A: For an accurate measurement of air temperature, a thermometer should be placed in the shade. A thermometer placed directly in the sun would tell you how warm the thermometer is itself, not the actual air temperature around the device. Even though it would seem useful to know how hot it feels when standing directly in the sun, meteorologists need the air’s actual temperature for their calculations when forecasting weather. In addition to measuring temperature in the shade, make sure to place your thermometer at least three feet above the ground and away from pavement or buildings. An outdoor wireless digital thermometer with an inside reciever is recommended. Use Lithium batteries in colder climates.

A: This originated from an old myth that opening a window equalized the air pressure between the building and the tornado. It is NOT true. Do not waste any valuable, life-saving time opening windows or doors. Instead, seek safe shelter immediately inside an interior room or a room below ground level, such as a basement.

A: Since sound travels around a mile in five seconds at the Earth's surface, if you see lightning and hear thunder five second later the lightning is about 1 mile away.