Be better prepared to describe what’s happening outside.
GRAUPEL (‘graʊ.pəl)
An unusual kind of thunderstorm with snow falling instead of rain. It typically falls in regions of strong upward motion within the cold sector of an extra-tropical cyclone.
THUNDERSNOW (‘θʌn.dɚ.snoʊ)
An unusual kind of thunderstorm with snow falling instead of rain. It typically falls in regions of strong upward motion within the cold sector of an extra-tropical cyclone.
CRYOSEISM (‘kraɪ.oʊˌsaɪ.zəm)
A seismic event—also called a frost quake—caused by water freezing rapidly underground, resulting in loud booms and shaking of the ground.
POLAR VORTEX (‘poʊ.lɚ ‘vɔr.tɛks)
An area of low pressure hangs out in polar regions, but sometimes this wide expanse of swirling cold air strays a little bit too far from its home up North. Part of it can break off and migrate southward, bringing all of that cold air with it.
BOMBOGENESIS (ˌbɑːm.boʊˈdʒɛn.ə.sɪs)
This phenomenon occurs when a midlatitude cyclone rapidly intensifies, dropping at least 24 millibars over 24 hours. (A millibar measures atmospheric pressure.) For example, when a cold air mass collides with a warm air mass, then BLAMMO! You have the formation of a rapidly strengthening weather system.
SNOWMAGEDDON (ˌsnoʊ.məˈɡɛ.dən)
Credited to blogger Greg Swan in April 2007 as a satirical response to local media’s coverage of a lackluster Minneapolis storm. First published in the popular press in Canada during January 2009. Interchangeable terms include Snowzilla, Snowpocalypse, or Superstorm.
