Trixology

Weather => General Weather Discussion => Topic started by: elagache on September 29, 2017, 11:29:15 PM

Title: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: elagache on September 29, 2017, 11:29:15 PM
Dear WeatherCat shutterbugs,

It is past the equinox and the conditions are starting to be good for some interesting cloud formations in the predawn skies behind my anemometer.  This morning I managed to snap this photo:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-p9Q5ZJw/0/78e1519c/XL/Orange%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20before%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-p9Q5ZJw/A)

It is s promising start to the season of colorful cloud formations associated with stormy seasons in the Northern Hemisphere.

Cheers, Edouard

P.S.  ;) . . . So who is going to top this photo?  :D
Title: Wispy clouds (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on October 11, 2017, 10:24:16 PM
Dear WeatherCat shutterbugs,

Oddly enough, the winds were blowing from a different direction early this morning so we had no smoke and decent visibilities until shortly after sunrise.  That allowed me to take this placid scene around my anemometer:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-B2bP9k4/0/d855e00c/X2/Wispy%20high%20clouds%20above%20anemometer%20before%20dawn-X2.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-B2bP9k4/A)

The image definitely seems rather odd considering the smoggy day we have had since!

Cheers, Edouard 
Title: Con trails in red! (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on October 15, 2017, 11:06:42 PM
Dear WeatherCat shutterbugs,

In Northern California, it is still warm with conditions of very low humidity.  Thus, still a dangerous situation for wild-fires.  Nonetheless the overnight temperatures are such that condensation trails are visible in the predawn skies.  That made for a pretty scene this morning:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-R22NPFt/0/aabaa33b/XL/Con%20trails%20behind%20anemometer%20before%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-R22NPFt/A)

Okay, who's going to get their camera out and take a pretty picture of their instruments before "old man winter" coops you all up with a big freeze!  [freeze]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: bcurry on October 18, 2017, 11:52:39 AM
Red sky in morning...

(http://www.billcurry.ca/windredsky.jpg)

Title: Nifty shot! (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on October 18, 2017, 10:03:13 PM
Dear Bill and WeatherCat shutterbugs, . . . . .

Red sky in morning...

Nifty shot!  Thanks Bill for sharing!  I like how you managed to get such a close-up of the anemometer and yet the picture does move back into the red horizon.  Very nicely done!  ThU5:-)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: Blicj11 on October 21, 2017, 07:43:01 AM
What he said. Really nice sillouette Bill.
Title: Forecast in the clouds (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on November 03, 2017, 10:59:11 PM
Dear WeatherCat shutterbugs,

This won't top Bill's photo by a long shot, but this morning I found the skies getting a bit dramatic before some expected rain:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-CKSzT6R/0/be3b0502/X2/Ominous%20yellow%20cloud%20behind%20anemometer%20at%20dawn-X2.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-CKSzT6R/A)

Enjoy!  :)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]

P.S. I probably could haven gotten a better picture if I hadn't had to first chase at least 20 wild turkeys out of the yard!  >:(
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: xairbusdriver on November 05, 2017, 10:33:17 PM
Had a short break in the rain/clouds early yesterday morning. Another few days and the leaves will all be on the ground!

BTW, how does remove an image from a post?
Somehow I didn't see the "Attached:" section with the check-box. [banghead]
Title: Thanks for sharing! (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on November 06, 2017, 12:09:19 AM
Dear X-Air and WeatherCat shutterbugs,

Had a short break in the rain/clouds early yesterday morning. Another few days and the leaves will all be on the ground!

Thanks for sharing.  [tup]  Nice how you managed to get some autumn color behind your ISS!   :)

BTW, how does remove an image from a post?

I'm not sure since I don't use attachments much, but I would assume you could click on the modify button of your post and then delete the attachments.  That should work.

