Meteorological Events Vocabulary

Thunderstorm

• Weather event with lightning and thunder

• A type of cloud formation

• A strong wind event

• A heavy snowfall event

Low-Pressure System

• Area with rising air and stormy weather

• Area with sinking air and clear skies

• Region of high temperatures and low humidity

• Zone of stable weather and light winds

Tornado

• A violently rotating column of air touching the ground, usually attached to the base of a thunderstorm

• A calm and stable weather phenomenon characterized by clear skies

• A type of storm that produces heavy rain and flooding

• A rotating column of air that forms over water and is associated with hurricanes

Cold Front

• When a cold air mass meets and overtakes a warm air mass; leads to cooler temperatures and possible storms.

• When a warm air mass meets and overtakes a cold air mass; leads to warmer temperatures and clear skies.

• When two cold air masses collide; leads to stable weather conditions.

• When a warm air mass rises over a cold air mass; leads to heavy rainfall.

High-Pressure System

• Area with descending air and fair weather 

• Area with rising air and stormy weather 

• Area with stagnant air and foggy conditions 

• Area with turbulent air and heavy precipitation 

Storm Surge

• Abnormal, rapid rise in sea level during a storm; leads to flooding

• A gradual increase in sea level over time

• A type of storm that causes heavy rainfall

• A phenomenon that occurs only in tropical regions

What is an air mass?

• A large body of air with consistent humidity and temperature.

• A small pocket of air that changes frequently.

• A type of weather front that brings storms.

• A layer of air that is always cold and dry.

Hurricane

• Powerful tropical cyclone with heavy rains and strong winds

• Weak storm with light rain and gentle breezes

• Seasonal weather pattern with mild temperatures

• Type of earthquake that causes flooding

Weather Front

• Boundary between air masses

• A type of precipitation

• A weather forecasting tool

• A temperature measurement device

Air Pressure

• Force exerted by air molecules; number of air molecules decrease with height 

• The weight of the air above a surface

• The temperature of the air in a given area

• The humidity level in the atmosphere