Weather Trivia Questions and Answers

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Do you have an interest in the ever-changing world above us? There is something uniquely captivating about the weather and its impacts. This article is packed full of fascinating weather trivia questions, and is perfect for anyone looking to test their knowledge or simply learn some interesting facts about weather phenomena. So, if you think you’re a weather whiz, or just want to learn more about the atmospheric conditions that govern our lives, read on.

Before you start, you might want to watch the Party Game Hive trivia video for even more fun and challenging weather quiz questions. When you are done here, check all of our trivia questions and videos!

1. SNOWSTORM WEATHER TRIVIA QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1: What causes a snowstorm?

QUESTION 2: What was the most severe snowstorm in United States history?

QUESTION 3: How does the temperature need to be for a snowstorm to occur?

QUESTION 4: What is the average snowfall in a major snowstorm?

QUESTION 5: Which type of cloud is associated with snowstorms?

ANSWERS:

  1. When temperatures are low and there is moisture in the atmosphere, snowstorms occur.
  2. The Great Blizzard of 1888 was one of the most severe snowstorms in United States history.
  3. For a snowstorm to occur, the temperature usually needs to be 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) or lower.
  4. The average snowfall in a major snowstorm can range from 10 to 30 inches.
  5. Nimbostratus clouds are usually associated with snowstorms.

2. TROPICAL STORM WEATHER TRIVIA QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1: At what wind speed does a tropical storm become a hurricane?

QUESTION 2: What is the safest place to be during a tropical storm?

QUESTION 3: How does atmospheric pressure affect tropical storms?

QUESTION 4: Where do most tropical storms in the Northern Hemisphere form?

QUESTION 5: What was the most destructive tropical storm in United States history?

ANSWERS:

  1. A tropical storm becomes a hurricane when wind speeds reach 74 miles per hour (119 kilometers per hour).
  2. The safest place to be during a tropical storm is in a secure, reinforced structure, away from windows and doors.
  3. Lower atmospheric pressure allows tropical storms to intensify by encouraging the rising motion of air.
  4. Most tropical storms in the Northern Hemisphere form in the Atlantic or Eastern Pacific Oceans.
  5. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 is often considered the most destructive tropical storm in United States history.

3. TEMPERATURE WEATHER TRIVIA QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1: What is the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth?

QUESTION 2: What is the lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth?

QUESTION 3: Where was the highest temperature in the United States recorded?

QUESTION 4: What does a thermometer measure?

QUESTION 5: What is the average daily temperature in Death Valley?

ANSWERS:

  1. The highest recorded temperature on Earth was 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.7 degrees Celsius) in Furnace Creek Ranch, Death Valley, USA.
  2. The lowest recorded temperature on Earth was -128.6 degrees Fahrenheit (-89.2 degrees Celsius) in Vostok Station, Antarctica.
  3. The highest temperature in the United States was recorded in Death Valley, California.
  4. A thermometer measures air temperature.
  5. The average daily temperature in Death Valley in summer can exceed 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius).

4. RAINFALL WEATHER TRIVIA QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1: What place holds the record for the most rainfall in one year?

QUESTION 2: How many inches of rain does the Atacama Desert receive per year?

QUESTION 3: What weather phenomenon increases rainfall in the Southern Hemisphere?

QUESTION 4: What type of cloud produces heavy rainfall?

QUESTION 5: What is the scientific name for the phenomenon of tiny drops of water that appear in the air (as fog or mist) or on objects?

ANSWERS:

  1. The place that holds the record for the most rainfall in a year is Mawsynram, India.
  2. The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth, sometimes receiving less than 1 inch of rain per year.
  3. El Niño is a weather phenomenon that increases rainfall in the Southern Hemisphere.
  4. Cumulonimbus clouds are known to produce heavy rainfall.
  5. The scientific name for the phenomenon of tiny drops of water that appear in the air or on objects is condensation.

5. LIGHTNING WEATHER TRIVIA QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1: How fast does light travel from lightning?

QUESTION 2: What causes a lightning strike?

QUESTION 3: Where is the place that experiences the most lightning strikes on Earth?

QUESTION 4: What is the temperature of a lightning bolt?

QUESTION 5: How many volts of static electricity does a direct lightning strike typically contain?

ANSWERS:

  1. Light from a lightning bolt travels at a speed of approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (186,282 miles per second).
  2. Lightning strikes occur when an electrical imbalance is created between the ground and a thundercloud, leading to a large electrical discharge.
  3. Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela experiences the most lightning strikes of any place on Earth.
  4. A lightning bolt can reach temperatures of up to 30,000 Kelvin (53,540 degrees Fahrenheit), which is five times hotter than the surface of the sun.
  5. A direct lightning strike can contain up to one billion volts of static electricity.

6. CLOUD WEATHER TRIVIA QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1: What is the scientific name for the study of clouds?

QUESTION 2: What cloud types are usually associated with fair weather?

QUESTION 3: Which type of cloud often resembles ‘sheets’ and is typically seen during steady rain?

QUESTION 4: What type of cloud is often associated with severe weather and tornadoes?

QUESTION 5: How are clouds formed?

ANSWERS:

  1. The scientific name for the study of clouds is nephology.
  2. Cumulus clouds are usually associated with fair weather.
  3. Nimbostratus clouds often resemble ‘sheets’ and are typically seen during steady rain.
  4. Cumulonimbus clouds are often associated with severe weather and tornadoes.
  5. Clouds are formed when water vapor in the air condenses into visible water droplets or ice crystals.

7. WIND WEATHER TRIVIA QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1: What is the name of the instrument used to measure wind speed?

QUESTION 2: At what wind speed does wind become hurricane force?

QUESTION 3: What is the scientific name for the study of wind?

QUESTION 4: What do the terms “prevailing winds” mean?

QUESTION 5: What does the Beaufort scale measure?

ANSWERS:

  1. The instrument used to measure wind speed is called an anemometer.
  2. Wind becomes hurricane force at a sustained speed of 74 miles per hour (119 kilometers per hour).
  3. The scientific study of wind is known as anemology.
  4. “Prevailing winds” refers to the most common direction of wind in a particular location.
  5. The Beaufort scale is used to measure wind speed based on observable effects of the wind.

This series of wind trivia questions offers a glimpse into the fascinating and powerful world of winds. This invisible, yet crucial weather element shapes our climates, influences weather patterns, and plays a big role in many natural phenomena. With this newfound knowledge, may you find an enhanced appreciation for every gusty day!

There you have it! These weather trivia questions are a great way to test your knowledge and learn more about the world’s weather phenomena. Whether you want to impress your friends with your meteorological prowess, or you’re just curious to know more about the skies above, we hope these questions piqued your interest. For more trivia fun, be sure to watch the Party Game Hive trivia video. Have fun and keep learning!