JANUARY 31, 2007: SNOW JOKE

Today’s Weather Quiz

True or False, we have seen more snow in the past few weeks than all of last year.

True! A measly total of 7.5 inches of snow fell during the calendar year of 2006, that’s a whopping 37 inches below normal! Over the past several weeks we managed to get 7.9 inches of snow. This is still below average as a typical January around here yields 12 inches of snow.

Did you know that you can save as much as 10 percent on your energy bills each year by turning your thermostat down 10-15 percent for 8 hours? By adding a programmable thermostat, you can raise your home's energy efficiency by programming different temperature settings depending on time of day and your activities.

The average programmable thermostat costs around 100 dollars, but can save even more on energy bills. By automatically adjusting the temperature, you can lower the heat when you're sleeping or not home, avoiding unnecessary heating costs. If you choose to add a programmable thermostat to your home, look for the Energy Star label - a US Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy program which indicates the most energy efficient models. Learn more at Energy Star.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

JANUARY 30, 2007: 13 DAYS OF SNOW

Thirteen is considered an unlucky number, unless you love snow. A baker’s dozen of consecutive days with snowfall thanks to an Alberta Clipper. What is an Alberta Clipper?

You may not know that its capital is Edmonton. This Canadian province exports a particular kind of snowstorm to the U.S. An Alberta Clipper is born on the high plains east of the Canadian Rockies. The average clipper then dives southeast, into the Dakotas and Minnesota, and then arcs eastward across the Great Lakes. On this track, a clipper stays hundreds of miles away from the mild waters of the Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexico. This means your average clipper is moisture-starved, so it won't drop huge amounts of snow. So let’s thank our friends from Alberta for the fluffy, light snow that we will see out our window today.

Today’s Weather Quiz

When was the warmest Super Bowl?

A. 1973

B. 1985

C. 2000

B. January 14, 1973 in Pasadena, California, the Miami Dolphins beat the Washington Redskins to become the only team in NFL history to finish the season undefeated.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

JANUARY 29, 2007: SNOWBIRD MAKES A STOP IN TORONTO

I had the honor of joining Snowbird and K-8 students at St. Francis Central School in a morning of weather discussion and experiments today! Despite a two-hour delay, we got to attend school and meet all of the wonderful kids as we learned about our local weather.

I was so impressed when I asked, "What does the term 'meteorology' mean?" and one bright youngster answered, "It means the study of the earth's atmosphere"....That's exactly right!

We performed experiments that included a brown paper bag for creating thunder...and shaving cream on paper plates for making the different cloud types we see here almost everyday in the Ohio Valley. One student, Spenser Sninchak, a seventh grader, was the hit of the day when he was called up to do the Snowbird dance with Snowbird! Being somewhat shy, the entire school cheered him on!

Snowbird loves to come out and see the kids in person, and he thoroughly enjoys giving the Snowbird Report when the white stuff falls! Always stay tuned to WTOV 9 for the latest on school closings and delays.

To the students, teachers and staff at St. Francis...on behalf of Snowbird and myself "Thank You" for all of the drawings and cards we received today. We'll keep them in a special place at the television station! Stay warm, stay safe. Sincerely, Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery

JANUARY 29, 2007: 12 DAYS OF SNOW

Snow has fallen across the area for the past dozen days. While that sounds impressive the nuisance snows have not added up to a whole lot. The nuisance snow pattern will persist all week long with another shot at an inch coming tomorrow. Temperatures are not expected to climb above freezing all week long. A Siberian air mass invades the Ohio Valley late this weekend and early next week. We could see the mercury plummet to zero or possibly below zero by early next week. This leads us to our weather quiz.

Today’s Weather Quiz

When was the last time we saw a low temperature below zero?

