A Flare on the Sun
This series of images were taken on June 14, 2012, using a telescope which lets through only one shade of red light called hydrogen-alpha light. This light comes from the atmosphere of the Sun, and reveals features such as sunspots and plages. Sunspots, relatively cool regions, appear as dark dots. Plages are hot clouds that hover above sunspots, appearing as a brighter yellow.
The images highlight the effects of a pair of solar flares, flashes of high-energy light caused when magnetic loops on the Sun collide. These flares happened only a few minutes apart in sunspot 1504, the large sunspot toward the lower center of the images. The first flare peaked at 10:08 am EDT, and the second at 10:35 am. They are classified as moderate M1.5 and M1.9 flares. The intense radiation of the flares heated up the plages near the sunspot, making them glow white.
Over the course of the next several hours, the hottest part of the plages moved around, partially covering sunspot 1504, and then faded. The frames at right are close-ups of the sunspot region where the flares occurred.
Telescope: Lunt 100mm hydrogen-alpha
Camera: Lumenera Skynyx 2-2M
Image Number: WEB12501-2012
Credit: Image by Geneviève de Messières and Emily Berkson, Smithsonian Public Observatory Project
For print or commercial use please see our permissions page.


5 Effective Ways To Get Clean Air At Home
The quality of air around us has a huge impact on our lives. Poor quality of the air could lead to heart diseases, strokes, etc. People go for health check-ups regularly but often underestimate the quality of air we breathe. Studies also say that the air we breathe inside our home is more polluted than the air outside. There are a number of reasons why air inside is so toxic.
Here are a few ways to purify air at homes
- Invest in an air purifier: Air purifiers can be effective in reducing the harmful particles from the air. If you have allergies, you should invest in a quality air purifier. They tend to eliminate most of the common-born allergens. So, if you or your child has asthma, make sure you install one in his room.
- Open your windows: This is one of the simplest but effective ways to improve the overall quality of air. Opening the windows for 10 minutes a day can be helpful in getting rid of harmful toxic substances and improving the indoor air quality. Exhaust fans are also a great choice to push pollutants outside.
- Himalayan Salt Lamp: A natural himalayan salt lamp is a natural air purifier that can eradicate airborne allergens by removing the moisture out of the air. You can significantly improve the quality of the air by placing a rock salt lamp in the room. Remember, natural salt lamps work great when they are turned on, but they are also considered effective even when they are turned off.
- Plants: Houseplants are a great way to purify the air. Research suggests that houseplants can purify the air and protect us from the side effects associated with harmful toxins in the air. You can consider some options such as Lady Palm, Aloe Vera, etc.
- Consider essential oils: Essential oils such as rosemary, clove can help improve the quality of the air. It has been proved that such oils can reduce airborne particles and are capable of killing harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. You just need to add a few drops of essential oils in lukewarm water and let it sit in your room. This would help in keeping the air clean.
- Charcoal: Activated charcoal can help in purifying the air indoors. Also known as activated carbon, it has high absorptive properties. It eliminates harmful toxins from the air and makes it clean. Bamboo charcoal can also work as well. So, if you want to breathe fresh and clean air, activated charcoal can be very effective.
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A large last winter-like storm making its way across the country this morning. At this time of year, storms can be found on two sides: a cold and a warmer side, and we are evidently on the warm side. A lot of places are 40 degrees cooler today than they were just 24 hours ago!
It’s important to note the existence of winter storm advisory and winter storm warnings across an extensive area that extends from Oklahoma to all the way through Maine. On the colder side of the storm there’s likely to be freezing rain, snow and sleet, which can make for difficult travel. In the East, where the winds are coming from the south there were advisories for wind coming from to the Gulf Coast all the way up to Eastern Maine. This will give you an idea of how vast the system in question is. It’s not really unusual, but it’s rather massive.
Due to the strong southern winds, we’re likely to rise close to or even above 60 on Thursday afternoon, possibly beating the record of 61, which was set back in 1981. Even if we don’t beat the record, a lot of the snow is likely to melt away, and if you’re hoping to take advantage of the warmer weather, you don’t need to worry about rain.
The wind is actually the main story, with wind-related warnings being issued in Eastern Connecticut, all of Rhode Island, and Southeastern Massachusetts including Boston and all the way to Worcester. This region could see speeds of up to 60 miles per hour overnight and in the early part of the morning on Friday. It’s strong enough to cause scattered power outages, and possibly some damage to trees.
Read more : how late is the closest grocery store open
Further inland, the winds will be strong but they won’t be as strong, or severe. Also, power interruptions are not as likely. A majority of models for short-range agree that the winds will peak at around 2 or three a.m. before it will begin to ease off at sunrise.
There’s a chance of a flurry of rain with the strongest winds that will arrive after midnight. Since it’s moving quickly, I’m not worried about flooding, but large Puddles are likely during any downpours that are localized. In most areas, there will be about one-quarter inch of rain which isn’t much of a deal. Additionally, it shouldn’t be shocking if we could hear the sound of thunder.
The high temperature on Friday will be recorded shortly before sunrise , in the 50s. However, once the frontal system has passed the temperatures will begin to fall , and will be to the lower 30s at sunset. This should set us up for a colder, drier weekend. I wouldn’t rule out an icy or rainy shower on Saturday. However, Sunday is likely to be dry and sunny with mostly clear sky and less winds.
President’s Day is my pick of the three-day weekend , with temperatures of 50 degrees and lots of sunshine. It could be a bit shaky on Tuesday, but it’s too hot for snow. In the longer term I believe that the next chance for wintery weather could be the week following Friday, however with a forecast of one week, that may not be the case.