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Odd shaped cloud around sunset (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on November 11, 2017, 12:28:13 AM
Dear WeatherCat shutterbugs,

We are getting unusual cloud formations associated with weak storms that are periodically passing through the San Francisco bay area.  Yesterday evening, one low cloud in particular moved from South to North against our Eastern horizon.  As it passed near the anemometer I took this photo:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-nC2Lv49/0/47cb6e81/X2/A%20wispy%20cloud%20behind%20anemometer%20around%20sunset-X2.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-nC2Lv49/A)

The cloud had just enough of the shape of a mushroom cloud to be a bit spooky.  :o

Never a dull moment around here, . . . . . .  Edouard
Title: Agitated skies (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on November 23, 2017, 11:37:33 PM
Dear WeatherCat shutterbugs,

This morning when I got up there were multiple layers of clouds stacked against the Eastern horizon.  The sun is still rising too soon for me to get the really dramatic photos, but I did manage to capture this:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-ztxqnL2/0/cc7e5e0a/XL/Cloud%20bands%20behind%20anemometer%20at%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-ztxqnL2/A)

It is a different style of dramatic clouds.  After all, variety is the spice of life!  8)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: bcurry on November 25, 2017, 03:30:23 PM
Hi all,
Brilliant blue, and unusually warm day here in Port Maitland, Nova Scotia, Canada today. Our normal would be 6? C for a high, and right now we're at almost 13? C.
Cheers,
Bill

(http://www.billcurry.ca/weather/anonometer.jpg)
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: xairbusdriver on November 25, 2017, 05:51:07 PM
I used camouflaged duct tape to cover the whole pole (but not the pole hole)! It's a bit expensive, but it make my neighbors happy! cmu:-)
Title: Thanks for the blue skies! (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on November 25, 2017, 10:40:49 PM
Dear Bill, X-Air, and WeatherCat station caregivers,

Brilliant blue, and unusually warm day here in Port Maitland, Nova Scotia, Canada today. Our normal would be 6? C for a high, and right now we're at almost 13? C.

Thanks for sharing!  :)  I forget to take pictures of the instruments during fair weather because that's all we have for at least 6 months - so it is a bit boring from my point of view.  I'll try to be more observant in the future!

I used camouflaged duct tape to cover the whole pole (but not the pole hole)! It's a bit expensive, but it make my neighbors happy! cmu:-)

 ;) . . . I'm glad I don't have neighbors like that! . .   [biggrin]

As it turns out, I did cover the galvanized pipe that I mounted my anemometer on with a bicycle rubber inner tube.  When I was cycling a lot I ended up with a lot of tubes that either had holes were just replaced out of caution.  Surprisingly, even if this rubber doesn't need any UV stabilization, bicycle inner tubes are amazingly durable even when exposed to a lot of sun.

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Moonlight anyone? (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on December 02, 2017, 11:01:35 PM
Dear WeatherCat shutterbugs,

Last night I forgot to pick up the mail until about the time I had to start preparing dinner.  As I looked Eastward I realized last night was going to be my only chance to photograph my anemometer with the waxing Moon.  I grabbed my camera and . . . . .

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-Dd4Ztfd/0/e6ac0451/XL/Waxing%20Moon%20behind%20anemometer%20at%20dusk-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-Dd4Ztfd/A)

As noted elsewhere this is without any post-processing.  Also of note, I was holding the camera with my arms and the exposure was 1/6 of a second!  I'm steadier than I thought I could be capable of!  :)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]

P.S. Even with the delay, I managed to get dinner ready on time!
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: xairbusdriver on December 02, 2017, 11:09:36 PM
"Steady as she goes!" ThU5:-)
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: Felix on December 03, 2017, 10:33:45 AM
So called SuperMoon tonight, Edouard.


https://www.space.com/38969-supermoon-trilogy-kicks-off-dec-3.html
Title: Not really a Super Moon, but larger tides (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on December 03, 2017, 11:33:00 PM
Dear X-Air, Felix, and WeatherCat observers of the heavens,

So called SuperMoon tonight, Edouard.

I'm a bit puzzled by all this fuss over "Super Moons."  That the Moon is around 10% larger doesn't seem very exciting to me and the additional brightness would only be of value for people trying to perform outdoor activities by moonlight.  The phrase doesn't appear to be particularly old.  When I first got into Astronomy many decades ago there wasn't a name for a full Moon at the perigee.  Why this phrase came into common usage and why it is hyped up by using the adjective "super" ? . . . . .   Well, I'll let the facts speak for themselves . . .  ;D

Of greater concern are the also hyped up "King tides."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_tide (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_tide)

Between rising sea levels, deferred maintenance, and dubious building practices, these extra high tides are leading to flooding that harms people.  We are having calm weather for this king tide and that appears to be the situation along every seaboard of the United States.  So the tides today aren't likely to do much harm.  However, there are two additional King tides in January.  If the weather isn't so benign, there could be trouble in coastal regions.

