The Howling

We're back to winter here, with a blast of Arctic air that's sending us down to 10 degrees wind chill tonight. Back to three layers, plus coat, hat, gloves and scarf.

Inside, it's warm and cozy — as long as I ignore the wind.

Why does the wind howl, anyway? It's a question I've been asking myself this winter.

When wind whips around a building or a tree, it splits up. The sound comes from the two currents rejoining on the other side, according to an article on the website Mental Floss.

Leafy trees absorb more of the vibration than bare ones do, so the howling is louder this time of year.

The explanation makes sense, but doesn't stop the goosebumps. A howling wind is still a scary sound — even with a scientific explanation.