The USA Today Weather Book: An Easy-To-Understand Guide to the USA's Weather

The oft-disparaged USA Today has influenced the American press most notably in its thorough, graphic approach to weather. This book, written by the founding editor of the newspaper's weather page and illustrated by its artists, taps that expertise. Useful both as a reference work and a browse, the book presents a wealth of information, making complex ideas--such as why wind directions change with altitude--accessible through colorful maps and graphics. Chapters cover everything from storms to droughts, with a look at weather forecasting as well as the diversity of our country's weather. The chapters include interesting tidbits such as the effect of heat on an airplane's takeoff distance and the importance of seeking higher ground during a flood. Boxed sidebars examine weather disasters and profile weather scientists such as Jack Parrish, who flies into hurricanes to study them. In the margins Williams offers weather factoids such as Eskimo names for snow. Only infrequently does the newspaper's cutesy style grate, such as in a graphic headlined ``Inside the Sun: Our Life-Giving Inferno.'' Included are a glossary and weather record for all 50 states. (Apr.)