Best Atmospheric Sciences Books of 2026

The Aviation Weather Handbook FAA-H-8083-28 is an all-new and official guide released by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in December 2022. This handbook consolidates weather information from various advisory circulars (AC) into one source document, making it easier for users of the National Airspace System (NAS) to access FAA's weather documentation. The book covers topics ranging from the Earth's atmosphere and air masses to tropical weather and space weather. The book is printed in color and features chapters that are well-organized and easy to navigate. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for pilots and aviation enthusiasts.

Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson is a gripping account of the deadliest hurricane in history that hit Galveston, Texas, in 1900. The author chronicles the story of Isaac Cline, the resident meteorologist for the U.S. Weather Bureau, who failed to predict the magnitude of the storm and found himself the victim of a devastating personal tragedy. Larson's writing is luminous, and the story is absolutely gripping, making it a must-read for those interested in U.S. State & Local History Books. Overall, Isaac's Storm is a well-told story that is both fascinating and terrifying, and a great reminder of the power of nature.

Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital is a gripping and thought-provoking book that investigates the deaths of patients at a New Orleans hospital in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Pulitzer Prize winner Sheri Fink brings readers inside Memorial Medical Center, where exhausted staff were forced to make difficult decisions about which patients to prioritize for rescue. Fink raises important questions about end-of-life care and the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals during times of crisis. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in healthcare, ethics, and human nature in times of crisis.

The Great Displacement: Climate Change and the Next American Migration is a timely and thought-provoking book that sheds light on the untold story of climate migration in the United States. The author presents a human-centered narrative that tells the personal stories of those experiencing displacement and the implications for all of us as we confront a changing future. The book is a vivid tour of the new human geography just coming into view and highlights the largest migration in our country's history. The Great Displacement is a must-read for anyone interested in climate change and its impact on human lives.

Knowledge Encyclopedia Planet Earth! is an exciting educational book for children aged 9-12. Using stunning CGI imagery, the book covers a vast range of topics, from floods and hurricanes to volcanoes and deserts, and explores the inner workings of our planet. Written in an easy-to-read style with crystal clear text, the encyclopedia is packed with facts, charts, timelines, and illustrations that cover everything you need to know about Earth. The book is fact-checked by subject experts to offer accuracy beyond online sources of information. Overall, this is an excellent book for inquisitive young minds, and its jaw-dropping visual approach makes it stand out from other children's encyclopedias.

A Guide to Midwestern Conversation by Taylor Kay Phillips is a hilarious and affectionate look at the language and culture of America's heartland. The book offers a guide to understanding the common phrases and sentiments of Midwesterners, from their friendly facade to what they really mean. It's a witty, self-deprecating, and insightful look at the language of a people defined by their kindness and reduced to their voting patterns. With an array of guides, tips, and state profiles, A Guide to Midwestern Conversation is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn (and love) the language of the landlocked.

Overwatch: The Official Cookbook is a must-have for gamers and food enthusiasts alike. With over ninety recipes inspired by the diverse heroes of Blizzard Entertainment’s popular game, this cookbook offers a culinary adventure that transcends borders. The book includes straightforward instructions, full-color photographs, and pairing suggestions that make it easy to recreate the dishes. Chelsea Monroe-Cassel's passion for historical research and imagination is evident in the book, making it a perfect addition to her collection of official companion cookbooks. Overall, this cookbook is a fun and delicious way to bring the Overwatch universe to life in your kitchen.

The Girl Who Saw Heaven is a remarkable true story about a child's journey into the afterlife after surviving a super tornado. Ari Hallmark's experience of meeting her guardian angel and following her family to heaven after the tornado is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The book not only shares the details of Ari's near-death experience but also explores the challenges she faced from the legal system after the storm. The Girl Who Saw Heaven is a uniquely poignant addition to near-death experience and heavenly encounter classics, leaving readers with a different perspective of death and more hopeful of what lies beyond.

"Charleston: Race, Water, and the Coming Storm" by Susan Crawford is a captivating account of a city in peril. With rising sea levels and severe storms, at least thirteen million Americans will need to move away from the coasts in the coming years. Charleston, South Carolina, is one such city. Crawford tells the story of a city that has played a significant role in America's painful racial history and how it now stands at the intersection of climate and race. The book is a bellwether for other towns and cities, and Charleston is emblematic of the vast portions of the American coast. Overall, "Charleston" is an exceptional book that skilfully weaves science, narrative history, and family stories to deliver a compelling account of a city in crisis."

The Ashley Book of Knots is a comprehensive guide to knot-tying that features approximately 3,900 different kinds of knots, from simple hitches to “Marlinspike Seamanship.” The book provides precise descriptions and classifications of knots, including their history, uses, and explicit directions on how to tie them. The author, Clifford W. Ashley, spent eleven years writing this book, and it is based on forty years of looking for, trying out, and thinking up new knots. With over 7,000 illustrations, this book is an essential addition to any library and a great read for anyone interested in knot-tying.