Portugal has long been a popular year-round holiday destination for Europeans. This is, in part, due to its relatively warm winters and long hot summer days. The climate in Portugal can vary considerably from one region to another and is influenced by the topography, latitude and proximity to the sea. If you are planning to travel throughout Portugal, expect the Northern region, including Porto and the Douro Valley, to be cooler. A good sweater is highly recommended, especially at night, during all but the summer season.
The Algarve, being influence by the sea and southern latitudes, is much warmer with an afternoon or evening breeze almost guaranteed. Let’s have a closer look at the climate in the Algarve.
The Algarve is the sunniest and one of the warmest regions in all of Europe with mild winters and hot, dry summers. Though bordering the Atlantic, it has a Mediterranean climate similar to Spain and Greece. The average high temperature is 25ºC / 77ºF with it’s peak in July and August at around 29°C / 82ºF with averages in September and June falling around 26°C / 79ºF. In the evening, the temperature rarely goes below 20°C / 68ºF making it an ideal climate to go out for al fresco dinning in the evening.
The predominant wind direction in the summer is from the North, overland. These prevailing winds and the afternoon land breeze provide a reliable beam reach while under sail. Since the wind is coming over land, the sea state remains calm with relatively small waves.
The surface water temperatures allow for an refreshing swim at an average of 20ºC / 68ºF throughout the summer months and peaking in September. The water temperatures are at their lowest around the Cape of St. Vincent near Sagres and increase as one navigates towards the Gulf of Cadiz.
If you prefer to avoid the summer heat and the crowds, Autumn is a great time to visit the Algarve.
In October and November, the average high temperatures are around 24°C / 75°F during the day with evening temperatures around 15ºC / 59°F. The land breeze and prevailing winds becomes less intense during these months, so night-time strolls through our historic seaside towns are still enjoyable, though a sweater is recommended. This is the best time to swim in the Algarve as the seas are still warm from the long summer days. Though you are more likely in autumn to see clouds in the sky and some rain, the Algarve has the least amount of rainfall compared to the rest of Europe and under 150 mm of precipitation falls within these months.
Winter is the shortest season in the Algarve and lasts from December until February.
The weather is very mild with an average of 16°C / 60°F, though the nights can be fresh with single digit temperatures. The prevailing winds back towards the Southwesterly direction in the winter months, so evenings safely berthed in marinas, or one of our protected bays and channels is highly recommended. The sunrises and sunsets are at their most beautiful during these months as the Sun rises and sets over the ocean.
The weather can be stormy with the strongest winds of the year making for some exhilarating sailing. If you choose to charter a boat over this season, make sure you have an experienced skipper and proper wet-weather gear.
March, April and May are great times to visit the Algarve. The average high temperatures climb to 18°C / 64°F in March, 20°C / 68°F in April and 22°C / 71°F in May however night time temperatures remain cool, so a light jacket is advised.
This is a great time for outdoor activities such as sailing, exploring sea caves and hiking. Though the sea temperatures are still cool in the spring, sunbathing is certainly a popular activity on the numerous beautiful beaches that line the Southern coast.
These are the greenest months in the Algarve as our early spring benefits from the rain that falls during the winter months. The prevailing winds veer towards a more Northerly direction producing increasingly drier days. Some great sailing can be had as the afternoon land breeze increases with raising day-time temperatures.
Sailing or motoring in Portugal is an amazing way to discover the country: just plot a route, cast off and set out exploring!
The local Portiate crew introduces you to some of the main Marinas in the Algarve.
Our local skippers have selected some of the best restaurants in the Algarve.
The best tips for Eating and Drinking in the Algarve by our local skippers.
Our local crew would like to introduce you to some of the main cities in the Algarve.


So, what is the Winter Solstice, anyway?
In simple terms, the Winter Equinox is when Earth has the least amount of daylight and the longest night. In technical terms, when the winter solstice happens in the Northern Hemisphere, the North Pole is tilted about 23.4° (23°27′) away from the Sun.
The Equinoxes (Vernal & Autumnal)
There are only two times of the year when the Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, resulting in a “nearly” equal amount of daylight and darkness at all latitudes. These events are referred to as Equinoxes.The word equinox is derived from two Latin words – aequus (equal) and nox (night). At the equator, the sun is directly overhead at noon on these two equinoxes. The “nearly” equal hours of day and night is due to refraction of sunlight or a bending of the light’s rays that causes the sun to appear above the horizon when the actual position of the sun is below the horizon. Additionally, the days become a little longer at the higher latitudes (those at a distance from the equator) because it takes the sun longer to rise and set. Therefore, on the equinox and for several days before and after the equinox, the length of day will range from about 12 hours and six and one-half minutes at the equator, to 12 hours and 8 minutes at 30 degrees latitude, to 12 hours and 16 minutes at 60 degrees latitude.
The Solstices (Summer & Winter)
The summer solstice occurs at the moment the Earth’s tilt toward from the sun is at a maximum. Therefore, on the day of the summer solstice, the sun appears at its highest elevation with a noontime position that changes very little for several days before and after the summer solstice. The summer solstice occurs when the Sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer, which is located at 23.5° latitude North, and runs through Mexico, the Bahamas, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India, and Southern China. For every place north of the Tropic of Cancer, the sun is at its highest point in the sky and this is the longest day of the year.
The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, it occurs when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, which is located at 23.5° south of the equator and runs through Australia, Chile, southern Brazil, and northern South Africa.
We all know that the Earth makes a complete revolution around the Sun once every 365 days, following an orbit that is elliptical in shape. This means that the distance between the Earth and Sun, which is 93 million miles on average, varies throughout the year. During the first week in January, the Earth is about 1.6 million miles closer to the Sun. This is referred to as the perihelion. The aphelion, or the point at which the Earth is about 1.6 million miles farther away from the Sun, occurs during the first week in July. This fact may sound counter to what we know about seasons in the Northern Hemisphere, but actually, the difference is not significant in terms of climate and is NOT the reason why we have seasons. Seasons are caused by the fact that the Earth is tilted on its axis by 23.5°. The tilt’s orientation with respect to space does not change during the year; thus, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun in June and away from the Sun in December.
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Article Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
and the National Weather Service


Atmospheric carbon dioxide reached a seasonal peak of 417.1 parts per million (ppm) for 2020 in May, the highest monthly reading ever recorded, according to scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego, who used measurements at Mauna Loa Observatory.
That’s a carbon dioxide level not experienced by the atmosphere in at least several million years, according to the scientists’ press release.
This year’s peak value was 2.4 ppm higher than the previous peak of 414.7 ppm recorded in May 2019. Monthly carbon dioxide values at Mauna Loa first topped the 400 ppm mark in 2014.
The peak comes despite worldwide government policies during the coronavirus pandemic that have drastically altered patterns of energy demand, according to a recent study in the journal Nature Climate Change.
The study estimates daily global CO2 emissions decreased by 17 percent by early April because of stay-at-home orders, reductions in transportation and changing consumption patterns. Emissions in individual countries decreased by 26 percent on average at their peak, the study notes.
“People may be surprised to hear that the response to the coronavirus outbreak hasn’t done more to influence CO2 levels,” said geochemist Ralph Keeling in the release. Keeling runs the Scripps Oceanography program at Mauna Loa. “But the buildup of CO2 is a bit like trash in a landfill. As we keep emitting, it keeps piling up.
“The crisis has slowed emissions, but not enough to show up perceptibly at Mauna Loa. What will matter much more is the trajectory we take coming out of this situation,” Keeling said.


Friday, May 17, 2013
8 of the 10 most polluted US cities are located in California
Since the American Lung Association began studying particle pollution, almost all of the most polluted cities have consistently remained among the worst. The ALA’s 2013 “State of the Air” report measures cities based on low-lying ozone pollution, as well as both short- and long-term particle pollution.
Based on average long-term particle pollution figures collected by the ALA between 2009 and 2011, 24/7 Wall St. identified the 10 most polluted cities in the country. For each of these metropolitan areas, the ALA noted the population and the number of people in the area with health problems that high pollution can exacerbate, such as asthma and cardiovascular disease.
Check out the 10 most polluted US cities, 8 are in California:


The world is burning, and the Trump administration wants to make it worse
by Eugene Robinson
The timing of the administration’s proposal to roll back fuel standards is downright villainous.
Look at the non-political news these days: Deadly wildfires burn out of control in parched California. Unusually heavy rains cause devastating floods in parts of Asia. A punishing heat wave kills scores in Japan, South Korea and normally temperate parts of Europe, pushing the mercury into the 90s in Scandinavia. Can anyone fail to see a pattern?
With increasing confidence — and growing alarm — some leading climate scientists attribute this summer’s bizarre weather to human-induced global warming. Meanwhile, the Trump administration wants to make it all worse. This week we saw a juxtaposition of events that you couldn’t make up. On Wednesday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Weather data is collected all year round for various meteorological science purposes. The data is analysed and translated into confusing facts and figures and the beauty and simplicity of the raw data is lost. A simple precipitation graph can create the profile of a carafe. A form that is easily read by anyone, each layer represents rainfall over a given period, allowing instant comparison of the change in weather patterns.
With 2011 being one of the driest years on record and more droughts predicted this year, the 100-year East Anglia Spring Carafe demonstrates the extremity of this, while the two Eastbourne carafes compare rainfall levels 100 years apart. Beyond the simple poetry between rain and the holding of water, the carafes become reminder of the constant change in weather in our environments and a subtle dialogue between water management issues and the potential involvement of changing global weather climates.


