There are train tracks about 1/2 mile from my house. Why when there are certain weather conditions are the passing trains so much louder than normal?

Question

Overcast skies and damp conditions seem to amplify them the most.

In: 31

Answer 1

Usually. The denser the air the better sound travells through it.
Cold air is denser than hit air. And humid air is also denser.
Wind and turbulence can also have an affect on sound.

The times when you will most often have the best scenarios for transmitting sound (the loudest train) is cold humid mirnings when the air is very still (or blowing gentally in your direction.)