This weekend's summer blockbuster release is Twisters, a movie about storm chasers in pursuit of tornadoes in Oklahoma. It's a follow-up to the 1996 hit Twister.

I haven't seen the original, but I remember it was popular with my former colleagues, meteorologists at The Weather Network. When I began working there as a news writer nearly 15 years ago, a few friends asked me: "What news is there to write about for a weather channel?" I pointed out that weather stories are often the big news stories of the day, even on the traditional local and national newscasts.

I don't think anyone would ask this question today, as the news stories about major tornadoes, hurricanes, heat waves, wildfires and floods have become increasingly frequent and devastating. The widespread flooding in southern Ontario this week was just the latest example. Even rapper Drake's Toronto mansion flooded, prompting him to quip about the murky water rushing into his home: "This better be Espresso Martini."

For your weekend reading, I've rounded up a selection of extreme weather articles from The Conversation Canada and our global network, including a story from two tornado scientists who take us inside the real world of storm chasing.

Have a nice weekend. We'll be back in your inbox on Monday.