Weather Watcher Live 7.2.276 Crack + License Key Full Version Free Download 2023
Weather Watcher Live Crack is a real-time Windows desktop weather station software. Provides weather conditions from WeatherBug stations or reported by NWS using crack. It can automatically fetch all the latest updates, including hourly forecasts, daily forecasts, weather maps, and bad weather alerts for thousands of cities and countries. You can quickly check weather conditions by hovering over the icon in the system tray. The fluid interface is updated in real-time as new weather information becomes available.
You can stay on top of weather and weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service with the license key. Weather Watcher Live Spanish Full is a portable Windows weather station that is operating in real time. Create a wallpaper on your desktop that shows full real-time information about the weather in your city. It connects you with the nearest weather stations to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date weather information. You can quickly access local weather conditions and forecasts, severe alerts, and maps on any Windows computer with the help of a serial key.
Weather Watcher Live License Key has a well-balanced interface that allows you to manage the program and receive all the necessary information about weather conditions in just a few clicks. Keygen allows you to automatically retrieve weather data at a set interval and easily display the current temperature condition in a custom tray icon on the desktop.
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The Weather Watcher Live Serial Key is an advanced tool that provides real-time weather updates, daily estimates, extreme weather alerts, and weather maps for over 77,000 areas worldwide. The full version is available for free download. You can also download the torrent file with a series. Download the app and get the weather conditions from the most reliable international weather stations.
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As we approach the climatological coldest time of the year, much of local talk centers around the weather. Why, since the Halloween weekend storm, have we only had one measurable snowfall in December for the Pawling area, and none for the NYC area? Since 1860, weather records for NYC have shown only three Decembers that had no recorded measurable snow. As of January 21st (and yes, it’s snowing), no additional significant snows are expected through the end of this month.
The question that always comes up in conversation is how long can we go without snow? For some people like myself, a true weather weenie and one time snow lover, I’m happy that I do not have to make the long drive to work in snow and ice covered roads. For the skier, and businesses that rely on snow for income, as well as most school age kids, it’s been tremendously disappointing.
Why has this winter gone this way? Is it global warming? No. Is it the 11-year solar cycle? No. To this point, the configuration of the jet stream (steering winds aloft) has not allowed any east coast storms to develop and looking down the road, it appears this pattern may continue through most of January. I can recall many winters in the 70’s where snow was sparse, so while it’s unusual, it’s not unprecedented. After the near record breaking snow we had last year, what makes this season unusual is that we are in a typical La Nina year (colder sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean). More snow storms usually occur in the northeast, not less.
What is the outlook for the rest of the winter season? Since I have a 50/50 chance of being correct, I would expect the pattern to change late this month, so the snow lovers amongst us will not be totally denied.


Accuracy of Hurricane Forecasting
Our area was one of if not the hardest hit areas in the region during Hurricane Florence in September of 2018. When forecasters originally released the path of the monster storm, Florence was expected to make landfall as a Category 4 storm. However, over the coming days the National Hurricane Center (NHC) would downgrade her to a Category 1 as she made landfall just south of Wrightsville Beach on September 14 with sustained winds of 90mph. The states of North Carolina and South Carolina had already declared states of emergency and ordered many mandatory evacuations. When the storm hovered over the area and dumped nearly 40 inches of rain it became the wettest tropical cyclone recorded in the Carolinas and the eighth wettest overall in the contiguous United States (KTVQ Billings News/NHC Report May 4, 2019). Despite Florence’s weakened status of Category 1, the high pressure ridge that stalled the storm out over our state for the following days caused the major inland rivers-Neuse, Eno, Cape Fear and Lumber to breach their banks and flood the surrounding areas. The majority of Pender County and the city of Wilmington were entirely cutoff from the mainland and left many communities without food and gas for multiple days. At least 54 deaths were attributed to the storm. Many were left wondering after such a catastrophe, how accurate are the forecasts that we are given prior to a storm making landfall?
The National Hurricane Center is a component of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction which is located at Florida International University in Miami Florida. The first hurricane warning services began in the 1870’s in Cuba. As technology changed and the ability to track the storms became more accessible, the government began to invest more money and time into forecasting the deadly storms. The NHC began formally in the 1950’s using aircraft to study tropical cyclones and to carry out experiments on mature hurricanes. In 1956 a National Hurricane Information Center was established in Miami Florida. In the last 60+ years it has changed locations and the name has shifted slightly, but the main goal has remained “to save lives, mitigate property loss, and improve economic efficiency by issuing the best watches, warnings, forecasts, and analyses of hazardous tropical weather and by increasing understanding of these hazards.” (https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutintro.shtml)
The first known recorded forecast was in 1954, with 24 hour predictions of a tropical cyclone’s track were made. (https://noaanhc.wordpress.com/) In the following years, the NHC has broadened the window with which the forecast is made in by releasing a hurricane season forecast for the season in May of each year. With the research assistance of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), part of whose mission is to understand and predict changes in climate and weather, the NHC can issue an outlook with 70% confidence that hurricane activity will fall within predicted ranges and that they are accurate 70% of the time. The preseason outlook is determined as close to the beginning of Hurricane Season as possible, June 1, to ensure that it accurately accounts for changes in major climate phenomenon’s such as El Nino/La Nina cycle, Atlantic sea surface temperatures and the West African monsoons-which was the origin of Hurricane Florence. (https://www.noaa.gov/stories.creating-atlantic-hurricane-season-outlook-may-makes-all-difference)
So, are the forecasts more accurate?
According to the NHC, there has been a steady reduction in the track errors over time, with average errors in the current decade about 30-40% smaller than they were in the 2000’s and about half of the size or less than they were in the 1990’s. (https://noaanhc.wordpress.com/) Obviously, the main reason the tracks are more accurate is technology, more specifically the satellites and the drones that are able to fly into the eye of the storm to observe the behaviors. Additionally the amount and quality of data available to input in the various model systems help paint an initial picture of the atmosphere and have increased dramatically in the last 20 to 30 years. These factors along with many other advancements in technology have made vast improvements in what scientists and meteorologists are able to predict.
For now we can expect that the errors will continue to decrease, but at some point the predictions will plateau. For now though, be sure that you have some kind of notification system on your phone or at your home to keep you and your family safe in the likelihood of any weather event.


