Weather impacts our daily lives, yet there are many beliefs about weather that are simply incorrect. From the myth of heat lightning to the misconception that big cities are safe from tornadoes, these misunderstandings can lead to dangerous decisions.
Understanding the truth behind these weather myths is essential for safety.
Let’s debunk widespread misconceptions about weather, uncovering the science behind what really happens in the sky.
Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice
Contrary to popular belief, lightning can and does strike the same place multiple times. Tall structures like the Empire State Building get hit by lightning about 20 to 25 times a year. So, the idea that you’re safe from lightning after it hits once is simply a myth.
Tornadoes Don’t Happen in Big Cities
Many people think tornadoes can’t strike big cities, but this is not true. Tornadoes have hit metropolitan areas like Miami, St. Louis, and even downtown Nashville. The misconception arises because cities cover a smaller area compared to rural regions, making direct hits less common but not impossible.
Hot Water Freezes Faster Than Cold Water
The Mpemba effect suggests that hot water can freeze faster than cold water, but this isn’t universally accepted. The effect depends on various factors, such as the surrounding temperature and container used, and isn’t a consistent phenomenon. Therefore, it’s more accurate to say that under specific conditions, hot water might freeze faster, but it’s not a general rule.
Hurricanes Only Form Over Warm Oceans
While it’s true that hurricanes need warm ocean water to form, they can also travel far from their source. For example, Hurricane Sandy traveled up the Atlantic coast and caused massive damage in the northeastern United States, an area not typically associated with hurricanes. This shows that while their origins are tied to warm waters, their impact can be widespread.
A Green Sky Means a Tornado Is Coming
The belief that a green sky signals an impending tornado is widely held but not entirely accurate. A green sky often indicates severe weather, such as thunderstorms, but it doesn’t necessarily mean a tornado is imminent. The green hue is caused by light scattering through the water droplets in storm clouds, not directly by tornado formation.
You’re Safe From Lightning Indoors
Being indoors doesn’t guarantee safety from lightning strikes. Lightning can travel through plumbing, electrical wiring, and even phone lines, making activities like showering or using wired electronics risky during a storm. To stay safe, it’s best to avoid contact with these during a thunderstorm.
Snowflakes Are Always Unique
While it’s often said that no two snowflakes are alike, the reality is more nuanced. Under certain conditions, snowflakes can form in nearly identical shapes, especially in controlled environments like laboratories. So, while the odds are slim, it’s possible for two snowflakes to be almost indistinguishable.
Tornadoes Only Occur in the U.S.
Although the United States experiences the most tornadoes of any country, they can occur almost anywhere in the world. Countries like Canada, Argentina, and Bangladesh also experience tornadoes, some of which can be just as destructive as those in the U.S. This global phenomenon isn’t confined to “Tornado Alley.”
Heat Lightning Is Different from Regular Lightning
Heat lightning is just regular lightning seen from a distance, too far away for the accompanying thunder to be heard. The term “heat lightning” comes from the mistaken belief that it occurs due to hot and humid weather alone. In reality, the lightning is part of a distant storm that you’re too far away from to hear the thunder.
Opening Windows During a Tornado Reduces Damage
Opening windows during a tornado is a dangerous and outdated practice. The idea was that it would equalize pressure and prevent a house from exploding, but this has been debunked. Tornado winds can easily break windows on their own, and open windows can lead to more debris flying into the house, increasing the danger.
Cold Weather Causes Colds
Many believe that exposure to cold weather directly causes cold, but this is a misconception. Colds are caused by viruses, particularly rhinoviruses, which spread more easily in close quarters and dry indoor environments during winter. The drop in temperature alone doesn’t cause you to get sick; it’s the increased exposure to germs.
The Eye of the Hurricane Is Calm and Safe
While the eye of a hurricane is indeed calm, it is not safe to be in. Surrounding the eye is the eyewall, where the most severe weather occurs, including the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall. If you’re in the eye, the storm isn’t over—you’re merely in a temporary lull before the worst conditions return.
Thunder Can’t Hurt You
Thunder itself is harmless, but it’s a sign that lightning is near, which can be deadly. If you can hear thunder, you’re within striking distance of lightning, which can travel miles away from the storm. The rule of thumb is, “When thunder roars, go indoors,” because the lightning that follows could cause serious injury or death.
Hurricanes Are Getting More Frequent
There’s a common perception that hurricanes are becoming more frequent due to climate change. However, the data shows that while the intensity of hurricanes may be increasing, the overall number of hurricanes hasn’t shown a clear upward trend. What has changed is the damage caused by hurricanes due to rising sea levels and growing coastal populations.
It Never Snows in the Desert
Deserts are typically associated with hot, dry conditions, but some deserts do experience snowfall. For example, the Sahara Desert, known for its scorching heat, has seen snow on multiple occasions. Deserts can get cold enough for snow, especially at night or during the winter months.
Floods Only Happen Near Rivers
Flooding can occur almost anywhere, not just near rivers. Urban areas are particularly susceptible to flash floods due to poor drainage systems and large amounts of impermeable surfaces like concrete. Heavy rainfall can overwhelm these systems, leading to dangerous flooding in seemingly unlikely places.
You Can Outrun a Tornado by Car
Trying to outrun a tornado in a car is extremely risky and often fatal. Tornadoes can change direction quickly, and their paths are unpredictable, making it difficult to escape. The safest course of action is to seek shelter in a sturdy building or, if caught in the open, lie flat in a low-lying area away from cars.
The Bigger the Hail, the Stronger the Storm
While large hailstones are often associated with strong storms, they don’t always indicate a tornado. Hail size is more closely related to the updraft strength within a storm, not necessarily the storm’s overall severity or potential to produce a tornado. A storm can produce large hail without the presence of a tornado.
Raindrops Are Tear-Shaped
Despite popular illustrations, raindrops are not shaped like teardrops. Small raindrops are more spherical due to surface tension, while larger ones flatten out and take on a shape more like a hamburger bun as they fall. The teardrop shape is a misconception that persists in cartoons and diagrams.
You Can Predict the Weather by Observing Animals
While animals often react to changes in weather, they don’t possess the ability to predict it with accuracy. For example, cows lying down might indicate incoming rain, but this behavior can be due to many factors. While observing animals can provide some clues, it’s not a reliable method for weather prediction.
Winter Storms Are Less Dangerous Than Summer Storms
Winter storms are often underestimated in terms of danger, but they can be just as deadly as summer storms. Blizzards, ice storms, and extreme cold can cause power outages, dangerous travel conditions, and even hypothermia or frostbite. The risks are different but no less severe, making preparation and caution equally important in winter.
Hurricanes Are Only Dangerous Because of Wind
While the powerful winds of hurricanes are certainly dangerous, storm surges and flooding often cause the most damage and fatalities. Storm surges, which are rises in sea level caused by the storm’s winds, can flood coastal areas quickly and with great force. Many people underestimate the power of water, but it’s often the deadliest aspect of a hurricane.
