BEAUFORT SCALE
– a scale that indicates the wind speed using the effect wind has on certain familiar objects.
BLACKBODY
– A mass which absorbs and emits all wavelengths of radiation
BLACK ICE
– thin, new ice that forms on fresh water or dew covered surfaces; it is common on roadways during the fall and early winter and appears “black” because of its transparency.
BLIZZARD
– A storm lasting about 3 hours or longer with sustained winds 35 mph or greater with frequent gusts to 35 mph or greater; and considerable falling and/or blowing snow frequently reducing visibilities to less than 1/4 mile.
BLOCKING PATTERN
– A situation in which the upper tropospheric flow becomes highly meridional and stagnant. Two common blocking patterns are the omaga block and the rex block.
BLOWING DUST OR SAND
– Small particles of dust or sand which are caused by strong winds blowing over dry ground, that has little or no vegetation.
BLOWING SNOW
– Wind-driven snow which reduces surface visibility.
BOW ECHO –
An accelerated portion of a squall line of thunderstorms, taking on a radar indicated bow configuration, created by strong downburst winds