Trixology

Weather => General Weather Discussion => Topic started by: elagache on November 17, 2020, 10:57:36 PM

Title: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2020-21
Post by: elagache on November 17, 2020, 10:57:36 PM: Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

We are now almost 2 months after the Autumnal equinox, but here in California, the transition to winter is slow in coming. Finally, we have had the first significant rainstorm of the season, and with that, hopefully the end of any more wild fire concerns. It wasn't exactly a red sky, but there was some drama in the clouds around sunrise:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-gHDhVNF/0/097bed55/XL/Cloud%20bands%20behind%20anemometer%20after%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-gHDhVNF/A)

Hopefully this is the first rains of what will be a more normal rainy season for California and the rest of the drought-parched west . . . . .

Cheers, Edouard [cheers1]
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2020-21
Post by: xairbusdriver on November 18, 2020, 12:57:06 AM: If this map can be trusted, you will have a fire-free holiday season! https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/92fndfd.gif (https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/92fndfd.gif)

Maybe a good time to get that generator repaired? ThU32:-)
Title: The Moon and a bird after sunset . . (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2020-21)
Post by: elagache on November 29, 2020, 11:38:32 PM: Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

Tonight is the November full Moon. Two nights ago, I captured this photo in the early evening shortly after sunset:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-99J42hK/0/3a9a912b/XL/Near%20full%20Moon%20behind%20anemometer-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-99J42hK/A)

It is a fairly typical photo with a twist. If you look at the top of the pine tree, you'll notice a bird perching right at the top!

All together I thought it was a pleasing scene.

Cheers, Edouard [cheers1]
Title: Cloud bands around sunset. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2020-21)
Post by: elagache on December 29, 2020, 10:43:46 PM: Dear WeatherCat observers of the moods of the sky,

The California drought has led to another "drought" of sorts. Like summer, there has been fewer clouds to photograph. There does appear to be something of a change in the overall weather pattern and last night there was this band of clouds behind our anemometer:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-tgpgPpx/0/b8429f07/XL/Cloud%20band%20behind%20anemometer%20before%20sunset-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-tgpgPpx/A)

These days I'll take any variety we can get in our skies . . . . . .

Cheers, Edouard [cheers1]
Title: Color before sunrise. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2020-21)
Post by: elagache on January 31, 2021, 10:45:31 PM: Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

It hasn't been a good year thus far for colorful cloud formations. However, this morning wasn't too shabby:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-XZQTNM4/0/e7768930/XL/Cloud%20bands%20behind%20anemometer%20before%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-XZQTNM4/A)

We have had a few storms come through and one more is expected before things dry out for a while.

Cheers, Edouard [cheers1]
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2020-21
Post by: xairbusdriver on February 01, 2021, 12:13:42 AM: We can see a lot more of the beautiful clouds thanks to your neighbors! ThU32:-)
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2020-21
Post by: JosBaz on February 08, 2021, 08:46:57 AM: Remarkable weather in the Netherlands right now: the temperature plummeted from an almost spring-like +11.7ºC to -5.5ºC within 3 days as cold air from the North-East reached the country. The earlier rain turned into frozen-rain, and then into snow -- currently 10cm (4-inches) in my area, double that in some other parts of the country.
Further light snow is expected today. Temperatures are expected to remain below zero for at least a week, dropping further to (possibly) -15ºC at night.

Very unusual considering the typically mild climate in the Netherlands. The last time we had similar cold weather was 10 years ago. People even start talking about the possibility of the 200km 11-cities skating tour in Friesland (the last one was in 1997!), although COVID will make this impossible unfortunately.

Either way: wonderful weather for long walks enjoying wintery scenery. :)

Jos
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2020-21
Post by: xairbusdriver on February 08, 2021, 03:16:35 PM: Snow covered scenes are always enjoyable...
in other locations!
cmu:-)
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2020-21
Post by: Blicj11 on February 08, 2021, 04:07:29 PM: Beautiful winter scenery JosBaz. Thanks for sharing.