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: xairbusdriver on December 04, 2017, 02:15:52 AM
Totally super awesome post Eduoard!!! [rockon] You're the king of posters!! [computer] ThU5:-)
Title: Thinly scattered color (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on December 11, 2017, 11:26:52 PM
Dear WeatherCat shutterbugs,

The demon high pressure ridge that is keeping the rain away isn't quite strong enough to keep all cloudiness out of the area.  This morning we had some thin clouds that made for a modestly colorful pre-dawn sky:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-kNjWhrv/0/f4d3a09a/XL/Thin%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20before%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-kNjWhrv/A)

If it isn't raining at least we can enjoy the colorful images!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: The Moon that got away! (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on December 15, 2017, 10:47:06 PM
Dear WeatherCat shutterbugs,

I've been watching the crescent Moon come closer and closer to the horizon where my anemometer is also visible.  Yesterday, the Moon was still a bit too high to make for a particularly well composed photo.  So I was hoping today would be the day!  Alas, instead of the clouds I was expecting, we got some heavy haze.  It was more than enough to obscure the dim light of the crescent Moon.  Instead all I got was this photo:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-Jpv8Mtv/0/9850331d/XL/Hazy%20clouds%20around%20anemometer%20before%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-Jpv8Mtv/A)

It isn't awful, but it isn't nearly as neat as the photo I was scheming to capture.  Oh well, this effort will have to wait another month!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Brooding clouds for the Solstice (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on December 21, 2017, 10:05:02 PM
Dear WeatherCat shutterbugs,

Still not getting much in the way of rain here in Northern California, but just before picking up a 1/10" we had this dawn sky:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-ZBx3mL3/0/3eceaf0c/XL/Mixed%20clouds%20surround%20anemometer%20before%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-ZBx3mL3/A)

It seemed like a fitting photo for the Winter Solstice.

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Pre-dawn clouds before the rain (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on January 03, 2018, 11:44:40 PM
Dear WeatherCat shutterbugs,

I tried to photograph the full Moon once more, but alas the sky conditions never worked out for me.  Still I did managed to catch this view before dawn this morning:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-3p4vmJd/0/bfe823ee/XL/Mixed%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20before%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-3p4vmJd/A)

The first of 3 storms is coming through as I type.  Thus far we haven't gotten much rain, but the storm is expected to intensify as the front moves through.  At this point we'll take every drop we can get!

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Red stripes as a forecast. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on January 18, 2018, 11:28:34 PM
Dear WeatherCat shutterbugs,

This morning I was greeted by this somewhat turbulent scene.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-X9jHVj9/0/efe94f5f/XL/Stripes%20of%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20before%20dawn%20%28landscape%29-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-X9jHVj9/A)

It was a portents of the first of three modest storms that are expected to come through over the next few days.  Any rain is of course welcome.  Alas, we continue to fall behind on our normal rain budget during what is normally the wettest months of the year.

Oh well, . . . . . Edouard
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: bcurry on January 22, 2018, 01:03:09 PM
Hi all,
Couldn't resist this morning's sunrise...even though "Red Sky in Morning..."
I did note the little bit of actual sunshine hitting the instruments - we've had quite the run of grey days here on the coast!
Cheers,
Bill

(http://www.billcurry.ca/windsky.jpg)

Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: xairbusdriver on January 22, 2018, 02:38:35 PM
Thanks, Bill! ThU5:-)
Title: Beautiful!! Thanks! (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on January 23, 2018, 12:20:22 AM
Dear Bill, X-Air, and WeatherCat fans of beautiful pictures,

Couldn't resist this morning's sunrise...even though "Red Sky in Morning..."
I did note the little bit of actual sunshine hitting the instruments - we've had quite the run of grey days here on the coast!

Bill you have the skills, but only Mother Nature and provide you with the colorful clouds.  This time the old girl outdid herself and you certainly didn't miss the opportunity.  Great photo!   ThU32:-)  Thanks for sharing!  :)

Glad you got to see a bit of sunshine to boot!  [sun2]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: Blicj11 on January 23, 2018, 07:32:34 AM
Another fabulous photo, Bill. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Drama - of the wrong kind (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on January 27, 2018, 10:39:21 PM
Dear WeatherCat shutterbugs,

This morning we had a fairly dramatic sky on our Eastern horizon:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-wH9kwH7/0/922b988a/XL/Orange-red%20cloud%20bands%20behind%20anemometer%20before%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-wH9kwH7/A)

Of course, that could mean rain, but alas that is not the case.  A high pressure ridge is building over Southern California in what ominously looks like a repeat of December.  Only time will tell, but all forecasts are at the moment gloomy.

