Trixology

Weather => General Weather Discussion => Topic started by: elagache on October 21, 2022, 10:51:39 PM

Title: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2022-23
Post by: elagache on October 21, 2022, 10:51:39 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

We are almost exactly a full month after the autumnal equinox, so it has become the traditional time to start a new annual thread of photos.  We had a mini heat wave end yesterday and the fog came in just enough to create this pretty display:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-74VXTKX/0/7effdfec/XL/Cloud%20behind%20anemometer%20at%20sunrise-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-74VXTKX/A)

We are in that "witching season" in between the summer's heat and winter's cold.  It can bring the first rains of the season, or it can bring those nasty off-shore wind events that greatly increase the fire risk.  Area's to our north and south are having the first Public Safety Power Shutoffs of the season.  For the moment, the forecasts are frustratingly ambiguous.

We shall see!

Edouard
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2022-23
Post by: xairbusdriver on October 27, 2022, 05:02:09 PM
Fall arrives! ThU5:-)
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2022-23
Post by: Blicj11 on October 28, 2022, 07:35:20 PM
Fall departs! ThU5:-)
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2022-23
Post by: xairbusdriver on October 28, 2022, 08:52:48 PM
Looks like it left a lot of "dust" behind!! cmu:-)
Title: Thanks for sharing! (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2022-23)
Post by: elagache on October 28, 2022, 11:07:21 PM
Thanks X-Air and Blick for sharing your views of autumn around your respective stations!   [cheer]

The air is feeling autumn-like and we are starting to see the leaves fall here in Orinda.  However we are still waiting for that first rainstorm of the season that will take us out of the dangers of wildfires.

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Clouds from a dry front. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2022-23)
Post by: elagache on November 17, 2022, 10:56:15 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

We received over an inch of rain at the beginning of the month.  However since then, the weather has returned to a dry pattern with only a teasing of potential storms.  This morning was another example:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-5vFJ45r/0/3454940d/XL/Yellow%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20at%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-5vFJ45r/A)

Only time will tell if the pattern will shift once more.

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Late autumn Moon (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2022-23)
Post by: elagache on December 07, 2022, 10:54:12 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

You only have a few days a month when you can photograph the Moon along the eastern horizon.  This year I haven't been very lucky in attempting to capture that.  Last night was at least an opportunity if not the most exciting.  This photo was the best of the sequence:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-3Vn8dLB/0/b344eff5/XL/Moon%20behind%20anemometer%20at%20dusk-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-3Vn8dLB/A)

Note how far to the north the Moon has migrated since the equinox.  It is another indication of how close we are to the winter solstice.

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Winter Solstice (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2022-23)
Post by: elagache on December 20, 2022, 11:13:12 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

As the calendar year draws to a close we face one last change of season: the winter solstice.  Here is list of local times when the event will occur all across the world:

https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20221221T2148&msg=December%20solstice%202022 (https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20221221T2148&msg=December%20solstice%202022)

A few days ago we had this dramatic scene before sunrise that seemed appropriate to mark the occasion:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-HKnMsnX/0/6f6873cc/XL/Cloud%20bands%20behind%20anemometer%20before%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-HKnMsnX/A)

For those of us in the northern hemisphere, the solstice is kind of hopeful sign - the days won't get any shorter.  I assume that is something of the significant with which ancient religions commemorated the event.  Still, it has been a very long and difficult year, personally and globally.  The need to do some soul-searching certainly hasn't diminished in 2022.

Edouard
Title: Clouds after sunrise. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2022-23)
Post by: elagache on January 08, 2023, 11:13:07 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of diverse weather,

This morning we finally were able to actually see some blue sky.  Shortly after sunrise I caught this photo of clouds billowing up from the eastern horizon:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-pnPMKNQ/0/d2166478/XL/Clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20after%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-pnPMKNQ/A)

The National Weather Service is still forecasting more extreme rainstorms, so we will have to hunker down and deal with it as best we can!

Oh well, . . . . . . Edouard 
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2022-23
Post by: xairbusdriver on January 09, 2023, 03:57:23 PM
You need to enlarge that image and glue several on your windows! You might need to shop for more ink before printing, however. Be sure to take an inflatable raft any time you venture outside!
Title: Serene winter scene. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2022-23)
Post by: elagache on February 07, 2023, 11:34:55 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

The days are definitely getting longer as we continue the journey from the winter solstice to the spring equinox.  The weather has turned fair in California.  This morning the condensation trails made for a pretty scene before sunrise:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-HtGqsdD/0/d1d51e27/XL/Con%20trails%20behind%20anemometer%20before%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-HtGqsdD/A)

Even in winter nature can give us a sense of serenity.

Cheers, Edouard 
Title: A bit more drama . . . (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2022-23)
Post by: elagache on February 22, 2023, 10:09:08 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

Old man winter is most definitely not finished with dishing out misery.  There is a blast of arctic air gripping the whole country - even California.  This morning I captured these clouds behind the anemometer:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-RB2fRNV/0/de612385/XL/Yellow%20and%20dark%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20at%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-RB2fRNV/A)

Definitely a more dramatic scene than the photo of the 7th.

