This week's theme is words about weather. The first word is meteorologist - A meteorologist studies and predicts the weather. To be a meteorologist, you must go to college and especially excel in math and science.

Today's weather phrase is: Jet Stream - A strong high level wind found in the atmosphere that can reach speeds in excess of 200 mph, usually occurring 6 to 9 miles above the ground. These winds often steer the movement of surface air masses and weather systems. I assume that you hear about jet streams when you listen to the weather; we sure do in the U.S.

Today's word is: Gustnado - It�s a small and weak tornado that occurs along the gust front of a thunderstorm and doesn�t stay on the ground for long periods of time. It appears as a dust whirl or a debris cloud.

I am not sure if this phrase is used in the UK, and I doubt that it is.

Indian Summer - A warm, tranquil spell of weather in the autumn, especially after a period of cold weather. The term is used most often in the Midwest and New England in the U.S. Basically, when there is a gorgeous, sunny autumn day, we call it "Indian Summer." Do you call it that or anything else?

Yes, we have the same phrase, with the same meaning.

Interesting, Arnie. I thought the origin was from colonial times in the U.S., which is a possibility. However, Wikipedia says it also could be Asian in origin. I also see from Wikipedia that you call it Old Wive's Summer. We don't.

Today's word is: Virga - Rain or snow that falls from a cloud but evaporates before it reaches the ground.

I have heard that phrase, but Indian Summer is much more common. I'd always assumed that the phrase came from India, not the US, but I have never looked into the origins.

It's an interesting expression, isn't it? I always assumed it was from US Colonial times, too, but I wonder if that is partly due to the fact that we always studied Native Americans in the Fall in school.

Today's word is: Hygrometer - An instrument that measures the water vapor content of air or the humidity.


We've had our own weather problems in Chicago. Last night it stormed and hailed and rained so hard that our expressway flooded. We were stuck and not able to go forward. Therefore, many cars turned around on the expressway, headed the wrong way, and exited through the entrance. What a time we've had!