|Title||Using Total Exposure to Rank Sources of Air Pollution in China|
|Collaborators||Guodong Sun (CMU), H. Keith Florig (CMU)|
|Keywords||particulate air pollution, China, total exposure, greenhouse gas emission control, PM10|
Improved air quality is an important ancillary benefit of GHG emission reduction. Given the huge health damages from air pollution in China, this benefit can be substantial. The health benefits of GHG emissions reductions from a particular source of air pollution depends not only on pollutant emission reductions, but also on the proximity of populations to the source. Thus, GHG emissions reductions applied to sources in the midst of dense urban centers (e.g. diesel buses, coal-fired residential boilers) may have greater health benefits than GHG reductions applied to more distant, but larger sources, such as power plants.
This project examines this issue by analyzing and ranking the major sources of non-occupational exposure to particulate air pollution (primary PM10) in China. Models of pollutant emissions, pollutant diffusion, population location, and population time-use are developed to estimate total PM10 exposure for five major source types and four population subgroups in both urban and rural settings. Particle sources addressed are environmental tobacco smoking (ETS), cooking stoves, heating stoves, district heating boilers, on-road vehicles, and coal-fired power stations. Population subgroups considered are pre-school children, school children, working adults, and the aged. This study is based on a hypothetical city and a hypothetical village with characteristics typical of China's urban and rural areas. The models are coded in Analytica so that uncertainties and variabilities in model parameters can be easily considered in the results, which are expressed as probability distributions. For urban areas in northern China, the model shows that residential heating is the most important source of non-occupational population exposure to primary PM10 for all population groups. This is followed by ETS, cooking, on-road vehicles, and power stations. Urban exposures from heating, ETS, and cooking are at least one order of magnitude higher than exposures from motor vehicles and power stations, yet power station emissions often receive the most regulatory attention. In rural areas, cooking and heating are the largest sources of primary PM10 exposure with ETS making a significant contribution as well. Except for cooking, there is little source-to-source variation in among age groups. Individual exposure to cooking by pre-school children and aged-people are about 45% and 30% higher than that by school children and working people, respectively.


Monday, September 08, 2008
statement as of 11:00 EDT
...Ike battering Camaguey Cuba...heading westward for central and western Cuba... at 11 am EDT...1500 UTC...the government of Cuba has issued a Hurricane Warning for the western provinces of of la Habana...Ciudad de Habana...Pinar del Rio...and the Isle of Youth. A Hurricane Warning is now in effect for the Cuban provinces of Guantanamo...Santiago de Cuba... Holguin...Las Tunas and Granma...Camaguey...Ciego de Avila....Villa Clara...Sancti Spiritus...Cienfuegos...Matanzas...la Habana...Ciudad de Habana...Pinar del Rio...and the Isle of Youth. At 11 am EDT...1500 UTC...the government of the Cayman Islands has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Florida Keys from Ocean Reef southward to the Dry Tortugas...including Florida Bay. A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. A Hurricane Watch remains in effect for the Florida Keys from Ocean Reef southward to the Dry Tortugas. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Andros Island and Ragged Island. A tropical storm watch remains in effect for Jamaica and Grand Cayman. Interests in South Florida should continue to monitor the progress of Ike. For storm information specific to your area...including possible inland watches and warnings...please monitor products issued by your local weather office. At 1100 am EDT...1500z...the center of Hurricane Ike was located near latitude 21.1 north...longitude 78.5 west or about 45 miles... 70 km...west-southwest of Camaguey Cuba and about 290 miles...465 km...east-southeast of Havana Cuba. Ike is moving toward the west near 14 mph...22 km/hr...but a turn toward the west-northwest should begin later today. On this track...the center of Hurricane Ike should move back over water near Punta macurijes in the Cuban province of Camaguey soon. Ike should then move along or just south of the southern coast of central Cuba today...move over western Cuba Tuesday...and emerge into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico by Tuesday night. Maximum sustained winds are near 100 mph...160 km/hr...with higher gusts. Ike is a category two hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Slight weakening is possible today until Ike moves back over water. However...any deviation to the south of the track could keep Ike over water longer resulting in some restrengthening during next day or so. A reconnaissance aircraft will provide a better estimate of Ike's intensity this afternoon. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 60 miles...95 km...from the center...and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles...325 km. The estimated minimum central pressure is 960 mb...28.35 inches. Coastal storm surge flooding of 9-12 feet above normal tide levels...along with large and dangerous battering waves...can be expected in areas of onshore winds east of Ike along the southern coast of Cuba. Storm surge flooding of 1-3 feet...along with large and dangerous waves...are possible in the Florida Keys. Large swells generated by Ike will continue to affect portions of the southeast United States coast during the next couple of days. These waves could generate dangerous and life-threatening rip currents. Ike is expected to produce rainfall accumulations of 6 to 12 inches over Cuba...with isolated maximum amounts of up to 20 inches possible. These rains are likely to cause life-threatening flash floods and mud slides over mountainous terrain. Rainfall accumulations of 3 to 6 inches are possible over Jamaica...with 2 to 4 inches possible over the Cayman Islands and the southern Bahamas. Rainfall accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are possible over the Florida Keys. Isolated tornadoes are possible over the extreme southern Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys through tomorrow. Repeating the 1100 am EDT position...21.1 N...78.5 W. Movement toward...west near 14 mph. Maximum sustained winds...100 mph. Minimum central pressure...960 mb. An intermediate advisory will be issued by the National Hurricane Center at 200 PM EDT followed by the next complete advisory at 500 PM EDT.


INVITATION to 2013 Skywarn Recognition Day at the NWS Office in Grand Rapids.
SKYWARN Recognition Day was developed in 1999 by the National Weather Service and the American Radio Relay League. It celebrates the contributions that volunteer SKYWARN radio operators make to the National Weather Service. During the day SKYWARN operators visit NWS offices and contact other radio operators across the world.
We are looking for Amateur Radio volunteers to help us staff radios at the NWS Office and make
contacts on this recognition day. This is a 24 Hour event, nighttime volunteers are appreciated.
What: 2013 Grand Rapids SKYWARN Recognition Day
When: 7pm, Friday December 6th, 2013 through 7pm Saturday December 7th, 2013
Where: NWS Grand Rapids Forecast Office, 4899 S. Complex Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI
How to Sign Up: https://grrskywarn.eventbrite.com/ to pick a time slot.
Additional questions or for more information please contact any of the following:
Jim Maczko - NWS Grand Rapids - James [dot] Maczko [at] noaa [dot] gov
Jeff Stapel - Muskegon County Skywarn Coordinator - w8swx [at] comcast [dot] net
Jason Veenstra - Allegan County Skywarn - jason [at] veenstraonline [dot] com
Mike Gage - Kent County - mrgage1 [at] sbcglobal [dot] net
Warning Coordination Meteorologist
NOAA National Weather Service
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512
616−949−0643 ext. 726
Home Page: www.weather.gov/grandrapids


As if a hurricane wasn’t enough, we’re now in the middle of a noreaster. What was supposed to be some rain and wind has turned into a blizzard–the last weather report said we could get up to five inches of snow! And with the winds picking up speed, the potential to lose power is very real. It’s going to be a long night.
I don’t know what we did to anger Mother Nature, but we’re sorry. Very, very sorry. Please stop?


