Weather Pulse Blog

My colleague Keith Davis wrote a blog entry about weather songs after Prince electrified the Super Bowl with his half-time performance of "Purple Rain."

We got lots of great comments about song lyrics referencing weather, but no one wrote in with the song I believe is the quintessential weather song: "Weather With You" by Crowded House. The song's chorus says it all: "Everywhere you go, you always take the weather with you."

The brothers who wrote this song, Neil and Tim Finn, have a long history of writing music with weather lyrics. From their lyrics with their first band Split Enz up to their solo careers today, weather has always been a central theme in their songs.

Weather is often used as a metaphor in lyrics, poems and prose, but there are definitely some writers for whom weather is more inspirational than others. I suspect that growing up in New Zealand has much to do with why the Finn brothers reference weather so frequently in their songs. The New Zealanders I've known are very eco-aware; they grew up with great access to nature, appreciate their country's diverse geology and have a reverence for the outdoors.

PHOTOS: New Zealand's Great Outdoors

With global warming concerns looming over everyone, maybe it's time to find the New Zealander in all of us. After all, remember the subtle warning from the Finn brothers: Everywhere you go, you always take the weather with you.

Posted by Mara Sonnenschein at 05:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Gary Archibald, Weathercaster

OK … hmmm let’s see … just a few days ago, Boston experienced the warmest day on record 86 degrees so too for New York City, also reaching 86! It was very warm (summer-like) and sun-shinning beautiful. Lovely stuff. Recall for a moment, just a week prior to that – the Nor’easter of April 2007, ravaged much of the eastern have of the country with record rain, flooding, heavy snow, strong winds… homes were destroyed along the east coast for example in the northeast… power outages were widespread with an estimated 50000+ at one time without power in New Jersey… Quite the ride between very pleasant, agreeable weather and devastating active systems – it is such a dynamic mystery of sorts.

Yes, scientific investigation is powerful and a guiding instrument that gives us valuable insight about weather events to come…BUT Mother Nature is the ultimate POWER of course. Let the rain or sunshine come what may… That’s all we can do…accept and embrace the weather ride… the ups and downs… Just don’t get caught with your head down.

Posted by Gary Archibald at 01:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well I certainly didn’t expect this. Spring, it turns out, is uninspiring.

My first blog back in January came as a burst of inspiration. It was freezing and I wanted to share that (clearly obvious and somewhat mundane) fact with the world. You see a winter is nothing unusual, unless you usually don’t have a winter. Which it only party true for me because Sacramento certainly has a winter, it’s just nothing like New York’s.

But here we are now in the thick of spring – arguably, the best season we’ve got – and I can’t think of anything to say.

Spring's not new to me. "Thalia Daffodils"
in my parent's Sacramento backyard.

At first I was troubled by what I assumed was a lack of motivation. However, I no longer think that’s the case. Instead, this is what I’ve come to realize: people like to complain.

And when it comes to complaining there’s no better topic than the weather. Why? Because there’s nothing we can do about it.

Now that the temperatures are warming, the flowers are blooming and the sky is blue what can you really say? There’s not much to complain about. That limits weather conversations to something like this, “Gosh, it sure is pretty out.” I think we’ve entered a brief period when people don’t want to talk about the weather ... they want to enjoy it.

However, if you are looking for something to gripe about allergies is a popular weather-related topic this time of year. I’ve been lucky so far. Check back when the humidity kicks in. We’ve got beef.

Posted by Talia Bluth at 08:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Meteorologist Jeff Ranieri

What a beautiful weekend! I must admit I tend to overuse the "!" but the prior sentence really deserves the "!" in all of its glory.

The weather was like a gift from somewhere strange as we have seen such a remarkable flip in the weather over the past seven days. We went from a historically wet Nor'easter one week ago in the Northeast to record highs today. I almost felt like the spring ambassador of weather on Saturday and Sunday by vowing to do just about anything outside.

