Syzygy - This term refers to the 2 times a month when the sun and the moon are lined up, which results in either a new or full moon. In both cases, the gravitational effects of these astronomical bodies reinforce each other and coastal areas therefore experience higher high tides and lower low tides.

Rossby waves - Also known as planetary waves. Rossby waves are a series of long-wavelength troughs and ridges that occur along the main branches of the jet stream. They form due to the rotation of the Earth and are an important way for the planet to distribute heat away from the equator as well as cold air from the poles.

Anvil - The flat, spreading top of a cumulonimbus cloud, often shaped like an anvil. Anvils are a result of strong winds near the top of the thunderstorm. Thunderstorm anvils may spread hundreds of miles downwind from the thunderstorm itself, and sometimes may spread upwind.

Virga - Any precipitation that is falling from the clouds, but doesn't make it to the ground. The reason that virga occurs is due to dry air that the precipitation cannot penetrate through to make it to the ground, as it evaporates into that layer. Meteorologists can verify virga by looking at where radar data is showing precipitation and then looking at nearby surface weather observation sites to see if any precipitation is being reported.

In Situ - In Situ is taken from Latin and means in one place. In meteorology, it refers to atmospheric measurements taken at the location of the entity being measured. The other way of measuring atmospheric entities is done using remote sensing. Remote sensing is when atmospheric measurements are taken by remote sensors that are far away from the locations they are taking readings. Weather Satellites are examples of remote sensors.

Bermuda high - A semi-permanent subtropical high over the North Atlantic. Can contribute to excessive heat and humidity in the southern and eastern US. The placement of this high is also the main steering force for hurricanes that develop in the Atlantic.

Isotherm - A line on a weather map joining locations of equal temperature. When looking at weather maps displaying temperatures across the lower 48, isotherms are used to divide the country in different colors based on the varied temperatures. Oftentimes, each isotherm will indicate a change of 5 or 10 degrees.