NWS MOUNT HOLLY The Kite and Key

S P E C I A L VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 SPRING 2017 P O I N T S O F INTEREST:  Welcome Welcome to our new office newsletter!! Letter

 Fun kid Welcome! This is the first in friendly sci- a series of seasonal newslet- ence experi- ters we will be starting to ment issue for your reading pleas-  Watch vs ure. Warning A variety of interesting weather stories and topics  Frost/Freeze: What to do? will grace these pages. Any and all feedback from you will  Cloud types help us to improve what is placed on these pages in up- coming issues. We hope you enjoy reading this as much as we have en- joyed putting it together! WFO Mount Holly I N S I D E THIS ISSUE:

What kind of cloud is that? Clouds 1/ 3 By: Sarah Johnson, Meteorologist Frost/Freeze 2 was published and adopted per atmospheric clouds) Who hasn’t tried to see in nearly all countries, are a part of one of the 10 other shapes in clouds? But Kid’s Science 3 standardizing the way genera: Cumulonimbus, have you ever wondered Corner clouds are classified across Cumulus, Stratus, Strato- how meteorologists classi- Severe 4 the world. The Interna- cumulus, Nimbostratus, fy clouds? The current sys- Weather tional Cloud Atlas is now Altostratus, Altocumulus, tem of classifying clouds Contact In- 5 maintained by the World Cirrus, Cirrocumulus, and goes all the way back to formation Meteorological Organiza- Cirrostratus. Within the the early 1800s when early Skywarn 5 tion. The most recent up- 10 main genera are several meteorologists came up Classes date to the cloud atlas species and varieties, in- with a system based on the came in March of this year. cluding a new species add- way animal and plants ed with the latest update were named, utilizing Latin The tiered approach in- in March called Volu- names and a tiered ap- cludes genera, species, and tus. Clouds may be one proach. In 1896, the first varieties. All clouds (with species, and could be more international cloud atlas the exception of rare up- Continued on pg 3 P A G E 2 It’s time to start thinking about the garden… By: Dean Iovino, Meteorologist

After a rather mild win- range. The average dates case this year for at least ter, thoughts are already of the last freezing tem- parts of our region. turning toward outdoor peratures in the spring activities such as garden- It is important to remem- ing. While it is fine to fall between May 1 and ber that freezing temper- begin preparing your gar- May 15 in the Pocono atures and frost can occur den a little early, it is im- Region of Pennsylvania. well after the average dates shown on the portant not to start plant- The National Weather ing until the threat of maps. If you are a gar- Service Forecast Office dener, pay special atten- freezing temperatures has in Mount Holly, New passed. tion whenever the Na- Jersey uses the average tional Weather Service dates of the last freezing Generally, northeastern issues a Freeze Watch, The above map shows temperatures to help de- Maryland and Delaware or Frost the average dates of termine when to begin Advisory for your loca- fall within the April 1 the last freezing tem- issuing Freeze Watches, tion. peratures in the spring through April 15 Freeze Warnings and It is always a good idea Frost Advisories. We during the 30-year range. The same is true to follow the guidelines start to issue them around period from 1981 for coastal sections of that are provided for each through 2010. New Jersey and for urban or just before those dates. On occasion, when there type of plant in our gar- areas along the Delaware is a particularly mild den. The guidelines for River up to around Phila- winter and/or early your particular location delphia. The remainder spring we sometimes can be found on seed of southeastern Pennsyl- start to issue the Freeze packages, on the plastic The below image shows vania, Berks County and Watches, Freeze Warn- the usual starting dates tabs accompanying pur- the Lehigh Valley, as ings and Frost Advisories for our Freeze chased plants and online well as the remainder of a little earlier than nor- Watches, Freeze mal. That may be the from any number of rep- Warnings, and Frost New Jersey fall within utable agricultural agen- Advisories in the spring. the April 16 through cies or seed companies. April 30 Keep particularly susceptible plants in pots or planters until your location is safely beyond any reasonable threat of frost or freezing temperatures. That way, you can bring them indoors if necessary.

Happy gardening!

Did you know…

Frost is the formation of thin ice crystals on the ground or other surfaces in the form of scales, needles, feathers, or fans. Frost develops under conditions simi- lar to dew, except the temperatures of the Earth's surface and earthbound ob- jects falls below 32°F.

A freeze occurs when the surface air temperature is expected to be 32° F or below over a widespread area for a significant period of time.

THE KITE AND KEY VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 P A G E 3 Kids Science Corner—Homemade Rain Gage

Contributed by Valerie Meola, Meteorologist Images courtesy of wikiHow

Here is a fun science experiment that you can do at home! All it takes are a few household items and a bit of effort and you can make your own rain gage! Image 1 (You may need help from an adult to complete this project.)

What you need: - One empty 2L bottle (no cap) - Pebbles or stones - One pair of scissors - Black marker - Roll of duct tape

Directions: 1. Draw a line around the top of the bottle using the Image 2 marker. Use the scissors to cut the top of the bottle off. (image 1) 2. Place pebbles in the bottom of the bottle for stability. 3. Fit the top part of the bottle (nose down) into the bottom part of the bottle. Tape around the edges to secure the pieces in place. 4. Draw a line to mark the top extent of the pebbles and then place a strip of tape along the outside of the bottle. (image 2) 5. Measure 1/2 inch marks along the tape, making sure Image 3 the 0 lines up with the top of the pebbles. (image 3) 6. Watch the weather and enjoy your new gage!

Added to the International Cloud Atlas in Clouds… continued from pg 1 March of 2017, Asperitas is the first cloud for- mation added since cirrus intortus in 1951. than one variety. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia—Avjoska

Also with the latest update, several special clouds were added. Special clouds are clouds that are rare or specific to certain con- ditions. For example, Cataractagenitus are clouds that are formed around large waterfalls.

You can explore all of the genera, species, varieties, and special clouds, by visiting the International Cloud Atlas which is now available online at www.wmocloudatlas.org. For a fun poster of the main cloud types, visit http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/ P A G E 4 What defines a Severe ? How about a Watch versus a Warning?

By: Michael Gorse, Meteorologist

The NWS issues Severe Thunderstorm Watches and Warnings; however, what is the meaning of these? Below we take a closer look at what defines a Severe Thunderstorm, a The NWS says… Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.

A Severe Thunderstorm is defined by hail 1 inch in diameter and larger (large hail), dam- “When Thunder aging winds of 58 mph or greater, or a . This is also referred to as severe thunder- Roars, Go Indoors!” storm criteria. A reminder that lightning is not included as every thunderstorm contains lightning.

When a Severe Thunderstorm WATCH is issued by the NWS, this means that the condi- tions are favorable for the development of severe in the watch area. This is not a guarantee severe thunderstorms will occur, but large hail and/or damaging winds are POSSIBLE.

When a Severe Thunderstorm WARNING is issued by the NWS, this means that severe weather (i.e. large hail and/or damaging winds) are IMMINENT or OCCURRING. A warn- ing will have more specific information contained within it, including expected hazards (i.e. damaging winds and/or large hail).

A and WARNING are the same, except here the main hazard or criterion is a tornado.

Another way to think about it is; a WATCH means to remain alert as the conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorm development. A WARNING means to take action as severe thunderstorms are imminent or occurring.

The NWS reminds you to stay safe, and remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!

THE KITE AND KEY Philadelphia/Mount Holly The National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather, 732 Woodlane Road water, and climate data, forecasts and warnings for the pro- Mount Holly, NJ 08060 tection of life and property and enhancement of the nation- Phone: 609-261-6600 al economy.

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