Oh well, . . . . Edouard
Title: Caught da' blue Moon! (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on February 01, 2018, 11:18:19 PM
Dear WeatherCat shutterbugs,

I thought I had missed my chance to photograph my anemometer lit by last month's "blue" full Moon.  However, last night was unusually hazy and that provided enough light for this shot taken after dark:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-swpdGdG/0/0a66f3f0/XL/Full%20Moon%20behind%20anemometer-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-swpdGdG/A)

Now a cannot tell a lie, this time I did tweak up the brightness and contrast a bit, because in my excitement to take the shot I forgot to bracket my exposures.  Depending on your monitor, you might be able to see the condensation trail above the Moon.

Enjoy!


Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: Blicj11 on February 02, 2018, 04:51:02 AM
Nicely done, Edouard. I got up early to view the total lunar eclipse here and the cloud cover was so thick I could not see a thing.
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: bcurry on February 03, 2018, 01:16:34 PM
Nice image of the moon!
I got up to shoot the full moon and what of the eclipse we would have been able to view - and it was completely overcast and light snow!
Bummed...

Thanks for sharing,
Bill
Title: Sorry you missed the eclipse! (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on February 03, 2018, 10:21:06 PM
Sorry Blick, and Bill that the weather kept you from seeing the eclipse.

It is the middle of Winter through, at least in most places . . . .

Edouard
Title: Daylight savings benefit (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on March 15, 2018, 11:50:48 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the sky around our weather instruments,

The one good thing about Daylight Savings is that it gets me up once more before sunrise.  Alas, the first few days under Daylight Savings the clouds refused to cooperate.  This morning there was a bit of an interesting sky so I put my camera to work:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-pMKW8Vd/0/62d83eec/X2/Predawn%20light%20behind%20anemometer-X2.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-pMKW8Vd/A)

Nothing extreme, but I haven't posted a photo in this thread for over 6 weeks and nobody else has managed to get their weather instruments in a nice scene with the weather.  With the Vernal Equinox less than a week away, even with Daylight Savings I won't be able to take too many more of these pre-dawn scenes.  Better grab them while I can!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: xairbusdriver on March 16, 2018, 12:37:26 AM
Thanks! At least that glow is not from wild fires!!! ThU5:-)
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: Dave13 on March 25, 2018, 03:56:46 PM
I took this photo just before sunset on 3/22.


(http://www.parsonsweather.com/images/2018-0322_wx.png)
Title: Thanks and colorful sunrise (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on March 25, 2018, 10:09:02 PM
Dear Dave and WeatherCat shutterbugs,

I took this photo just before sunset on 3/22.

Thanks for sharing!  [tup]  Lining up the Moon with a weather instrument is always a neat shot.  The only trick might be to figure out at which time of year you can get the two to line up.  There are some pictures I can only take in the Winter months and others that should be possible in Summer.

Since I'm starting to run out of opportunities to capture pre-dawn shots, I'd better post while I still can!  Here is what greeted me this morning:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-vpxfTpj/0/a64efd92/XL/Yellow%20orange%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20just%20before%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-vpxfTpj/A)

Alas, this could be the last one for the season.  The weather is supposed to turn fair and that would eliminate the clouds that give these pictures their special feel.

We shall see!. . . . . .

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: Dave13 on March 26, 2018, 03:30:00 AM
Edouard,

Your pre-dawn photos are awesome, also great job on the blue moon photo.

Here is one I took just before sunset on 2/5, the photo is a little fuzzy since I was about 60 feet away. I'l try to get a better one when I can. Those trees look a lot closer than they actually are.

(http://www.parsonsweather.com/images/2018-0205_wx.png)
Title: Keep it up! (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on March 26, 2018, 11:13:32 PM
Dear Dave and WeatherCat shutterbugs, . . .

Your pre-dawn photos are awesome, also great job on the blue moon photo.

Thanks!  I'm glad you enjoy them!  :)

Here is one I took just before sunset on 2/5, the photo is a little fuzzy since I was about 60 feet away. I'l try to get a better one when I can. Those trees look a lot closer than they actually are.