An Introduction to Atmospheric PhysicsPublication details: Cambridge University Press, 2010 Cambridge ; New YorkEdition: 2nd edDescription: x, 237 pages : illustrations ; 26 cmISBN:
- 551.5 AND
|Item type||Current library||Call number||Status||Date due||Barcode|
|Books||Anant National University Central Library||551.5 AND (Browse shelf(Opens below))||Available||004902|
Machine generated contents note: 1. Introduction; 2. Atmospheric thermodynamics; 3. Atmospheric radiation; 4. Basic fluid dynamics; 5. Further atmospheric fluid dynamics; 6. Stratospheric chemistry; 7. Atmospheric remote sounding; 8. Climate change; 9. Atmospheric modelling; Appendix A. Useful physical constants; Appendix B. Derivation of the equations of motion in spherical coordinates; References; Index.
"A quantitative introduction to the Earth's atmosphere for intermediate-advanced undergraduate and graduate students, with an emphasis on underlying physical principles. This edition has been brought completely up-to-date, and now includes a new chapter on the physics of climate change which builds upon material introduced in earlier chapters, giving the student a broad understanding of some of the physical concepts underlying this most important and topical subject. In contrast to many other books on atmospheric science, the emphasis is on the underlying physics. Atmospheric applications are developed mainly in the problems given at the end of each chapter. The book is an essential resource for all students of atmospheric physics as part of an atmospheric science, meteorology, physics, Earth science, planetary science, or applied mathematics course"--Provided by publisher.


To view the Orionid Meteor Shower this weekend, find a dark location away from city lights. This weekend, skywatchers will have the opportunity to witness the Orionid Meteor Shower, a dazzling display of shooting stars that originates from the debris left by Halley’s Comet.
To make the most of this celestial event, enthusiasts should locate a dark area far from the glare of city lights, ideally on higher ground for a better vantage point. The shower is expected to peak during the predawn hours on October 20th and 21st, with an estimated rate of 20 meteors per hour.
The shower gets its name from the constellation Orion, as the meteors appear to radiate from this direction in the sky. Arm yourself with patience and look up to the stars for a captivating experience this weekend.
Astronomy Basics For Stargazers
Understanding the Orionid Meteor Shower phenomenon is essential for astronomy enthusiasts who want to maximize their viewing experience this weekend. Meteor showers are celestial events that occur when the Earth passes through a trail of debris left behind by a comet or asteroid. The Orionids, specifically, are associated with Halley’s Comet, a periodic comet that orbits the sun every 76 years.
During the Orionid Meteor Shower, Earth’s atmosphere collides with the debris, causing the particles to burn up and create beautiful streaks of light across the sky. The best time to view the meteor shower is in the pre-dawn hours, as the radiant point (the spot where the meteors appear to originate from) lies in the constellation Orion.
To fully appreciate this phenomenon, find a location with minimal light pollution and give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness. Patience is key, as it may take around 20 minutes for your eyes to adapt and for you to start spotting meteors. Remember to dress warmly, bring a comfortable chair or blanket, and enjoy the awe-inspiring spectacle of nature.
Finding The Ideal Spot For Meteor Watching
When viewing the Orionid Meteor Shower this weekend, it is crucial to find the perfect spot for optimal meteor gazing. One important factor to consider is the level of light pollution in your area. Evaluating the light pollution levels will help identify ideal locations for meteor viewing. Areas with minimal light pollution provide darker skies, enhancing visibility of the meteors. You can use online resources or mobile apps to access light pollution maps and determine areas with lower light pollution levels. Once you have identified potential locations, find spots with unobstructed views of the night sky to maximize your meteor watching experience. Look for open spaces away from city lights, tall buildings, and trees that may block your view. Remember to check the weather forecast and plan your outing accordingly, as clear skies contribute to better meteor visibility. So, prepare yourself for an incredible experience under the star-studded night sky.
Preparing For Meteor Observation
Gearing up for the Orionid Meteor Shower this weekend? Here’s a quick guide on how to prepare for the best meteor observation experience:
|Gather essential supplies and equipment|
|Meteor observation requires minimal equipment, but there are a few essentials you’ll want to have on hand:|
Learn how to make yourself comfortable during the viewing by dressing appropriately for the weather conditions. Layer your clothing so you can adjust as needed. Bring pillows, cushions, or additional blankets to create a cozy setup. Avoid using bright lights and consider using a red flashlight or cover your flashlight with red cellophane to minimize light pollution and preserve your night vision.
Weather Forecast And Moon Phase
The Orionid Meteor Shower is set to peak this weekend, offering a spectacular display of shooting stars. However, to fully enjoy this celestial event, it’s important to consider the weather conditions and the moon phase.
|Check the weather forecast in your location to ensure clear skies. Cloud cover can hinder visibility, so it’s crucial to choose a night with minimal or no clouds. Websites and weather apps can provide accurate updates on cloud cover and atmospheric conditions.|
Another factor to consider is the moon phase. The brightness of the moon can affect the visibility of meteors. A full moon can create excessive light pollution, making it harder to spot the fainter meteor streaks. Ideally, aim to view the meteor shower during a moon phase with less moonlight interference, such as a crescent or quarter moon.
By checking the weather conditions and moon phase, you can maximize your chances of experiencing the Orionid Meteor Shower at its finest. Don’t forget to find a dark and open location away from city lights for optimal viewing. Happy stargazing!
Timing Your Meteor Experience
To view the Orionid Meteor Shower this weekend, it is essential to determine the peak nights. The shower typically takes place from mid-October to early November, with the peak occurring around October 21-22. During these nights, the number of meteors visible per hour can reach up to 20 or more under favorable conditions. To enhance your viewing experience, find a location away from city lights with a clear view of the sky.
For optimal viewing, aim to find a spot with an unobstructed view to the southeast. This direction is where the meteors will appear to radiate from, near the constellation Orion. The best time to observe the shower is after midnight until dawn, as the Earth rotates towards the direction of the shower during this time.
Remember to be patient while viewing the Orionid Meteor Shower, as it can take between 20-30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. Avoid looking at any bright lights, including phone screens, as this can hinder your ability to see the faint meteors streaking across the sky.
Maximizing Meteor Spotting Techniques
When viewing the Orionid Meteor Shower this weekend, it is important to understand the radiant point and its significance. The radiant point is the area in the sky from which the meteors appear to originate. In the case of the Orionid Meteor Shower, the radiant point is the constellation Orion. Knowing the radiant point allows the observer to focus their attention in the right direction and increase the chances of spotting meteors.
There are several techniques that can enhance the experience of observing meteors and meteor showers:
- Choose a dark location away from city lights: Light pollution can hinder meteor spotting, so find an area with minimal light disturbance.
- Watch during the peak hours: The best time to view the Orionid Meteor Shower is during the late night and early morning hours.
- Use a comfortable chair or blanket: Observing meteors can require prolonged periods of looking up, so ensure you are comfortable during the viewing session.
- Be patient: Meteors can appear sporadically, so it may take some time to spot them. Relax and give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness.
By applying these techniques, observers can maximize their chances of viewing the Orionid Meteor Shower and make the most of this celestial event.
Capturing The Cosmic Event
If you’re planning to view the Orionid Meteor Shower this weekend and capture the cosmic event through astrophotography, there are a few tips that can help you make the most of your experience. Firstly, make sure you have the right camera settings and equipment. To capture the fast-moving meteors, set your camera to manual mode and use a wide-angle lens with a low aperture to capture as much of the night sky as possible. Use a sturdy tripod to keep your camera steady during long exposures.
Next, adjust your camera’s ISO settings to a high value, around 1600-3200, to capture the faint light of the meteors. You should also set a long exposure time, between 15-30 seconds, to capture multiple meteors in a single shot. Experiment with different exposure times to find the right balance for your specific shooting conditions.
In terms of equipment, consider using a remote shutter release or the camera’s built-in timer to minimize camera shake. Additionally, bring warm clothing and a comfortable chair to ensure a pleasant viewing experience as you wait for meteors to appear.
Sharing The Experience
Are you ready to witness the magical Orionid Meteor Shower this weekend? Share the experience with your friends and loved ones by organizing a meteor shower watch party. Invite fellow stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts to join you in awe-inspiring night sky observation. Create a memorable event by setting up telescopes, providing comfortable seating arrangements, and even arranging some delicious snacks. Encourage everyone to bring their own blankets and chairs for a cozy viewing experience. Before the shower starts, share interesting facts about the meteor shower and the Orionid constellation. Guide your guests on how to spot the meteors and explain the science behind this celestial phenomenon. Engage in conversations, swap stories, and marvel at the beauty of nature’s light show. Capturing photographs of the meteors can make the night even more memorable, so don’t forget to bring your camera along.
Safety Precautions During Meteor Watching
When viewing the Orionid Meteor Shower this weekend, it is essential to take certain safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Protecting yourself from cold weather conditions is crucial during night-time observation. Wear several layers of warm clothing to keep yourself insulated, including a hat, gloves, and thick socks. Consider using hand and foot warmers to provide additional heat. It is also essential to have proper footwear to prevent slipping on wet surfaces or uneven terrain. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids before and during the viewing. Additionally, use a flashlight with a red filter to preserve your night vision and minimize the risk of tripping or stumbling in the dark. By following these safety measures, you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Orionid Meteor Shower without compromising your well-being.
Bonus Tip: Meteor Shower Etiquette
If you’re eager to witness the breathtaking Orionid Meteor Shower this weekend, it’s essential to adhere to proper meteor shower etiquette to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience. Bear in mind the following guidelines:
- Avoid using disruptive lights, like flashlights or cell phone screens, as they can hinder everyone’s ability to appreciate the celestial display.
- Find a comfortable spot away from highly illuminated areas and light pollution to maximize your chances of spotting meteors.
- Consider bringing a reclining chair or blanket to lie back and comfortably observe the night sky without straining your neck or back.
- Be mindful of others by refraining from talking loudly or playing loud music. Silence and serenity contribute to a more immersive experience for everyone.
- Remember to dress warmly and bring bug spray if needed, as meteor viewing often takes place during the late hours when temperatures can drop and insects might be present.
Frequently Asked Questions Of How To View The Orionid Meteor Shower This Weekend
Where And When Can I See The Orionid Meteor Shower This Weekend?
The Orionid Meteor Shower can be seen all over the world, especially in areas with low light pollution. The best time to view it is after midnight until dawn on the 21st and 22nd of October.
How Many Meteors Can I Expect To See During The Orionid Meteor Shower?
On average, you can expect to see about 10 to 20 meteors per hour during the peak of the Orionid Meteor Shower. However, this number can vary depending on factors such as weather conditions and the presence of the moon.
How Should I Prepare For Viewing The Orionid Meteor Shower?
To prepare for viewing the Orionid Meteor Shower, find a location away from city lights with a clear view of the sky. Dress warmly, bring a blanket or chair for comfort, and give your eyes at least 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
Don’t forget to bring snacks and drinks for a more enjoyable experience.
Witnessing the magnificent Orionid Meteor Shower this weekend is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. By following simple tips for optimal viewing, such as finding a dark location away from city lights and being patient while scanning the sky, you can fully immerse yourself in this celestial spectacle.
Grab a blanket, gather your loved ones, and get ready to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of shooting stars painting the night sky. Don’t miss your chance to make unforgettable memories under the heavens.


