Weather Alert in Illinois

Recent Locations: Ann Arbor, MI Oakland, CA Avon, IL

Special Weather Statement issued February 6 at 3:41AM CST by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

AREAS AFFECTED: Stephenson

DESCRIPTION: A wintry mix of light snow, sleet and freezing drizzle is possible through daybreak, especially east of a Lena to Pearl City line. A very light glaze of ice and a dusting of snow or sleet is possible with the precipitation. This could result in a few slick spots developing on untreated surfaces during the early portions of the morning commute. Keep this in mind if heading out early this morning. Exercise caution, and if driving take it slow and give yourself plenty of braking distance.

INSTRUCTION: N/A

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Weather Topic: What are Cirrus Clouds?

Home - Education - Cloud Types - Cirrus Clouds

Next Topic: Condensation

Cirrus clouds are high-level clouds that occur above 20,000 feet and are composed mainly of ice crystals. They are thin and wispy in appearance.

What do they indicate?
They are often the first sign of an approaching storm.

Next Topic: Condensation

Weather Topic: What are Contrails?

Home - Education - Cloud Types - Contrails

Next Topic: Cumulonimbus Clouds

A contrail is an artificial cloud, created by the passing of an aircraft.

Contrails form because water vapor in the exhaust of aircraft engines is suspended in the air under certain temperatures and humidity conditions. These contrails are called exhaust contrails.

Another type of contrail can form due to a temporary reduction in air pressure moving over the plane's surface, causing condensation. These are called aerodynamic contrails.

When you can see your breath on a cold day, it is also because of condensation. The reason contrails last longer than the condensation from your breath is because the water in contrails freezes into ice particles.

Next Topic: Cumulonimbus Clouds