Computer Model - A system of computers which run complex physics equations on meteorological data to produce mathematical forecasts. Forecast models are first initialized with the current conditions in the atmosphere, and then thru a series of complex algorithms, they model what will be happening anywhere from 12 to 180 hours from the current time. There are several computer models that meteorologists utilize in predicting the weather.

Anemometer - An instrument that measures wind speed. The strongest wind speed ever recorded by an anemometer was 253 mph during the passage of a cyclone on Barrow Island, Australia back in April of 1996.

Storm-Force Winds - Taken from the beaufort scale, storm-force winds are classified as winds of 48 to 55 knots (55 to 64mph). Sailors utilize this scale to estimate the sea conditions that can be expected with each level of the beaufort scale. Wave heights of 30 to 40 feet are possible when the winds at sea reach storm-force.

Windward - The side of an object facing the wind. For example, if the wind is blowing in from the west, an object's west facing side would be the windward side. Conversely, the east side of the object would be the leeward side.

Winter Weather Advisory - Issued by the National Weather Service for alerting the public to conditions which will moderately hamper travel. Winter weather advisories can be issued for anticipated freezing rain, sleet, or snow that is expected to accumulate. Winter weather advisories can also be issued due to blowing snow as well.

El Nino - An anomalous warming of ocean waters in the east central equatorial Pacific. El Nino events occur every two to seven years and have local as well as global impacts. Nutrient deficient waters cripple the fishing industry off the coast of western South America during El Ninos, while global weather patterns can be significantly altered due to the presence of an El Nino.

Hygrometer - An instrument designed to measure the water vapor content and relative humidity in the atmosphere. Leonardo da Vinci built the first version of a hygrometer back in the 15th century.