I lived in Nederland in the early 70s and remember some frigid winter weather.
Title: Thanks for sharing. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2020-21)
Post by: elagache on February 08, 2021, 10:37:19 PM: Thanks Jos for sharing! ThU32:-)

I'm glad I can enjoy your pictures without having to deal with the cold! [freeze]

Cheers, Edouard [cheers1]
Title: Spring Equinox (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2020-21)
Post by: elagache on March 19, 2021, 10:14:49 PM: Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

In a few hours, the Vernal Equinox will occur which is the astronomical transition to Spring. Here is a website that should list when it will happen in your local region assuming you read this before it has occurred:

https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20210320T0937&msg=March%20Equinox%202021 (https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20210320T0937&msg=March%20Equinox%202021)

As can be surmised from the lack of postings on this thread, it hasn't been a very good year for sunrise photos at my location. However, I did manage to capture this photo a few days ago:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-x3mVSnN/0/272f80e7/XL/Condensation%20trail%20behind%20anemometer%20before%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-x3mVSnN/A)

It does suggest something of a hopeful start to Spring. Only time will tell if such suggestions will pan out given the extremely stressed and strained world we find ourselves in.

Edouard
Title: Sunrise though thin fog. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2020-21)
Post by: elagache on April 13, 2021, 10:59:12 PM: Dear WeatherCat observers of the season turning,

The days are getting longer and the sun is rising earlier. It is looking more and more like summer here in Northern California. This morning I caught this sunrise through the thin marine layer:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-9SNLRnL/0/187ba4a3/XL/Sunlight%20through%20thin%20fog%20at%20sunrise-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-9SNLRnL/A)

Alas, this may be one of the last sunrise photos I take. While the sun doesn't mind getting up earlier [cloudsun] - I do! [bed]

Cheers, Edouard [cheers1]
Title: Mid-season moods . . . . . (Re: Moods of the sky . . . . 2020-21)
Post by: elagache on May 24, 2021, 12:01:03 AM: Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

California fog is legendary. Alas, it is much more rare thanks to rising temperatures and probably the urban heat island effect. However, we have a spell of cooler weather with a strong onshore flow. That has brought back the morning and evening fog like it used to be. This morning, I tried to make something of this and had a bit of luck:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-XRbDXCC/0/573c2e59/XL/Marine%20layer%20behind%20anemometer%20with%20geese%20in%20background-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-XRbDXCC/A)

Shooting with the sun trying to shine through the marine layer caused the extremes of light and dark. It is almost a black and white photo. Yet, behind the anemometer you can see a flock of geese. Yes, they are in this scene flying north as they should this time of year. However, most likely this is a "local" flock that flies no further than a tour of the local golf courses. Still, it would be tough to compose a photo more appropriate for the time of year - so I'll take it! :)

Cheers, Edouard [cheers1]
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2020-21
Post by: xairbusdriver on May 24, 2021, 03:54:06 AM: Great shot!!! One of your best!

Agree that those are probably “local” geese. They obviously don’t have much cross-country experience; that’s a very sloppy, unprofessional formation! [banghead] [rolleyes2]
Title: Summer Solstice (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2020-21)
Post by: elagache on June 19, 2021, 09:53:02 PM: Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

Sometime tomorrow for most of you will be the movement that the sun reaches the tropic of cancer - the summer solstice. This website has the exact moment for many places around the world:

https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=June+Solstice+2021&iso=20210621T0332&p1=1440 (https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=June+Solstice+2021&iso=20210621T0332&p1=1440)

For the occasion, I attempted to capture something of a summer feel around the instruments of my personal weather station:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tzdvWhr/0/X2/i-tzdvWhr-X2.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-tzdvWhr/A)

The high clouds are monsoonal, having been brought north by an unusually strong dome of high pressure around the four-corners region. The leaves of our locust tree are nice and green. On the other hand, the white cap on the rain gauge cannot be missed. Unless we get some monsoonal rains, most likely that cap will stay there until November. Here in California, the long hot dry season is well underway.

May we all make the best of whatever the season may throw our way.

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2020-21
Post by: xairbusdriver on June 19, 2021, 11:00:50 PM: Here's hoping you have to remove that cap soon and for a long time! [lightrain] [mrain]
Title: Monsoonal clouds (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2020-21)
Post by: elagache on July 31, 2021, 10:34:24 PM: Dear WeatherCat observers of the season's turning,

The large quasi-static dome of high pressure that has been dominating the entire United States has been moving monsoonal moisture westward. Unfortunately, Northern California is too far away to benefit from any rains, but we are getting some unusual clouds. Here is what the sky looked like shortly after sunrise:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-rg7SqXS/0/1b24c805/XL/Monsoon%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20after%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-rg7SqXS/A)

It appears that the summer doldrums will be continuing for a while. All we can do is cope with it as best we can.

