Climate

Blog Posts

Stormy clouds over country roads
What is atmospheric stability?
As I reflect, it was Severe Weather Preparedness Week— March 6-10, 2023. We have already had severe weather this year, but it will become more...
fog covering over grassy area and small lake
No two fogs are the same
We are bound to have fog from time to time. I still remember when I was in my late teens and insisted on going to see some friends when I could...
Raindrops hitting top of clear umbrella
Rolling on an atmospheric river and the Pineapple Express
California has recently been slammed with extreme rainfall and snow in the high elevations, along with high winds. Media have attributed these events...
2023 ISPP Scholar Oluwaseun Ojo at his desk at the Illinois Department of Ag
In his own words: Oluwaseun Ojo
As an ISPP Scholar, Oluwaseun Ojo is appointed with the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Division of Natural Resources. His work is significant in...
icy road during winter
What’s the difference between snow, sleet, and freezing rain?
Winter precipitation is on its way. Rain, snow, sleet, and freezing rain are all potential types of precipitation. Rain is liquid water, while the...
Rivers in the air: Atmospheric rivers can lead to lots of West Coast rain
We all have been hearing about the mega-drought occurring in the west. California has been hard hit, with many of its lakes at record lows. Water...
World map with green trees and continents represented as lakes
What’s the difference between a weather forecast and a climate scenario?
Forecasting day-to-day weather and predicting what climate will be five years or 50 years from now have very different outcomes. Both processes use...
gray volcano erupting plume of smoke and ash
How do volcanic eruptions affect climate?
A large underwater volcano recently erupted in the South Pacific. Volcanoes can send huge amounts of gases and ash into the atmosphere. Very large...

News Releases

Climate Series
Ready your agricultural operation for the changing climate
URBANA, Ill. – Weather trends are changing. Are you ready for how it will affect your agricultural operation or natural resources area? The Bi-State Climate monthly webinar series brings together Illinois and Indiana Extension experts to highlight important climate-related topics for...
bee on flower
Take small steps to improve, support the environment this winter
URBANA, Ill. – Widespread environmental issues like changing weather patterns and habitat loss can feel overwhelming, but small everyday choices make a difference. Explore sustainable maple syrup harvesting, tornado trends in the U.S., and what research says about how to support pollinators in...
sweet corn
Sweet corn sweltering in summer heat spells uncertainty for corn lovers
URBANA, Ill. – Few things say summer in America more than buttery corn on the cob, but as summer temperatures climb to unprecedented levels, the future of sweet corn may not be so sweet. New University of Illinois research shows sweet corn yields drop significantly with extreme heat during...

Videos

Cover Crops and Gardens

There is a lot of talk about the use of cover crops in agricultural settings. What about in gardens? Duane Friend discusses cover crop use in gardens, its benefits, and field demonstrations of its potential.

Weather: Derecho

 

A rare but destructive wind can move over much of the United States during certain times. Watch this video to find out what a Derecho is.

Weather: Temperature Inversions
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Temperature near Earth’s surface usually decreases the higher you go from the surface, but not always. Learn why there are times when temperature gets warmer at higher elevations.

Weather: Rain Shadow

The rain shadow effect is the reason why areas on opposite sides of a mountain can have drastically different climates.

Staff