Statewide Tornado Drill-Sirens Will Sound
All Weather Sirens Will Sound
- Date: 03/20/2019 9:50 AM - 9:55 AM
Severe Weather Awareness Week in the State of Ohio is March 17-23, 2019.
During this week, the City of Findlay will participate in a Statewide Tornado Drill on Wednesday, March 20, at 9:50am. During this Statewide Tornado Drill, the all weather sirens will sound.
For more information on severe weather awareness visit the following links:


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- Rotary dial controls for easy console navigation
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The WMR200 Wireless Weather Center gives you all the weather data you'll need-from your own back yard! Equipped with a touch-panel interface for quick and convenient information access, the WMR200 captures over 10 weather measurements, from up to 300 feet away. You'll see the precise Atomic time, current indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity, wind speed and direction, wind chill, dew point, heat index, barometric pressure and rainfall data.
For additional weather monitoring, the unit can support up to ten remote sensors, including a UV monitor (optional). The onboard memory and free PC software with multi-language capability make this the only Weather Center you'll ever need
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A new heat wave looms this week of August 8 with high temperatures in the weekend of August 15 and possible thunderstorms.
This week we are moving again towards high temperatures of between 35 and 38 degrees Celsius on average. Meteo France. A new peak in temperatures is very likely at the end of the week.
Mondaythe maximum should be about 38/39 °C between Occitania and Neoquitin. Mardithe wave will reach northwest France, from Occitanie through the Pays de la Loire to Brittany. WednesdayThe heat wave is intensifying and should move towards the center of the country. It can range between 38 and 39 degrees Celsius. Thursdaythe heat is turning to the east and it will affect a large part of France.
tomorrow #MondayIt will be warm again, and even a little warmer than this Sunday, less than # sulli ud83c udf1e is still radioactive, despite some clouds near the Atlantic and in the mountains. Great beach day ud83c udfd6 ufe0f if you are on vacation! https://t.co/YU30CZqkoh
– Weather Channel (@lachainemeteo) August 7, 2022
The weekend of August 15th may be the hottest this summer, and thunderstorms may erupt in the hot air and make the weather unpleasant and unpleasant. weather channel.
FridayIn the south and southwest of the country it can be very hot with record-breaking temperatures in the Bordeaux (Gironde) region and more generally in New Aquitaine.
In the second half of the week, temperatures will be warmer and warmer across the country. new episode of # heat wave Most likely in many areas with temperatures that will remain very high until the end of next week. Air mass from Saturday 6 August to Sunday 14 August ud83d udc47 pic.twitter.com/Uhw3CPOZhU
– VigiMetéoFrance (@VigiMeteoFrance) August 6, 2022
The only areas left in the middle of the week will be below 30 degrees along the English Channel.
next Saturday, The heat should be sweltering all around and extremes of 34 to 37 degrees Celsius with a peak of 40 degrees Celsius in the east of the country, you’d expect weather channel
Same on Sunday But with thunderstorms they can begin to appear near the Atlantic Ocean, in connection with the ascent of the Portuguese depression towards the Bay of Biscay.
Monday, August 15, another climax?
High temperatures are expected to continue until Monday 15 August. They may have reached their peak at that time. Should a stormy deterioration be announced on the Atlantic Coast and could we see a dip in temperatures in the West herald the heatwave over?
It is difficult to predict with certainty because as described weather channelthis potential stormy deterioration could be delayed due to the resistance to the high pressures installed over Central Europe.
#Heatwave #Expected #peak #weekend #August #15th #temperatures #drop #Free #lunch


