Extreme Weather: A Guide and Record Book

by Christopher C. Burt

The ultimate weather book for the weather enthusiast or anyone interested in the oddities and extremes of nature. Is the climate really becoming more extreme as a result of climate change? We often hear on the news that the day was the hottest, coldest, wettest, or snowiest on record. Recent evidence suggests that aspects of the climate are indeed becoming more extreme. Will the extraordinary hurricane season of 2005 and the record heat waves of 2006 become more common? The facts are in this book, including a detailed analysis of extreme weather trends in the United States going back to the nineteenth century. Also included are historical examples of some of the more bizarre weather events observed: heat bursts, electrified dust storms, snow rollers, pink snowstorms, luminous tornadoes, falls of fish and toads, ball lighting, super bolts, and other strange meteorological events. 110 color photographs

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Nature

320 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2004

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some reason not everyone finds facts and narratives on outlandish weather interesting. If you do, however, this book is the pinnacle. Burt could have made it 8 times longer and I would have never gotten bored. Full of fantastical information about places you'll never go and weather you'll never see - I eat that stuff up. If you are at all interested in anything weather related, you'll be hooked on this book.

[Stephen Cranney · Rating 4 out of 5]

It seems like when it comes to the matter of who has lived in the hotted/coldest/stormiest place, there is always a game of one-upmanship that plays out, so it was interesting to read this book and see who actually wins. If you've ever wondered what -80 feels like, which country has the worst possible humidity/heat combination, etc., then you'll enjoy this book. Good graphic design.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Generally very well articulated and comprehensive in its look at the many aspects of extreme weather. It's rich with historical examples of extreme weather and explanations. Also the text is exceptionally well illustrated. One to chew slowly, savor, swallow and digest. If you have an interest in the weather you will love this one.

John S.

[Richard Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise summary of all the US record weather extremes since recording began over 150 years ago. A lot of amazing surprises her. A few of which I lived through. 1974 super tornado outbreak and the March 1993 super storm.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a difference between climate and temperature. And, Bangladesh, I love you, but it's just not working out.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great resource to understanding the variety of weather conditions. I especially enjoyed the personal accounts from various persons of weather phenomenon such as parachuting into a thunderstorm.

[Rose Blum · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating book on US & World weather :) Nice break from fiction & drama of most books... Awesome photos & interesting weather charts & maps!!!