Very nice!  Thanks for sharing!  [tup]  Please do continue to contribute these photos, because I can see that my window of opportunity for pre-dawn photos is just about closed!  I'm not willing to get up any earlier just to capture them!  ;D

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Sunrise for a March heat-wave. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on March 29, 2018, 10:34:13 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

At this point I'm getting up just barely before sunrise, but I did managed to catch this image:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-fd8cq76/0/b4f2bce6/XL/Yellow-orange%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20just%20before%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-fd8cq76/A)

Whatever these clouds are supposed to forecast, instead we are having a very unusual round of abnormally hot temperatures.  It is the same underlying mechanism as summer.  There is a strong ridge of high pressure right on top of us and that causes the winds to turn off-shore.  As a result, air from the Nevada deserts is making its way all the way to San Francisco.  The overnight low was a warm but reasonable 52˚ F (11˚ C.)  However by sunrise the temperature had risen to 58˚ F (14˚ C.)  That makes it very difficult to cool the house.  It appears to be topping out at 79˚ F (26˚ C) which is about 18˚ F or 30% above the seasonal normal high temperatures for March.

So the extreme weather continues in California.

Oh well,
. . . . . Edouard
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: Dave13 on March 31, 2018, 09:15:49 PM
I took this photo yesterday about an hour before sunset. The sun was behind another cloud just below the one seen in the photo.

(http://www.parsonsweather.com/images/2018-0330_wx.png)
Title: Two photos of a "blue" full Moon. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on March 31, 2018, 10:33:40 PM
Dear Dave and WeatherCat shutterbugs,

I took this photo yesterday about an hour before sunset. The sun was behind another cloud just below the one seen in the photo.

Very nice!  Thanks for sharing!  [tup]  I'm glad not to be the only person contributing to this thread!  :)

Those of you into such things will know that the second "blue" Moon of 2018 is tonight.  There were two full Moons in January and there are another two in March.  It was just the motivation I needed to take a few shots of this event.  Here is one taken two nights ago when skies where crystal clear:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-hnrNJtV/0/a9e163bd/XL/March%20%22pink%22%20full%20Moon-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-hnrNJtV/A)

Yesterday evening we had some tropical moisture which led to lazy skies.  As a result I was able to capture this image of the Moon framed between the awning and the anemometer mast:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-gDTxXB6/0/e166164c/X2/March%20%22pink%22%20full%20Moon%20behind%20clouds-X2.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-gDTxXB6/A)

So if anyone gets inspired, the official full Moon is tonight.  Get out your camera and see what you can do!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: Dave13 on April 01, 2018, 06:57:53 AM
Edouard,

Thanks for sharing your photos of the 2nd blue moon, excellent work!  [rockon]

Cloudy here tonight with rain on the way but I managed to get a blue moon photo.

(http://www.parsonsweather.com/images/2018-0331-blue-moon_wx.png)

Cheers!  [cheers1]
Title: Neat blue Moon! (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on April 01, 2018, 11:22:46 PM
Dear Dave and WeatherCat shutterbugs, . . .

Cloudy here tonight with rain on the way but I managed to get a blue moon photo.

Nice shot!  ThU32:-)  I think the clouds are the key to the whole effect.  They spread the light of the Moon so that you can see the anemometer and they give a texture and mood to the image.  You really had great conditions.  Even the rain held off until you got your picture!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: Blicj11 on April 02, 2018, 03:21:56 PM
Fantastic catch, Dave. Thanks for sharing. I was going to try something like that but was defeated by cloud cover.
Title: Dramatic greys . . . . (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on April 15, 2018, 10:17:55 PM
Dear WeatherCat shutterbugs,

Alas, the sun is "waking up" before I do so the best photo opportunities will have to wait for another year.  Still the sky this morning was interesting enough to grab a photo:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-WsLDd56/0/bc0d0174/XL/Luminous%20grey%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20after%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-WsLDd56/A)

It is another mood of the sky worth capturing!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: Dave13 on April 16, 2018, 01:06:12 AM
Edouard, another excellent morning photo, I really like how the sky looks with the sun shining through the clouds.

Here is one I took a few minutes ago, it is very cloudy and 41?F, forecasted low for overnight is 33?F.