IBM’s T.J Watson Research Center is working in conjunction with Harvard University and Princeton University to develop an energy-efficient, self-organizing mesh network to gather data over a distributed methane measurement system. Data will be passed to a cloud-based analytics system using custom models to quantify the amount and rate of methane leakage. Additionally, IBM is developing new, low-cost optical sensors that will use tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) for methane detection. While today’s optical sensors offer excellent sensitivity and selectivity, their high cost and power requirements prevent widespread adoption. To overcome these hurdles, IBM and its partners plan to produce a miniaturized, integrated, on-chip version that is less expensive and consumes less power. At a planned cost of about $300 per sensor, IBM’s sensors will be 10 to 100 times cheaper than TDLAS sensors on the market today. By advancing an affordable methane detection system that can be customized, IBM’s technology could enable producers to more efficiently locate and repair methane leaks, and therefore reduce overall methane emissions.
If successful, IBM will create low-cost, low-maintenance methane sensors that can be customized into a distributed methane detection system, giving operators greater flexibility to continuously monitor methane emissions.
Better methane detection technologies could improve the sustainability of domestic natural gas production and the safety of operations.
Enhanced detection sensors could enable greater mitigation of methane leakage and lead to an overall reduction in harmful methane emissions associated with natural gas development.
IBM’s sensors could exponentially lower the costs of methane detection and help accelerate the adoption of monitoring programs at the nation’s more than 480,000 producing natural gas wells.


“Oh, the weather outside is frightful…” Those are words traditionally sung during the Christmas season. But in the spring of 2011, you might not be surprised to hear those words on the lips of thousands of residents across the Midwest and Southeastern United States. These regions have been beset with unusually severe weather manifesting itself in ruinous flooding, damaging thunderstorms and deadly tornadoes. Just two nights ago, my family huddled in our basement during a “tornado warning” waiting what professional meteorologists predicted would be “a line of storms bearing great ferocity.”
That got me thinking, would I rather face a hurricane or a tornado? Of course, the wise among us — Weather Channel storm chasers not included in this group — would certainly answer, neither of the above!
Let’s face it, if given the option, prudent people would avoid both. But often than option doesn’t exist especially for those who live in tornado alleys or frequently experience the eye of a hurricane.
Hurricanes are bad – but they are predictable. Weather radar can spot a hurricane forming as a low pressure system, then becoming a tropical storm, days before it threatens life and property thousands of miles ahead in its path.
A tornado, on the other hand, is sneakier, more unpredictable and statistically, far more deadly. (From 1979-2002, the average annual number of global deaths attributed to hurricanes has been 19 compared to 55 for tornadoes.) As sophisticated as Doppler weather radar is, weather forecasters admit that they can seldom confirm the existence of a tornado, much less predict what it will do, more than thirteen minutes in advance. Why? A tornado may or may not dip out of a thunderstorm’s cloud wall. When a tornado does form, it may be small and brief, or large and sustained. It may stay on the ground for a few seconds or for several minutes. Death and destruction can be minimal or horrific, as was the case recently in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Joplin, Missouri.
So, what does all this talk about hurricanes and tornadoes mean for leaders?
As a leader, if you receive forecasted predictions of a crisis, you should be preparing for it. People who reside in hurricane prone areas are warned repeatedly to be prepared. The wise listen and respond. Leaders must identify the predictable crisis that may occur on their watch and then prepare accordingly. Some examples of crisis? Absenteeism jumps due to a flu outbreak, a key parts supplier goes on strike, or a major customer cancels an order. It is reasonable to predict that crises like these could happen if we’re watching for the signs.
Leaders should not only keep an ear open to forecasts, they should also keep an eye on the sky for rapidly changing conditions in the economy, customer satisfaction and employee morale. When storm clouds begin to form on the business front, assume that a tornado-like event could result. Panic is not necessary. Prudence and preparedness are. If that unpredictable tornado does dip out of the cloud wall of uncertainty (e.g., an unforeseen lawsuit is filed against the company, an unwelcome suitor proposes a hostile takeover, or fuel costs rise above $4 per gallon), immediately assess the risk and damage. Then, like people are doing throughout tornado riddled areas this week, get out there, do the clean up work and make a plan to avoid related risks in the future.
Oh, if you are wondering — thankfully, the line of weather basically skipped over us this time. A few downed trees. Electricity lost temporarily here and there, but most importantly, no injuries or loss of life. Were we well prepared or just lucky? I like to think it was a combination of both. But either way, we had a storm preparedness plan and we implemented it.
Phillip Van Hooser


The National Weather Service is expecting Tropical Storm Cristobal to be near the Bay of Campeche for the next few days before moving toward the central Gulf of Mexico. Regardless of the track or intensity, heavy rain is possible across south Mississippi late this week and early into next week.
Singing River Electric has activated its storm preparedness plan and is monitoring the storm and its progress. Our crews are ready to respond and restore power at home should the storm’s track shift our way, or away if needed.
What can you do?
- Stay informed. Watch local newscasts and follow social media feeds (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) for SRE, NWS and local news.
- Be ready. Know your evacuation and storm plans, especially if you depend on electric medical devices.
- Take action. Refresh your storm kit supplies, purchase groceries and water and refill prescriptions.
- Get prepared. Download the SmartHub app to report power outages and our Storm Ready PDF with numbers and emergency resources.


CHARLOTTE (AP) — Officials at the State Climate Office at N.C. State University say North Carolina is experiencing drought for the first time in at least two years.
The Charlotte Observer reports that the climate office says that for the past month, many sites across the state are an inch or more below what they normally get this time of year.
Climatologist Rebecca Cumbie says on the office’s website that in the western Piedmont, several sites are 2 inches or more below normal for the past month.
Cumbie also said the two-week period that ended Tuesday was the warmest on record for many areas of the state, with some experiencing mean temperatures as much as 7 degrees above normal.
The warmer temperatures also mean more water evaporates, and when little rain is falling in the first place, that means drought, she said.
Stream flow, ground water, soil moisture levels, agriculture reports and other drought indicators show drought is back in varying degrees across the state, according to Cumbie.


The membership of the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) has approved the OGC CF-netCDF 3.0 encoding using GML Coverage Application Schema, an extension to the OGC CF-netCDF 3.0 encoding standard.
The OGC CF-netCDF 3.0 encoding standard has emerged as a widely used and well supported data model and encoding for domains such as atmospheric science, oceanography, climatology, meteorology, and hydrology. It supports multi-dimensional data representing space and time-varying phenomena.
The new extension to the OGC CF-netCDF standards suite specifies how CF-netCDF datasets are encoded to conform to “OGC Implementation Schema for Coverages.” Coverages are data such as the output of weather and climate forecast models, weather station and ocean buoy observations, balloon soundings, ground-base radar, satellite imagery, digital elevation models, and LIDAR point clouds. This extension specifies how these complex multi-dimensional CF-netCDF data are encoded as OGC coverages for use in geographic information systems (GIS) or other geospatial systems.