A. February 1, 2006

B. February 1, 2004

C. February, 1, 2002

B. February 1, 2004 when we recorded a temperature of 2 below zero.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

JANUARY 28, 2007: DANGEROUSLY COLD AIR MAKES A RETURN TO THE VALLEY

BLUSTERY CONDITIONS WILL RETURN THIS WEEK, WITH GUSTY WINDS AND VERY LOW WINDCHILLS. SNOW, WIND AND COLD AIR WILL MAKE ITS MARK, AND PEOPLE NEED TO HEED WARNING OF FROSTBITE, BLOWING SNOW AND SLIPPERY ROADS.

DRESS IN LAYERS, WEAR GOOD BOOTS, GLOVES AND COVER YOUR HEAD AND EARS! MAN'S BEST FRIEND MUST BE BROUGHT OUT FROM THE BITTER COLD...OR AT LEAST PROVIDE A SAFE WARM DRY SHELTER. DOGS MUST HAVE A DOG HOUSE WITH HAY... FRESH WATER, NOT FROZEN, FOR PROPER HYDRATION. THE DOG HOUSE SHOULD BE ELEVATED OFF THE GROUND FROM WATER, SNOW AND ICE, AND WELL INSULATED.

USE COMMON SENSE AND BE A RESPONSIBLE AND PROUD PET OWNER.

THIS IS METEOROLOGIST LISA MONTGOMERY.

JANUARY 26, 2007: POLAR EXPRESS DEPARTS BUT IT WILL BE BACK

Low temperatures this morning in the upper single digits were the coldest readings in nearly a year. The last time it was this cold was February 18, 2005 when the thermometer read 5 degrees.

The polar express is on the move out but look for a return visit by the end of the weekend. A warm front, which is the leading edge of warmer air, will push through the area this evening. Look for a round of light, fluffy snow to break out this afternoon. Some of this snow might end as a touch of freezing drizzle early this evening. Then temperatures will rise instead of fall tonight, strange but true. Everyone should see the mercury climb above freezing by Saturday. Then the polar express comes roaring back for Sunday with some more snow.

Today’s Weather Quiz

Can hot water freeze in cold air before hitting the ground?

A. Yes

B. No

Given the right conditions, it can. You will never be able to do it around here though as it needs to be very cold, on the order of -35°F or colder. If you toss the hot water out of its cup and into the air, a cloud of frozen ice crystals will result.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

JANUARY 25, 2007: SNOW DAY!

Some students are enjoying a snow day thanks to the blast of winter that is rolling into the Ohio Valley. A total of 1 or 2 inches is all that we are talking about, but heavy snow squalls can deposit a quick coating to inch and create hazardous conditions on roadways. Send in your snowfall amounts, just email me your name, location, and snow amount. We will try to get some of them on the air and I’ll compile a complete list on the blog. Send in those snowfall reports to weather@wtov.com.

Today’s Weather Quiz

How many state(s) have never recorded a temperature below zero degrees Fahrenheit?

A. 1

B. 3

C. 5

A: Just one – Hawaii. The lowest temperature ever recorded in Hawaii was 12°, measured on May 17, 1979, at the Mauna Kea Observatory on the Big Island. Most states have record lows well below 0°, except for Florida, which has an all-time low of -2°. That record was set in Tallahassee on Feb. 13, 1899.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

JANUARY 24, 2007: AMAZING JANUARY TURN AROUND!

Amazing! That’s one word that describes this month. What a turn around! Remember earlier this month when temperatures were in the 50’s and even 60’s? It sounds like months ago but it was really just a few weeks. Now the coldest air of the winter season is staring us down. A potent arctic front will produce snow showers and heavier snow squalls tomorrow. We might even witness a rare weather event: Thundersnow! That’s basically thunder being heard during a blinding snow squall. While 1 or 2 inches is possible tomorrow, another big headline will be the numbing cold. Wind chills will dip below zero tomorrow night and Friday morning.

Another shot of arctic air will spill into the Eastern half of the United States next week. Here is a discussion from the Nation Climatic Center:

For Monday January 29 - Friday February 02: A massive Arctic air mass, one of the most extensive seen in recent years, is expected to overspread much of the eastern two-thirds of the Nation during the first half of this period, with at least one reinforcing cold outbreak in the latter part of this period. Although model runs differ on the timing and exact location, it is likely that a storm moving along the southern boundary of the cold air will produce a significant precipitation event consisting of mainly a hazardous wintry mix from northeastern Texas across the interior South with heavy snow possible from the mid-Atlantic States to New England.

