Precipitation from a cumuliform cloud. Characterized by the suddenness of beginning and ending, by the rapid change in intensity, and usually by a rapid change in the condition of the sky. The solid or liquid water particles are usually bigger than the co ...

The algebraic difference between the upper and lower limits of the measuring range of an instrument, i.e. a thermometer with a range of -35 to 50

Of or pertaining to rain.

Abbreviation for radio frequency.

An instrument for measuring the ultraviolet in solar and sky radiation.

The time required for an instrument to register a designated percentage (frequently 90%) of a step change in the variable being measured.

An addition to a rawinsonde system which allows determination of the slant range to the radiosonde.

A buoyant balloon rising freely in the atmosphere, as opposed to a captive balloon.

The scientific study of the waters of the earth, especially with relation to the effects of precipitation and evaporation upon the occurrence and character of water in streams, lakes, and on or below the land surface. In terms of the hydrologic cycle, the ...

An anemometer which derives wind speed from measurements of dynamic wind pressures. Wind blowing into a tube develops a pressure greater than the static pressure, while wind blowing across a tube develops a pressure less than the static. This pressure dif ...

A spring which is designed to achieve a fixed spring constant over a wide temperature range. Usually, this involves an alloy with high nickel content such as Ni-Span C. It is common for these springs to be stress relieved at elevated temperature after for ...

A line drawn through geographical points having the same duration of sunshine (or other function of solar radiation) during a given interval of time.

A mercury barometer of the fixed cistern type in which a moveable scale terminating in an ivory point is used to compensate for the variations in the height of the mercury in the cistern

An air-launched balloon designed to be released in the eye of a tropical cyclone, float within the eye at predetermined levels, and transmit radio signals for RDF positioning.

A type of recording siphon barometer. The mechanically magnified motion of a float resting on the lower mercury surface is used to record atmospheric pressure on a rotating drum.

Sustained winds greater than or equal to 40 mph or gust greater than or equal to 58 mph.

In general. the severe wind of an intense tropical cyclone (hurricane or typhoon). The term has no further technical connotation, but, unfortunately, is easily conftlsed with the strictly defined hurricane-force wind,

The total electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. About 99.9 percent of its energy output falls within the wavelength interval from 0. 15 microns to 4.0 microns, with peak intensity near 0.47 microns. About one-half of the total energy in the solar ...

A polarimeter utilizing a Wollaston prism as a polarizer and a Nicol prism as an analyzer.

Any and all forms of water particles, liquid or solid, that fall from the atmosphere and reach the ground.