The rainforest is not just a pretty face!
As well as the vivid beauty that comes with great diversity in plants and animals, rainforests also play a practical role in keeping our planet healthy.
By absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing the oxygen that we depend on for our survival. The absorption of this CO2 also helps to stabilize the Earth's climate.
Rainforests also help to maintain the world's water cycle by adding water to the atmosphere through the process of transpiration which creates clouds. Water generated in rainforests travel around the world; scientists think that moisture generated in the forests of Africa ends up falling as rain in the Americas!


DIY Weather Forecasting
I thought that now I’m away from the weather security provided to me by the UK Met Office, this would be a good opportunity to share some of the websites that I use to put weather forecasts together. The Met Office is quite protective of some of its computer models and I used secure logins to access that data.
Working at Al Jazeera, we do have a weather data provider but because of the nature of global weather we have to access a wide range of data to give the best forecast for so many countries and continents.
So below is a list of websites I regularly use and some comments about them. Most sites give data about current weather. Without a good grasp of the current situation there is no way you can begin to predict what will happen in the future.
By using this data will you be able to call yourself a weather forecaster? Well, you can call yourself one if you wish. It’s not quite like impersonating a doctor. No one will arrest you and you might get away with impersonating a weather forecaster longer than you would a doctor.
There is a mass of weather information on the web
As a forecaster, part of my job is trying to understand weather processes. For this I have many years of training and experience behind me. The experience I have accumulated over the years helps me to interpret data and ascertain whether the result of that analysis will impact upon my customers (the viewers.)
And we live in an age where there is almost too much data. I see it as part of my job to filter out the extraneous data and focus on what is relevant. With all of this in mind, here are some, though not all, of the sites I use here at AL Jazeera. I have tried to group them as best I can:
www.metbrief.com - An excellent site with links to tropical forecasts, global observations and aviation forecasts (TAFS) and actual weather (METARS).
www.allmetsat.com – A similar site. Links to satellite imagery from University of Dundee. Very useful section on climate data. Good marine data.
www.weathercharts.org – An amazing site. Perhaps a little unwieldy because there is so much there. But within this one site there is more weather than you can shake a stick at. I have used this sites to extract particular sites further down this page. But a browse through here can see you looking at webcams on the Greenland plateau or the latest on El Nino.
www.greatweather.co.uk – Another good umbrella site. On the second page it has useful links to meteorological equipment manufacturers – something I’m often asked about.
http://severe.worldweather.org/ - World Meteorological Organisation site. Has a map which allows you to click on regions of interest. It will take you to forecasts for typhoons and hurricanes but it will allow you to access 24 hour rainfall readings.
www.coolwx.com – Then click on the chart on the bottom right. This is such a clever site but so useful in my current job. It gives an indication of where weather records are being approached or broken across the globe, based on a huge synoptic database. A word of warning though; you may find that the record is only a daily record. For example, the record temperature may be the highest temperature recorded for that particular day, not the month as a whole. For that, you need to scroll down to the bottom.
www.weather.org a very useful site which has severe weather links
www.metservice.com - great for New Zealand weather, if only to see Dan Corbett in full flow.
I need to spend more time on this section, but ECMWF produces the most accurate forecast for Europe:
(Some of the sites I use have secure access. A death squad would be dispatched to deal with me if I divulged the details.)
European Storm Forecast Experiment gives an idea of possible extreme weather in advance:
http://aviationweather.gov/obs/sat/intl/ - I usually begin my shift by looking at the satellite images from around the globe, highlighting particular likely areas of interest.
http://oiswww.eumetsat.org/IPPS/html/MSG/ - a full range of RGB (Red, Green, Blue false colour images). Can be very useful for picking out developing sandstorms across the Gulf region.
http://www.sat24.com/?culture=en&ir=false – Nice scrolling latest image covering the whole of Western Europe.
http://weather.uwyo.edu/upperair/sounding.html - Weather balloon reports from across the globe courtesy of the University of Wyoming
www.blitzortung.org – Lightning strikes recorded across Europe.
www.ogimet.com - a great site for accessing the last period of weather date. Go onto the 'country summary', select a country and them see what the max/min/rainfall has been over the preceding 24 hours. Plus you can go back over several days. therre is also a monthly summary which is very useful.
http://www.srh.noaa_gov/srh/jetstream/tropics/enso_impacts.htm - Explains why much of the world’s weather is in its current state
http://www.weatherimages.org/weathercams/world.html - there may be better sites out there but this one gives a selection from across the globe.
I'll had more sites over the next few weeks - promise.


Now that winter has departed and the rain showers have arrived, DPSS wants to remind the U-M community how to prepare for and respond to severe weather.
When preparing for potential severe spring and summer weather like tornadoes, thunderstorms and flooding, the most important thing you can do is have a plan. Ask yourself the following questions: how will I receive emergency alerts and warnings? What is my shelter plan? What is my evacuation route? What is my household or building communication plan? Knowing these answers ahead of time will help prepare you to face severe weather.
In addition to preparing and reviewing your severe weather plan, it is also important to have an emergency kit with items like water, food, a flashlight, a first aid kit, extra batteries and basic tools. These items are beneficial to keep in both your home and car, in case of emergency.
Community members are encouraged to sign up for UM Emergency Alerts to stay informed about major active emergencies, including severe weather incidents, impacting campus. This mass notification system sends alerts via text message, phone call, email, U-M Gateway and DPSS homepage, Michigan App, DPSS App and Twitter.
For more information about how to respond to severe weather, visit our safety tips page.
What’s the difference between a storm warning and a storm watch?
A storm watch means that conditions are favorable to produce severe weather.
A storm warning means that severe weather, such as a severe thunderstorm or tornado, has been detected in the area and people should seek immediate shelter to protect themselves.


Air Quality & Dust Control
Town of Fountain Hills Dust Control ProgramThe Town is an active participant in helping reduce dust pollution PM 10 that constantly plagues the Valley and State. The State of Arizona has a mandated surface pollution reduction plan to help the State comply with EPA regulation. The State must reach a 5% reduction in surface PM 10 dust to comply with the federal mandate. Failure to meet this goal could result in a loss of federal highway dollars. The Town provides a yearly report to the Maricopa Association of Governments offices (MAG) outlining what measures we are taking to help reduce the levels of PM 10 within our community.
Town OrdinancesParticulate matter ("dust") is 1 of the 6 primary air pollutants monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) nationwide. The Phoenix Metropolitan region has failed to attain the federal dust standards deemed necessary to protect public health. The Town of Fountain Hills and other area cities are working with the EPA to help reduce dust pollution in the Valley. Many cities have adopted ordinances that address local dust pollution issues.
Fountain Hills PoliciesThe Town of Fountain Hills has focused its efforts on 3 areas; vehicle use on vacant lots, unpaved areas and leaf blowers. For all property within the Town’s limits, the following dust control rules and standards apply:
- Operation of Vehicles on Vacant Lots - Town Code 12-2-11
- Dust and Airborne Particulate Control - Town Code 10-7