We enjoy the weather, but we also endure it. Sometimes it is mild and other times extreme. It is one of the last rebellious things on Earth: although we can predict it, we cannot control it.

The weather strongly affects our culture, economy, and well-being. This book serves as an informative guide to the weather in all its forms. It explains how the weather machine works, describes the phenomena that influence daily weather, and examines extreme weather events, from hurricanes and tornadoes to floods, fires, and droughts.

It reveals the impacts of climate on plants, animals, and humans, and presents the latest research on climate change, global warming, and ozone depletion.

[Excerpt from publisher's or edition's presentation text]