Today’s Weather Quiz

Judy wanted to know if all the rain we saw this month was in the form of snow, how much snow would have fallen?

A. 1 foot

B. 2 feet

C. 4 feet

C. 4 feet of snow

A general rule of thumb is 1” of rain is equal to 12 inches of snow.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

JANUARY 23, 2007: IF YOU THINK WINTER IS LONG, THING AGAIN

Kids learn early about the world's injustice. Winter, with its long days in school, drags on, while summer flies by in a flash. Blink between July 4th and Labor Day and you miss summer.

Surprise! In the Northern Hemisphere, summer lasts 93.65 days, while winter actually blows over in a mere 88.99. Spring lasts 92.76 days and autumn, 89.84. But why? The earth you're standing on takes an elliptical, not a circular path around it. We're closest to the sun in January, when its gravitational pull on the Earth is strongest, briefly speeding us up in our orbit, and slightly abbreviating autumn and winter.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

JANUARY 22, 2007: FROM FRIDGE TO FREEZER THIS WEEK

If you think it’s cold now, you’ll really be in for a shock later this week. Another potent blast of cold, arctic air will pour into the area later this work week. High temperatures in the low to mid 20’s with low temperatures well down into the teens are forecasted. Look for a brief moderation this weekend before another blast of arctic air reloads and drops southward for early next week. Cold weather is forecasted to stay through at least the beginning of February.

Today’s Weather Quiz

What is the shape of most snowflakes?

A. octagonal

B. hexagonal

C. pentagonal

B. hexagonal

As snow crystals form they take on a six-sided, or hexagonal shape, but with what seems like an infinite number of variations of being six sided. Many things happen to snow crystals as they fall, such as collisions, partial melting and colliding with water drops that freeze to them, create even more shapes. This is why irregular crystals with no easily identifiable form are the most common. Some times crystals are a combination of more than one form. For example, hollow columns that form in air colder than -8°F could grow thin plates on one or both ends as they fall through warmer air. Snow crystals form hexagonal shapes because of the way the two hydrogen atoms that join with an oxygen atom to form a water molecule attach to the hydrogen atoms of other water molecules.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

JANUARY 20, 2007: SNOW AND ICE POSSIBLE SUNDAY

More snow is on the way for Sunday. After a frigid start Sunday morning with temps in the mid-teens, sunshine will give way to increasing clouds and snow showers. A quick-moving low pressure system will arrive and drop up to an inch of snow for most areas during the day.

Temps will rise just above the freezing mark, around 33 degrees, and this may create a wintry mix for the southern counties of the view area.

Hence, the National Weather Service as issued a Winter Weather Advisory for areas of West Virginia including Tyler County. By late in the day and into Sunday night, snow may mix with or turn to freezing drizzle. A light coating of ice may form with the freezing drizzle. Motorists should be prepared for slippery driving conditions.

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

JANUARY 18, 2007: SNOW WHERE?!

Snow fell on the palm trees of West Los Angeles and Malibu Wednesday afternoon as Jack Frost visited the Southland again. Residents in West Los Angeles said the snow accumulated in parking lots, on cars and around palm trees near Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards and other areas. Most of the snow fell south of Sunset Boulevard and just east of the 405 Freeway. The last snowfall recorded at Los Angeles International Airport was in January 1962. Snow fell earlier Wednesday in Malibu and caused traffic problems on the area's winding and narrow roads. Sleet made driving treacherous along a steep route through the Santa Monica Mountains where it's more typical to see beach-bound cars loaded with surfboards than a snowplow.

Today’s Weather Quiz

Does it snow in Hawaii?