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2022-23
Post by: xairbusdriver on February 22, 2023, 11:00:36 PM
"Arctic air"? What arctic air?!! New Annual High Temp here today: 77.7°F [lol]
Title: Spring Equinox (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2022-23)
Post by: elagache on March 19, 2023, 09:54:33 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

The Spring Equinox is a little early this year, occurring on the 20th in many parts of the world.  Here is my usual website with the times all over the world:

https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20230320T2124&msg=March%20equinox%202024 (https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20230320T2124&msg=March%20equinox%202024)

The astronomy may say spring, but old man winter is still keeping its grip on California.  I took this photo a few days ago and it captures what the sky conditions are like in our corner of the world:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-Zjft2Hx/0/72a57e98/XL/Fiery%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20before%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-Zjft2Hx/A)

What will this new season bring?  All we can do is wait and find out.

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2022-23
Post by: xairbusdriver on March 20, 2023, 12:43:30 AM
Got an image from my Son over in Cupertino of some downed power lines (not sure of the exact location) a few days ago. Hope you haven't been inconvenienced with that kind of problem on your side of the Bay!

It seems we now are allowing TV weather people to create/name weather events? High/low pressure centers, westward movement of weather systems, Jet streams, etc. are not 'exciting' or newsworthy enough. Now we have "atmospheric rivers"! WOW! "If you don't like the weather in Chicago, just wait a few hours and we'll come up with a new name!" [computer] cmu:-) [rolleyes2]
Title: Placid scene (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2022-23)
Post by: elagache on April 01, 2023, 10:16:23 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,


We are now almost 2 weeks after the equinox and at least it is looking more like spring here in California.  This morning I captured this placid scene.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-2CZjLrz/0/1e8f8f6a/XL/Con%20trail%20behind%20anemometer%20at%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-2CZjLrz/A)

According the various outlooks, it appears we will finally have some time in early April to finally dry out.

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Summer Solstice. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2022-23)
Post by: elagache on June 20, 2023, 10:53:48 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

Tomorrow is the Summer Solstice.  You can look up exactly when it happens in your timezone on this webpage:

https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20230621T1457&msg=June%20solstice%202023 (https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20230621T1457&msg=June%20solstice%202023)

The weather tends to get boring and not particular photogenic in California during the transition from spring to summer.  However, I managed to snap this photo of some high clouds behind our anemometer:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-BzFbbLm/0/52be2fee/XL/Thin%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-BzFbbLm/A)

As you can see, the foliage is back on the trees and deluges of this past winter are long gone.

So what will this new season bring?  We shall see! . . . . . .

Edouard
Title: Monsoon! (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2022-23)
Post by: elagache on August 15, 2023, 10:51:29 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the changing local weather,

We are seeing more monsoonal activity here in northern California than is typical.  So far it has only brought clouds and no rain.  On the other hand, it hasn't caused any dry-lightning either which is a great worry with respect to wildfires.  This morning the sunrise produced this pretty collection of colorful clouds:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-NXWCBsh/0/1320dad9/XL/Monsoon%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20at%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-NXWCBsh/A)

It is unusual for me to be able to catch a photo like this in August.  However, we are now almost 2 months after the summer solstice and the days are now noticeably shorter.

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Hilary! (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2022-23)
Post by: elagache on August 21, 2023, 11:23:50 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of extreme weather - preferably from a safe distance,

Eastern Pacific hurricane Hilary certainly has had an impact on the Southwest, but passed too far to the east to have much of an effect on the San Francisco Bay Area.  However, it increased the moisture content of the atmosphere to create some convection yesterday.  It made for a pretty picture at sunrise:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-StT8JdR/0/baca3fdd/XL/Remnants%20of%20hurricane%20Hilary%20behind%20anenometer-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-StT8JdR/A)

At the moment it doesn't appear that we will get much in the way of measurable rain from Hilary.  We just picked up 0.01".  However compared to what other parts of the west endured, essentially no rain is better than way too much!

Cheers, Edouard
Title: Signs of transition. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2022-23)
Post by: elagache on September 11, 2023, 09:26:23 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

These past few years, the start of September has been the hottest time of year here in northern California.  For the moment however, the conditions have been mostly seasonable and there is the welcome return of the famous San Francisco fog.  This morning there was a mix of marine layer and remnants from hurricane Jova.  It made for a pretty picture:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-MnPWRVQ/0/31a2926d/XL/Mixed%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20at%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-MnPWRVQ/A)

The days are getting shorter, and for the moment, the weather is feeling more autumn-like.  However, it is normally the season for off-shore wind events that cause extreme heat and great wildfire danger.  Thus far, the so-called "inside slider" storms that cause this phenomenon haven't started occurring.  Only time will tell if this transition will occur this year in California.

Edouard
Title: Autumn (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2022-23)
Post by: elagache on September 21, 2023, 10:22:15 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

Depending on your location in the northern hemisphere, the fall equinox will happen either tomorrow or Saturday.  The date and time website has the exact time for your locale:

https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20230923T0650&msg=September%20equinox%202023 (https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20230923T0650&msg=September%20equinox%202023)

We have been getting more of the traditional San Francisco Bay Area fog and a few days ago I captured this pretty scene:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-3WwC9N3/0/5a1190bf/XL/Orange%20yellow%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20at%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2022-23-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-3WwC9N3/A)

I'm sure everyone is pondering what the change of season will bring.  Amazingly, there is a chance of rain next week in our area.  On the other hand, our power utility has already had their first "Public Safety Power Shutoff" event of the season.  In California, the wildfire season is just starting to ramp up.

Edouard