mugger: Warm air

Quick Reference What it is: A blood moon is a total lunar eclipse, when Earth’s shadow falls completely across the Moon and the Moon turns deep red or copper. Why red: Earth’s atmosphere bends red wavelengths of sunlight through the shadow and onto the Moon. Same physics as a sunset. NASA terminology: NASA calls it

Quick Reference What it is: A large area of cold low-pressure air that circulates around each pole. Always there, always strongest in winter. Two layers: A stratospheric polar vortex (10 to 30 miles up) and a tropospheric polar vortex (lower, where weather happens). Strong vortex: Cold air locked at the pole. Winter cold stays north.

Quick Reference The two main numbers: Kp index (0 to 9, planetary geomagnetic activity) and the G-scale (G1 minor through G5 extreme storms). Kp 5 (G1 minor): Aurora possible across far northern US, including Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas. Kp 7 (G3 strong): Aurora visible as far south as Pennsylvania, Iowa, and northern

Quick Reference Severe threshold: Hail of 1 inch or larger is officially severe per the National Weather Service. 1-inch hail can dent vehicles and damage roofs. Hail size scale: Pea (0.25″), marble (0.5″), penny (0.75″), quarter (1″), golf ball (1.75″), tennis ball (2.5″), baseball (2.75″), softball (4″), grapefruit (4.5″+). Largest US hailstone: Vivian, South Dakota,

Quick Reference What it is: Body core temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). Mild (90 to 95): Shivering, slurred speech, fast heart rate, fatigue, mild confusion. Watch for the “umbles”: stumbles, mumbles, fumbles, grumbles. Moderate (82 to 90): Violent shivering that then stops, severe confusion, drowsiness, slow weak pulse, blue lips and fingers.

Quick Reference Created: 1805 by Royal Navy Rear-Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort. Range: Force 0 (calm, less than 1 mph) through Force 12 (hurricane, 73 mph and above). Original purpose: Standardize sailing condition reports across the British Navy. Adopted: Royal Navy 1838, internationally 1853, land observations added 1916. Why still used: Lets observers describe wind without

Quick Reference: Natural Ways To Get Rid of Wasps Best season to act: Early spring, before queens build nests. Top deterrent scents: Peppermint, clove, geranium, lemongrass, citronella. Easiest fix: Seal trash cans, rinse soda cans, pick up fallen fruit. Trap placement: Far from patios, doors, pools, and play areas. Call a pro when: Nest is

Farmers’ Almanac Summer Weather Prediction for 2026 For over 200 years, the Farmers’ Almanac has been predicting long-range weather forecasts to help you plan ahead. These forecasts are created using a proprietary formula that adapts to the mysteries of nature and the ever-changing world we live in. The basis of our prediction method was developed

Wildflowers have a special way of turning any patch of ground into a living tapestry of color while asking very little in return. Whether you dream of a sweeping meadow that dances in the breeze or a simple border along the vegetable garden, these hardy natives bring beauty, support bees and butterflies, improve soil health,