Yes, sometimes as much as a foot of snow will fall in the higher elevations above 10,000 feet such as Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. Temperature typically decreases 5 degrees for every 1,000 feet in elevation, so these mountain tops are much colder than sea level.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

JANUARY 17, 2007: WEATHER SERVICE CHANGES WARNING SYSTEM

The National Weather Service will introduce this fall storm-based warnings for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flash floods and marine hazards that are more geographically specific for these short-duration weather events. Currently, such warnings are issued county wide.

"Weather doesn't follow geopolitical boundaries," said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. David L. Johnson, director of the NOAA National Weather Service. "Storm-based warnings provide the public with more specific information about the location of severe weather and the direction it is expected to move. Seconds count during tornadoes and flash floods. We want to provide the public with the most accurate description of what's happening in their neighborhood. We also want to avoid warning non-threatened portions of the county."

When issuing a warning, the NOAA National Weather Service will specify areas within a county and refer to commonly known landmarks such as highways or rivers. "This is a fundamental change in our warning procedures and a major enhancement in our service capability," said Johnson. "Storm-based warnings will drastically improve graphical displays and empower the private sector to easily distribute the information through Web-enabled PDAs, cell phone alerts, pagers and other technologies. Communicating severe weather threats in this way is imperative in today's digital world." The new warnings will take effect October 1, 2007.

Today’s Weather Quiz

In the movie Charlotte’s Web, Charlotte promises Wilbur that he’d live to see . . .

A. some snow

B. a rainbow

C. Groundhog Day

A. some snow

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

JANUARY 16, 2007: RECORD RAINFALL

The rain began on Friday and finally tapered off by Monday evening. A total of 2.44 inches of rain fell during that time frame in Steubenville. Two daily records were eclipsed. Saturday, January 13th a total of .99 inches fell breaking the previous record of .87 inches on the 13th day of January, 1968. The .86 inches of rain that fell yesterday broke the previous record of .74 inches set back on January 15th, 1947. For the month we stand at 4.24 inches of rain and melted down snow. The monthly record for January is 7.67 inches set back in 1950.

We shift our attention to winter as snow showers begin to fall today. It should start feeling more like winter in the days and possibly weeks to come.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

JANUARY 15, 2007: RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY

Check out this cool web site from the National Weather Service: Integrated Flood Observing and Warning System.

You can check rainfall amounts in your county. The automated rain gauges update rainfall amounts on the web site every fifteen minutes. The National Weather Service uses these automated rain gauges to help them forecast flash flooding.

Today’s Weather Quiz

What is typically our snowiest month?

A. December

B. January

C. February

A. January with an average of 12.1 inches of snow

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

JANUARY 12, 2007: ARCTIC AIR HEADS SOUTH INTO THE UNITED STATES

Winter’s strongest arctic blast is heading into the United States causing remarkable temperature swings. For instance in Rapid City, ND the temperature this Wednesday reached 62 degrees and yesterday it plunged to 3 degrees with a wind chill of 22 degrees below zero! Yikes that’s what I call a temperature drop. This colder air will take its good old time making it southeastward. The cold front which is the leading edge of the colder air will stall just to our north and west this weekend. A stalled front often means rain, rain, and more rain! Cold air will make its way into the area by Monday. Once this cold air establishes itself look for very few mild days over the next several weeks. Winter is coming back and this time its here to stay!

Today’s Weather Quiz

What is the farthest south that snow has fallen in the United States?

A. Jacksonville, Florida

B. Orlando, Florida

C. Homestead, Florida

C. Homestead, Florida which is 25 miles southwest of Miami, that is where snow flakes were reported on January 19, 1977. That’s the southernmost location in the lower 48 United States to report snow.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

JANUARY 11, 2007: COMET BRIGHTEST IN 30 YEARS BUT MIGHT BE HARD TO SEE

Get a clear view of the horizon right before sunrise or right after sunset and try to catch a glimpse of the Comet McNaught. Sky gazers welcome the chance to see the comet as it swings around the sun. This is the brightest comet in 30 years. Comet McNaught can be seen in the morning before sunrise or in the evening right after the sun sets, but you need a clear horizon to see it because it is so close to the sun. If you're looking for the comet, it might be hard to see because of clouds or because it's too close to the horizon. Although the comet is visible to the naked eye, a pair of binoculars could aid in viewing.

