Atmosphere

Rainy, Stormy Days in Queensland
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Rainy, Stormy Days in Queensland

A slow-moving storm dropped unusually large amounts of rain on the Australian state in summer 2025.

Published Feb 5, 2025

Image of the Day Atmosphere Water Floods

Cloud Fraction
Global Maps

Cloud Fraction

In addition to making rain and snow, clouds can have a warming or cooling influence depending on their altitude, type, and when they form. These maps show what fraction of an area was cloudy each month.

Feb 2000 — Jan 2025

Atmosphere

Aerosol Optical Depth
Global Maps

Aerosol Optical Depth

Airborne aerosols can cause or prevent cloud formation and harm human health. These maps depict aerosol concentrations in the air based on how the tiny particles reflect or absorb visible and infrared light.

Mar 2000 — Jan 2025

Atmosphere

Total Rainfall
Global Maps

Total Rainfall

These maps depict monthly total rainfall around the world. Rainfall is the primary source of fresh water for humans, plants, and animals. Rain also moves heat between the atmosphere, oceans, and land.

Jun 2000 — Jan 2025

Atmosphere

A Chill Over Chicagoland
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A Chill Over Chicagoland

Toward the end of a late-January cold spell, snow and lake ice blanketed the landscape.

Published Jan 29, 2025

Image of the Day Atmosphere Water Snow and Ice