Weather Extremes

Objective: This worksheet aims to enhance students' understanding of extreme weather events by examining their characteristics, causes, dangers, and safety precautions, as well as exploring a historical case study and encouraging further research and comparison of similar events.

Content and methods: The worksheet presents definitions and descriptions of various weather extremes through a matching exercise. It then focuses on one weather extreme in detail, providing information on their characteristics, causes, locations, frequency, and dangers. Comprehension is assessed through true/false statements. Finally, the worksheet presents a historical account of an event related to this type of weather extreme and prompts students to conduct their own research on a similar event, comparing similarities and differences.

Competencies:

Reading comprehension
Knowledge acquisition about weather phenomena
Critical thinking through true/false questions
Research skills
Comparative analysis
Forecasting and inferential thinking

Target group: 8th-10th grade

55 other teachers use this template

Target group and level

8th-10th grade

Subjects

Geography

Preview

Weather Extremes

Test your knowledge: Match the words with the descriptions.

Weather extremes in detail

Now take a closer look at a weather extreme and answer the related questions.

Blizzard

A blizzard is a severe snowstorm characterized by strong sustained winds and low visibility, lasting for a prolonged period, typically at least three or four hours. Blizzards occur when strong winds pick up loose snow on the ground and blow it around, reducing visibility and creating dangerous conditions. The difference between a blizzard and a regular snowstorm is the strength of the wind and the duration of the event.

Blizzards happen mainly due to specific weather patterns. In the United States, they usually form when the jet stream dips far to the south, allowing cold, dry polar air from the north to clash with warm, humid air from the south. This collision can result in powerful storm systems capable of producing blizzard conditions. When cold air from the Pacific Ocean moves eastward to the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains, it can meet warmer air from the Gulf of Mexico, creating the perfect environment for a blizzard.

Blizzards are more common in temperate and polar regions, as well as high mountainous areas. In North America, they frequently occur in the Great Plains, the Midwest, and the Northeastern United States. Canada also experiences blizzards, particularly in its prairie provinces and the Atlantic region.

The frequency of blizzards can vary. In the United States, blizzards are more common during the winter months, from December through February. However, they can also occur in the late fall and early spring. Some regions might experience several blizzards in one winter season, while others may go years without any.

Blizzards pose significant dangers to humans, animals, and the environment. For people, the main risks include getting stranded in vehicles, frostbite, hypothermia, and even death from exposure to the cold. Animals can suffer from a lack of food and shelter, leading to starvation or freezing to death. The environment can be impacted as well, with blizzards causing damage to vegetation, power outages, and road closures.

To protect oneself from a blizzard, it is essential to be prepared. Here are some safety tips:

Stay Informed: Listen to weather updates and alerts through a NOAA Weather Radio or local news.
Seek Shelter: If a blizzard is forecasted, stay indoors. If you are outside, find shelter immediately.
Emergency Kit: Have an emergency kit that includes water, food, medications, blankets, and other essential supplies for at least 72 hours.
Stay Warm: Dress in layers, wear a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Keep dry, as wet clothing can lead to hypothermia.
Avoid Travel: Do not travel during a blizzard unless absolutely necessary. If you must travel, keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle.

By taking these precautions, individuals can increase their chances of staying safe during a blizzard.

For each statement, choose if it is true or false.

The Great Blizzard of 1978: A Winter Catastrophe with Lasting Impact

As a present-day historian, the Great Blizzard of 1978 remains a significant event that reshaped the socio-economic landscape of the affected regions. Occurring from January 25 to January 27, 1978, this historic storm struck the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes areas, bringing unprecedented snowfall and fierce winds. The storm, caused by the merging of Arctic and subtropical jet streams, led to a drop in barometric pressure and explosive cyclogenesis, marking it as one of the most severe blizzards in US history.

Surface map on the morning of January 26, 1978. Source: NOAA Central Library

The blizzard's immediate impact was devastating, with approximately 90 fatalities and $100 million in damages. Ohio, one of the hardest-hit states, saw 51 deaths, prompting the Ohio National Guard to mobilize over 5,000 members for rescue operations. Governor William Milliken of Michigan declared a state of emergency, and schools and universities were closed for the first time in decades. The storm paralyzed transportation, shutting down highways and airports, and left thousands of vehicles stranded.

In the decade following the blizzard, the socio-political landscape evolved. The storm underscored the need for improved emergency preparedness and infrastructure resilience. Economically, the affected regions invested in better snow removal equipment and updated emergency response plans. Politically, the disaster highlighted the importance of government response in natural disasters, influencing future policies and funding allocations for disaster management.

Overall, the Great Blizzard of 1978 stands as a testament to the power of nature and its ability to transform society. The lessons learned from this event have had a lasting impact on how communities prepare for and respond to extreme weather events, ensuring a more resilient future.

Weather extremes in the news

Carefully read the newspaper article about the extreme weather event on the previous page. Then conduct your own research: Can you find a similar event with the same weather extreme? This page can help you with your research: https://www.loveexploring.com/gallerylist/84422/dramatic-weather-events-from-1900-to-today

Then note the similarities and differences between the two events in the table.