(http://www.parsonsweather.com/images/2018-0415_wx.jpg)

This April has been the coldest in the 11 year history of ParsonsWeather.com with 2 new April records:
The coldest day in April, 4/8/18 with 28.0?F.
2 days in April, 4/7/18 and 4/8/18, with temperatures below freezing.

History of days at or below 32.0?F in April:

2018
4/7   30.0?F
4/8   28.0?F

2014
4/16   30.0?F

2008
4/15   29.5?F
Title: Definitely weather extremes. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on April 16, 2018, 11:13:05 PM
Dear Dave and WeatherCat sky shutterbugs,

Edouard, another excellent morning photo, I really like how the sky looks with the sun shining through the clouds.

You are welcome!  Glad you enjoyed it!  :)

Here is one I took a few minutes ago, it is very cloudy and 41?F, forecasted low for overnight is 33?F.

. . . .

This April has been the coldest in the 11 year history of ParsonsWeather.com with 2 new April records:
The coldest day in April, 4/8/18 with 28.0?F.
2 days in April, 4/7/18 and 4/8/18, with temperatures below freezing.
. . . .

Thanks for sharing that photo!  :)  Yes, weather extremes seem to be becoming more "normal."  Unfortunately, for all the talk about weather and climate, understanding the atmosphere is among the hardest problems in science.  Expecting a massive amount of gas to behave predictably given all the forces upon it and all the potential freedom of movement - it is a physicist's nightmare.  For all the progress in theory and advances in computing technology - we still have a long way to go.

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: Dave13 on April 20, 2018, 10:32:21 PM
This was on the afternoon of the 17th, clear skies and warm temperatures. I looked up and with only a few seconds to do so I got this photo. The airplane was moving very fast, most likely at its cruising speed and altitude.

(http://www.parsonsweather.com/images/2018-0417_wx.jpg)
Title: Nice one! Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on April 21, 2018, 12:00:42 AM
Dear Dave and WeatherCat shutterbugs,

This was on the afternoon of the 17th, clear skies and warm temperatures. I looked up and with only a few seconds to do so I got this photo. The airplane was moving very fast, most likely at its cruising speed and altitude.

Nice! :)  I've also been thinking about trying to capture something like that.  I'll have to put my camera in some spot where it is handy!

Thanks for sharing! [tup]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: One from morning, one from evening. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on April 28, 2018, 10:37:38 PM
Dear WeatherCat shutterbugs,

We had a front push through over the weekend that was cold but dry.  It was enough to push the marine layer well inland.  As a result, we had this pretty display yesterday morning:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-vzhM9j6/0/0de07514/XL/Mixed%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20after%20sunrise-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-vzhM9j6/A)

Those of you who keep an eye on the phase of the Moon realize that the Full "Flower" Moon is very soon (Monday.)  That provides another set of photo opportunities to include my anemometer.  Yesterday evening I snapped this shot:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-MwTbzM5/0/6524f7c7/XL/Anemometer%2C%20Moon%2C%20and%20cloud%20bank-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-MwTbzM5/A)

With any luck at all, I'll catch some more photos this evening.  If these sort of photos interest you at all, the best way to scout out the potential opportunities is watch the sky behind your weather instruments.  If you take note of where the Moon passes, what are the likely path of aircraft, and how the clouds tend to form in your area, you'll have a head start toward capturing some really neat photos.

So keep your camera handy and your eyes open! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/camera_emoticon-1.jpg)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Photos of the Moon in Scorpio (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on April 29, 2018, 11:16:32 PM
Dear WeatherCat faithful,

Hey where is everybody?    ???  This is the worst case of Spring fever I've seen around here!

Oh well, I kind of promised to post anything I came up with yesterday, so here it goes.  We had some dramatic lighting for an evening scene which resulted in this combo of the anemometer, Moon, and cloud bank:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-HFzpQTV/0/da25bf7b/XL/Anemometer%2C%20Moon%20and%20sunset%20clouds-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-HFzpQTV/A)

About 1/2 hour later, I managed to take this photo through the awning we have over the deck where I usually take these pictures:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-HqsfQPx/0/11500085/XL/Anemometer%20and%20Moon%20through%20awning-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-HqsfQPx/A)

However, you might notice something that is clearly an handicap in taking these photos from my deck.  The Moon is now passing my anemometer noticeably further to the South, while my view of the anemometer mostly East.  So much so that I really had to struggle to find a spot where I could have two in the same image.  That's because the full Moon is now rising in one of the most Southerly constellations of the Zodiac: Scorpio.  From my location that makes this sort of photograph difficult.  It will take a month or two for the full Moon's to wind their way past Sagittarius and start moving North into Capricorn and Aquarius.

