Mental Floss

WEATHER

Brandi Simons/Getty Images

The geography of the central U.S. triggers some of the most interesting weather in the world.

This scene was caused by a tanker full of mackerel spilling on a Belfast street in 2015, but a fish rain might look similar.

Yes, it can actually rain frogs and fish. Here's why.

iStock

They make even the most severe thunderstorms look like child's play.

iStock

A question from Marcus in Louisville.

iStock

They're a welcome relief from summertime heat. But what causes them in the first place?

iStock

Blame chemistry.

iStock

You aren't just hearing things.

Beat the heat with these tips for staying cool without AC.

We can help you chill out a little this summer—literally. These 11 tips will help you keep things as cool as possible, even when temperatures soar.

iStock

Weather forecasts include it for good reason.

iStock

It all comes down to time.

Justin1569, Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 3.0

Most tornadoes are small and last just a few minutes. Those aren't the ones we're talking about.

iStock

You can take the heat. But the humidity's a whole different story.

iStock

When it comes to your weather forecast, just dew it.

iStock

It cost insurers in the state $1.4 billion in claims.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Maybe summer is not the best time to take a trip to some of these places.

iStock

As the American population grows and people build homes farther away from urban centers, tornadoes will have more things to run into.

iStock

Why do storms seem to consistently hit certain areas, while often skipping nearby towns?

Brian Davidson/Getty Images

Tornado season ramps up this month. Seconds count when your life is on the line.

It's the most intense storm to strike the country in several years.

Kirill Ignatyev via Flickr Creative Commons // CC BY-NC 2.0

After years of lobbying by cloud-spotters, the World Meteorological Organization has granted asperitas a spot in the official cloud canon.