What is Latitude?

Latitude is a measurement that determines how far a location is from the Earth’s equator. It is measured in degrees (°), with the equator itself at 0° latitude. The values range from 90° north (North Pole) to 90° south (South Pole).

In storm and weather-related contexts, latitude plays a crucial role in climate and weather patterns. Regions closer to the equator typically experience warmer, tropical climates, while higher latitudes near the poles experience colder, more extreme weather conditions. Tornadoes, hurricanes, and severe storms are influenced by latitude, as they tend to form in specific atmospheric conditions found in mid-latitudes or tropical regions.

Latitude is also essential in determining storm shelter needs. In tornado-prone areas, such as the mid-latitudes of the United States (Tornado Alley), residents must prepare for severe storms by installing tornado shelters or safe rooms. Meanwhile, coastal areas in lower latitudes are more prone to hurricanes, requiring different types of storm protection.

Understanding latitude helps meteorologists predict storm patterns and provides valuable information for disaster preparedness, ensuring that storm shelters and safe rooms are appropriately located and designed for regional weather risks.