With a little knowledge of astronomy and an awareness of your horizons, you can better plan to take photos like this and avoid making attempts when the Moon simply won't line up as you need.

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Photos of the Moon in Scorpio (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: Steve on April 30, 2018, 04:52:02 PM

Hey where is everybody?    ???  This is the worst case of Spring fever I've seen around here!

Spring? It was 34? this morning! It is supposed to make it to 60? today, so there's hope...
Title: Re: Photos of the Moon in Scorpio (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: Blicj11 on April 30, 2018, 09:45:27 PM

Hey where is everybody?    ???  This is the worst case of Spring fever I've seen around here!

Spring? It was 34? this morning! It is supposed to make it to 60? today, so there's hope...

Dead on, Steve. I woke up to 4 inches of new snow. Spring has not sprung here yet.
Title: Sure wish we could "temperature average." (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on April 30, 2018, 11:39:04 PM
Dear Steve, Blick, and WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning . . . . . (whenever that actually happens,. .  . )

Spring? It was 34? this morning! It is supposed to make it to 60? today, so there's hope...

Dead on, Steve. I woke up to 4 inches of new snow. Spring has not sprung here yet.

Well the weather coming off the Pacific is still cool and will continue until Wednesday.  So I'm not sending any warmth immediately, but the weekend is supposed to start heating up.  Given how hot California has become, I'm definitely not looking to the summer heat waves.  [sweat2]

Sure would be nice to have the average temperature of all four seasons instead of the extremes we are seeing.

Oh well, . . . . .Edouard
Title: Re: Sure wish we could "temperature average." (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: Blicj11 on May 01, 2018, 02:15:53 AM
Sure would be nice to have the average temperature of all four seasons instead of the extremes we are seeing.

Splendid idea. Hopefully Stu can implement that in WC.
Title: Cloud band behind . . (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on May 30, 2018, 11:16:27 PM
Dear WeatherCat shutterbugs,

It has been over a month since someone has contributed a photo to this thread, but alas my main plan was sabotaged - by of course the weather!  I had hoped to catch the Moon in another angle but we were fogged in during the window of opportunity.  However, we are seeing extremes of hot and cold and today a cold front came through.  It brought clouds like this which I captured behind our anemometer:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-D3gGhbR/0/7a77b3f7/XL/Cloud%20band%20behind%20anemometer%20in%20afternoon-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-D3gGhbR/A)

Don't be bashful!  All it takes a camera, tablet, or smart phone!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Monsoon clouds reaching North CA. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on July 13, 2018, 11:04:39 PM
Dear WeatherCat shutterbugs,

The weather in Northern California has changed dramatically as the high pressure center located roughly in the four corners region of the desert Southwest is now controlling our weather.  As this high pressure expands and contracts, monsoonal moisture rides around its edge getting as far North as the San Francisco Bay Area.  This morning, there were a few sprinkles in the area, although my rain gauge wasn't among the lucky ones.  Still, I did capture this photo of the monsoon clouds this morning.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-vHnbPr8/0/9e09d264/XL/Monsoon%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20early%20morning-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-vHnbPr8/A)

Oddly enough, we appear to be on a weekly pattern with monsoonal flow expected to arrive once more late next week.  We shall see!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Interesting cloud shadow. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on July 20, 2018, 10:40:01 PM
Dear WeatherCat shutterbugs, 

As predicted, the monsoonal moisture has made an encore performance and alas it has also failed to rain.  However, this morning there was an interesting cloud effect that I managed to capture:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-k8dp6BS/0/44879115/XL/Clouds%20casting%20shadow%20behind%20anemometer%20in%20morning-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-k8dp6BS/A)

It is unusual to be able to observe the shadow of clouds on the sky itself.  It is something different so enjoy!  :)

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: Blicj11 on July 23, 2018, 04:10:02 PM
Very cool photo.
Title: Smoky sunrise in California (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on August 07, 2018, 11:43:31 PM
Dear WeatherCat climate photo-journalists,

Smoke from the Mendocino Complex fires is being blown over the San Francisco Bay Area and I was able to take this surreal photo of the sky around my anemometer this morning:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-j9C5VNT/0/b1ddf1bc/XL/Sun%20through%20smoke%20near%20anemometer%20after%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-j9C5VNT/A)

The smoke has been so heavy that is greatly reduced the daytime temperatures.  Yesterday's high was: 92˚ F (33.3˚ C)  Today has reached only 76˚F (24.4˚ C) and clearly won't top 80˚ F.

