Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2020-21

[elagache]

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:



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 

[xairbusdriver]

If this map can be trusted, you will have a fire-free holiday season! https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/92fndfd.gif

Maybe a good time to get that generator repaired?

[elagache]

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:



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 

[elagache]

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:



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

Cheers, Edouard   

[elagache]

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:



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

Cheers, Edouard 

[xairbusdriver]

We can see a lot more of the beautiful clouds thanks to your neighbors!

[JosBaz]

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

[xairbusdriver]

Snow covered scenes are always enjoyable...

in other locations!

[Blicj11]

Beautiful winter scenery JosBaz. Thanks for sharing.

I lived in Nederland in the early 70s and remember some frigid winter weather.

[elagache]

Thanks Jos for sharing!   

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

Cheers, Edouard 

[elagache]

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

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:



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

[elagache]

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:



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

Cheers, Edouard 

[elagache]

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:



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 

[xairbusdriver]

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!

[elagache]

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

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



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