Today’s Weather Quiz

What melts ice down to the lowest temperature?

A. Sodium Chloride

B. Calcium Chloride

C. Urea

Thanks to Christopher J. Bottegal a mechanic for the City of Steubenville Street Dept. for this interesting question!

Answer: Urea is crystallized cow urine. It is expensive and is primarily used by the Air Force and air ports because of its non corrosive characteristics around the aircraft.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

JANUARY 10, 2007: COLD BLAST WON’T LAST

Today’s high temperature is forecasted to stay below freezing. If this happens it would be the first time we would accomplish such a feat in some 31 days. December 8th was the last day in which the mercury never reached 32 degrees. The high temperature that day was 25 degrees.

Mild weather will make a comeback as the jet stream begins to lift to the north. Mild, but wet weather is slated for the weekend. This time the mild weather will be short lived as arctic air dives southward early next week. Look for a prolonged period of cold weather starting next week. There will be days in which the high temperature doesn’t make it out of the 20’s. BRRRR!

If we continue to have a warm winter will we have more insects than normal next summer? Wesley and Kendra Roxby of Bellaire, OH

The winter of 2006-2007 has been very warm so far. But there's a downside to a too-warm winter. The fact is plants and animals in this part of the country need cold winter weather to maintain their health, and for population control for insects like mosquitoes. Mosquitoes over winter in the egg stage. Cold weather destroys most of those eggs so fewer survive to hatch in spring and summer. So far this winter most mosquito eggs are alive and well. Experts say that will mean that the use of pesticides to control insects and mites in the landscape is going to be important because there'll be more insects and they'll be out earlier.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

JANUARY 9, 2007: 2006 WARMEST EVER?

According to a computer calculation by the National Climatic Center that was obtained by USA TODAY, the year 2006 was the warmest on record for the United States. But some of the scientists say a second calculation with newer software will show it was not the warmest.

The warmest year on record was 1998 with a United States average temperature of 54.94 degrees Fahrenheit. The original calculation of 2006 came up with an average temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Either way, 2006 was yet another year at or near the top of the list of warmest years. Fifteen of the years since 1981 rank in the top 25 warmest since national recordkeeping began in 1895. According to preliminary data the year 2006 was the sixth warmest globally. The year 2005 was the warmest on record worldwide.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

JANUARY 8, 2007: A TASTE OF WINTER WITH THE MAIN COURSE ARRIVING NEXT WEEK

Snow joke! Colder air continues to ooze into the Ohio Valley this will set the stage for light snow to fall late tonight and tomorrow. A moisture starved Alberta Clipper will squeeze out an inch of snow for most of us tomorrow. Look for the snow to begin by 3 or 4 in the morning and continue through the day Tuesday.

This appears to be just an appetizer as warmer air floods the area late this week and this weekend. Winter’s main course should spread a prolonged period of cold weather starting next week. Stay tuned to Severe Weather Team 9 for updates on just how cold it might be.

Today’s Weather Quiz

Which place has had the most snowfall so far this season?

A. Burlington, VT

B. Albuquerque, NM

C. Salt Lake City, UT

Answer: B. Albuquerque, NM has picked up close to 2 feet of snow compared to about a foot of snow in Burlington, VT

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

JANUARY 7, 2007: RAIN TO SNOW!

The rainy mild weather will give way to wintry weather. Snow showers are in the forecast, with much colder air. Old man winter makes a visit, finally!

But it was a soaker Sunday evening...with most areas receiving amounts from .30 inches to nearly 1 inch of rainfall. The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh has issued a Flood Advisory for The Ohio River at Pittsburgh from Monday evening until Wednesday morning.

At 10 p.m. Sunday the stage was 16.4 feet. Flood stage is 25 feet. The river is expected to rise to near 19.0 feet Tuesday early afternoon. At 18 feet, water begins to flow onto the Monogahela parking wharf.