The weather is indeed very different and strange this summer.  One cannot be too sure what to expect day to day.

Oh well, . . . . Edouard
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: Blicj11 on August 08, 2018, 06:46:02 AM
Cool photo, Edouard. We are approximately 835 miles east and slightly north of the Mendocinco Complex fires, with three significant mountain ranges between us and we are socked in with smoke from those fires. Have been for a week. Weather is a powerful thing and these fires are incredibly destructive
Title: Wow! Smoke going a long way! (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on August 08, 2018, 10:22:35 PM
Dear Blick and WeatherCat observers of the power of nature, . . .

Cool photo, Edouard. We are approximately 835 miles east and slightly north of the Mendocinco Complex fires, with three significant mountain ranges between us and we are socked in with smoke from those fires. Have been for a week. Weather is a powerful thing and these fires are incredibly destructive

Wow!  I didn't think the smoke could travel that far.  It isn't easy to spot, but you can see the smoke moving into Utah on the Western US infrared satellite image.  As you say, we should always respect the power of mother nature!

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Colorful stratus . . . . (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on September 06, 2018, 11:15:00 PM
Dear WeatherCat fans of the sky's many colorful moods,

Late summer isn't a particularly good time for me to capture colorful cloud formations, but we are seeing stronger shifts between high and low pressures centers than normally happen in late summer.  Yesterday a low pressure was departing to the North while high pressure was building in from the South.  That drove the marine layer in more energetically than usual and produced this colorful effect round about sunset:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-CsScG87/0/92ebbd31/XL/Stratus%20above%20anemometer%20at%20dusk-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-CsScG87/A)

Fog is what makes the San Francisco Bay area so special, so I'm always happy to see it make an appearance.  It isn't as common as it once was.

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Colorful marine layer! (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on September 16, 2018, 10:50:35 PM
Dear WeatherCat shutterbugs, . . . . .

The September weather in Northern California has been thus far dominated by troughs of low pressure.  As a result the onshore flow has been unusually strong and the marine layer is intruding much further than you would expect during what is still late Summer.  This morning the combination of fog and unusually strong winds kicked up the marine layer into this colorful display just as the sun was rising:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-dBQVtNc/0/ac1ad103/XL/Colorful%20marine%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20at%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/Cloud-effects-behind-weather-instruments-2017-18/i-dBQVtNc/A)

With the equinox less than a week away the weather is definitely starting to show signs of the changing seasons.

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: Blicj11 on December 01, 2018, 05:55:49 PM
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood! 20 inches of snow on the ground, none of it in my radiant-heated-driveway.
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: xairbusdriver on December 01, 2018, 06:21:12 PM
Beautiful indeed! I'll refer to this post whenever I want to remember what snow should look like! You may remember that we don't allow that stuff where we live. >:( Yours probably always looks clean unlike what usually happens in the urban settings. :)

Of course, all inquiring minds want to know the purpose of the little box near the right-hand edge of the image. Perhaps where you put the Radium that heats the driveway and lets you keep that cool tan throughout the year?! 8) :o [sun3]
Title: Beautiful! Thanks! (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2017-18)
Post by: elagache on December 01, 2018, 09:48:15 PM
Dear Blick, X-Air, and WeatherCat admirers of the neighborhood,

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood! 20 inches of snow on the ground, none of it in my radiant-heated-driveway.

Beautiful scene!   :)  Thanks for sharing!  ThU32:-)  Although your ISS does look rather frigid!  [freeze]

Cheers, Edouard  [cheers1]
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2017-18
Post by: Blicj11 on December 05, 2018, 10:34:09 AM
Of course, all inquiring minds want to know the purpose of the little box near the right-hand edge of the image. Perhaps where you put the Radium that heats the driveway and lets you keep that cool tan throughout the year?! 8) :o [sun3]

Hahaha. That empty potato salad container is just covering up the sensor in the driveway that automatically turns on the radiant heat. This time of year, I keep the sensor covered up to avoid false positives and wasted propane.