Weather Alert in Washington
Air Quality Alert issued August 13 at 9:32AM PDT by NWS Seattle WA
AREAS AFFECTED: Mason, WA
DESCRIPTION: An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency. An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Mason County, effective until 9 AM PDT Friday August 15 due to the current wildfire smoke from the Bear Gulch Fire. Particulate matter (PM 2.5) levels may reach very unhealthy or hazardous in areas closest to the fire. Health impacts and recommended actions: When air quality is very unhealthy or hazardous, everyone should reduce exposure. Stay inside and filter indoor air to keep it cleaner. Go elsewhere for cleaner air, if needed. Burning restrictions are in effect. For current air quality conditions and additional information visit www.orcaa.org
INSTRUCTION: N/A
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Weather Topic: What are Shelf Clouds?
Home - Education - Cloud Types - Shelf Clouds
Next Topic: Sleet
A shelf cloud is similar to a wall cloud, but forms at the front
of a storm cloud, instead of at the rear, where wall clouds form.
A shelf cloud is caused by a series of events set into motion by the advancing
storm; first, cool air settles along the ground where precipitation has just fallen.
As the cool air is brought in, the warmer air is displaced, and rises above it,
because it is less dense. When the warmer air reaches the bottom of the storm cloud,
it begins to cool again, and the resulting condensation is a visible shelf cloud.
Next Topic: Sleet
Weather Topic: What is Snow?
Home - Education - Precipitation - Snow
Next Topic: Stratocumulus Clouds
Snow is precipitation taking the form of ice crystals. Each ice crystal, or snowflake,
has unique characteristics, but all of them grow in a hexagonal structure.
Snowfall can last for sustained periods of time and result in significant buildup
of snow on the ground.
On the earth's surface, snow starts out light and powdery, but as it begins to melt
it tends to become more granular, producing small bits of ice which have the consistency of
sand. After several cycles of melting and freezing, snow can become very dense
and ice-like, commonly known as snow pack.
Next Topic: Stratocumulus Clouds
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