Cheers, Edouard
Title: First smoke of the season. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2020-21)
Post by: elagache on August 07, 2021, 10:49:35 PM: Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

In the "new normal" for California, during summer it is only a matter of time before smoke from wildfires blows over populated areas. The San Francisco Bay Area had avoided this fate until now because there was a relatively constant sea-breeze. Yesterday the winds shifted until they blew from the Northeast and that brought the smoke from the Siskiyou and Trinity county fires. For the first time in our area, the air quality dipped into the unhealthy range.

Overnight, the sea-breezes did clear out the smoke at ground level, but there is a hot air mass above us and the smoke remains trapped there. This morning I took this hazardous shot before the sun got too high on the horizon:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-ZhSfc9n/0/72656f6d/XL/Sun%20through%20smoke%20behind%20rain%20gauge-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-ZhSfc9n/A)

So far the wildfire season has not been as bad as last year, but seasonally the worst of the risk is still months away.

Such are da' conditions that prevail here in the western parts of the United States (and other places in the world as well.)

Oh well, . . . . . Edouard
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2020-21
Post by: Blicj11 on August 09, 2021, 08:29:38 PM: Smoke from the California fires has been the worst we've every experienced here and we are 700+ miles (1127+ km) from the Dixie Fire. Smoke has been pouring into the Great Basin and blocking out visibility. On top of the drought, this is packing quite a punch.
Title: Sorry about the smoke. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2020-21)
Post by: elagache on August 09, 2021, 10:53:58 PM: Dear Blick and WeatherCat victims of the conditions in the western United States,

Quote from: Blicj11 on August 09, 2021, 08:29:38 PM
Smoke from the California fires has been the worst we've every experienced here and we are 700+ miles (1127+ km) from the Dixie Fire. Smoke has been pouring into the Great Basin and blocking out visibility. On top of the drought, this is packing quite a punch.

Sorry to hear about your poor visibility. The images from the GOES-West satellite are very impressive. We are still some time away from the end of the monsoon season and the risk of dry lightning. The National Weather Service has definitely taken up its new task of watching for potential wildfire causing weather.

Oh well, . . . . . Edouard
Title: Radiant monsoon clouds. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2020-21)
Post by: elagache on September 06, 2021, 10:40:46 PM: Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

The autumnal equinox is now about 2-1/2 weeks away and the days are definitely getting shorter. We are in another spell of hot weather being caused by the traditional "four corners" dome of high pressure which does intrude as far as California from time to time. Being at the edge of that dome, monsoonal moisture can be carried by the clockwise flow around the high pressure into our area. Some of those clouds created this pleasant display this morning:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-JwZFsdM/0/0a0a7004/XL/Yellow%20cloud%20bank%20behind%20anemometer%20at%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-JwZFsdM/A)

I definitely don't like the heat or the low humidities, (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/desert-smiley.gif) but I'll take the pretty clouds as something of a compensation! :)

Cheers, Edouard [cheers1]
Title: Autumnal equinox. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2020-21)
Post by: elagache on September 21, 2021, 10:46:42 PM: Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

Time does seem to fly no matter what you are experiencing these days. Tomorrow is the autumnal equinox. As always the Time and Date website has a page with the local times around the world:

https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20210922T1921&msg=September%20Equinox%202021 (https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20210922T1921&msg=September%20Equinox%202021)

About two weeks ago, I captured this photo of the monsoon clouds which certainly has a certain drama to it:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-3LV6BBv/0/795d00df/XL/Monsoon%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20before%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2020-21-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-3LV6BBv/A)

We certainly find ourselves in times of great tumult and uncertainty. It is up to each one of us to take in the present and make our own meaning out of things given what we believe and hope for.

Edouard
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2020-21
Post by: bcurry on September 26, 2021, 11:21:37 AM: The sunrise at our house here in Nova Scotia on the autumnal equinox.

(https://www.billcurry.ca/isssunrise.jpg)

Bill
Title: Beautiful! (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2020-21)
Post by: elagache on September 26, 2021, 11:03:54 PM: Dear Bill and WeatherCat observers of the seasons changing,

Quote from: bcurry on September 26, 2021, 11:21:37 AM
The sunrise at our house here in Nova Scotia on the autumnal equinox.

That's a beautiful picture! Thanks Bill for sharing!

I'm sure it feels a lot more like autumn in your location than it will here in California for perhaps months!

Cheers, Edouard [cheers1]
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2020-21
Post by: Blicj11 on October 08, 2021, 05:05:47 PM: Love the photo Bill, thanks for sharing.