Now look for the rain to change over to snow. Snow showers will begin Monday night and through Tuesday. Minor snow accumulation is possible.

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

JANUARY 4, 2007: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

This unseasonably mild start to winter is sparking lots of questions, so today I’ll share some of the questions and give some answers.

Cindy wants to know if we ever had a winter without measurable snowfall?

Answer: No, since records have been kept we have always seen some measurable snowfall. Below is a list of the top ten least snowy winters.

1. 8.8 1918-1919

2. 11.4 1889-1890

3. 14.4 1920-1921

4. 14.7 1931-1932

5. 15.7 1932-1933

6. 16.6 1973-1974

7. 17.2 1990-1991

8. 18.7 1937-1938

9. 19.0 1930-1931

10. 19.9 1896-1897

HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN SINCE WE HAD A WHITE CHRISTMAS? AND WHAT YEAR DID WE HAVE THE SNOWIEST WINTER ? AND HOW MUCH DID WE SEE ? THANKS, STARRY MILOSICEVIC

Answer: Our last White Christmas was 1992 with 1.8 inches of snow on the ground. The winter of 1950-1951 was the snowiest winter on record with a total of 82 inches with about half of that falling during the big Thanksgiving Blizzard of 1950.

How many days in the month of December did it not get over freezing during the day? This question comes from Christopher J. Bottegal.

Answer: Three days and they would be December 4, 5, and 8.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

JANUARY 3, 2007: EARTH REACHES ITS CLOSEST POSITION TO THE SUN

This position happens this evening at 8pm. This distance between Earth and the Sun is approximately 91.1 million miles. Earth's farthest position from the Sun occurs on July 6 at 94.8 million miles. So why is it warmer in July? Our seasons aren't caused by closeness to the sun: they're caused by the 23-degree tilt of the Earth's axis. Right now, our Earth's northern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, so the sun's rays strike us at an angle, instead of from nearly overhead as they do in summer. This means we receive much less light and heat in winter than in summer, even though we're about three million miles closer to the sun.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

JANUARY 2, 2007: NEW YEAR SAME OLD WEATHER

It’s beginning to sound like a broken record, warm weather again this week. In fact it seems like the last time it was cold and snowy records were still being listened to! So where do we go from here? Is there any cold air in sight? That’s the big problem there is no cold air in sight even in Canada. Canadians are experiencing the very mild temperatures too. For it to get cold here it must first get a lot colder in Canada and that could happen as early as next week. Somewhat cooler air will trickle down into our neck of the woods as well by next week. Give it a few more weeks and we could be singing a new tune, until then same old mild weather.

Today’s Weather Quiz

What was the coldest temperature measured in the lower 48 of the United States during 2006?

Answer: C. -42 degrees in Yellowstone National Park, the highest temperature was 126 degrees in Death Valley, California. Our lowest temperature last year occurred on February 19th when the thermometer read 4 degrees.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

JANUARY 1, 2007: RAINING CATS AND DOGS

First of all, Happy New Year! Can you believe its 2007? Best wishes to you. We rang in the new year on a very warm note....we reached 57 degrees around midnight. Rain showers made for wet, slippery travel but luckily no weather related accidents were reported.

I'm sure you've heard the old phrase, "it's raining cats and dogs." Well, there are more than one explanation for its origin. Here it goes:

The most common one says that in olden times, homes had thatched roofs where cats and dogs would like to hide. In heavy rain, the animals would either be washed out of the thatch or rapidly abandon it for better shelter, so it would seem to be raining cats and dogs!

Another one is mythological. It seems that cats were at one time thought to have influence over storms, especially by sailors, and that dogs were symbols of storms, often accompanying images and descriptions of the Norse storm god Odin. So when some particularly violent tempest appeared, people suggested it was caused by cats (bringing the rain) and dogs (the wind).

There is, however, no evidence for any connection found in these explanations.

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery. source: World Wide Words