I spent the weekend in 70's & 80's reading a new book outside, going for a long run and most importantly I did my spring planting. I refreshed my flower boxes with fresh soil and fertilizer and went to town on my "Juliet" (a fancy name for a fire escape in NYC) and what a difference a few blooms can make. Planting even a few flowers is truly a great way to capture spring even in a city space. I went for Gerber Daisies, Impatients, and Begonias in wide variety of colors. I ended up closing down the weekend on a relaxing note with the windows open and a nice mild breeze.

I must say while this weekend was great my Monday morning actually came in on top.

After my Spring weekend I feel like it really dawned on me this morning how much the change of season can lift the spirit in all ways. It's 7:30 am on Monday and the alarm clock goes off and I find incredible resolve to stray away from the snooze button...

My enthusiasm came from what seemed to be an extra strong filter of sunshine flooding into my bedroom. I resisted the automatic reflex of my thumb hitting snooze and I popped up out of bed and was blinded by the light!

What a great feeling it is to wake up with sunshine after the cold and wet month of April in the Northeast. While the sun was incredible to wake up with I was greeted by an even stronger sign of spring, flowers! Even though I planted them myself I was almost surprised by the vibrant colors this morning as they brought a new beauty in the morning light. Waking up with the sun, flowers and fresh air was enough to put a Spring smile on my face. I grabbed the watering can and gave my new flowers food for the day in hopes they will last as long as last season's plants. Once they were fed I went on to feed myself with a little coffee and cereal. I'll get some pics of the flowers on here shortly. Standby.

My tips to getting an extra spring in your step:

• Find some spring temperatures
  
• Get Outside
  
• Do some spring planting
  
• Don’t forget to water the plants! *-)
  
• Take it all in and enjoy the day
  

Jeff Ranieri - Meteorologist

Posted by Jeff Ranieri at 07:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Michelle Grossman, Weathercaster

I was just thinking about the irony of my job; the frustration of the “weatherman.” Today, the weather outside our MSNBC studios is absolutely fantastic – picture perfect – glorious. You get the idea; it’s really nice! We have really suffered in the northeast. In fact, the beginning of April was colder that the beginning of December. How unfair is that?!?!

I arrived at work this morning at 6:00 a.m., just as the sun was coming up, and to a temperature of a cool 41 degrees. It’s now almost 3:30 p.m. and the temperature is nearing 80 degrees. Practically summer-like!

Here’s the irony. All day, I have reported countless times how beautiful it is in the Northeast. I’ve even offered suggestions like “hey, get out there and enjoy it.” Unfortunately, if it weren’t for the forecast maps I wouldn’t know just how nice it was outside. You see, there are no windows in our studio. In fact, if it weren’t for the bright television lights it would be rather dim in here.

Here’s the silver lining. The sun sets at 7:41 p.m. I’m off at 7:00 p.m. So, you can bet I will walk a little slower to my car this evening and soak up the sun, for the thirty minutes I have it.

Posted by Michelle Grossman at 03:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Michelle Grossman, Weathercaster

Not only is it Friday, TGIF, but it is absolutely picture perfect, weather-wise, in the Northeast. The sun is shining and the air is finally milder. Mid 70’s are not out of the question this weekend.

And like most Fridays, well, actually most days, my very good friend Merry is emailing me. By the way, we met about ten years ago when we were undergrads at Penn State. She’s great. She’s the type of friend that you can go months not talking to her (but why would you want to?) and pick up right where you left off.

So, she’s looking for the dirt. Typical weekend questions. But says, and I quote, “Now that it’s getting nice, I don’t have to be sad anymore!” SADLY, I knew exactly what she meant.

Merry lives in Boston. She has been suffering through the dreary skies and winter-like temps the Spring Nor'easter brought. But what a difference a week makes!

Just a few days ago, I was slowly climbing onto my treadmill about to begin yet ANOTHER indoor workout. That was about the only activity I could muster up besides sitting on the couch. After 30 dreary minutes, I stopped only to change shows on my DVR...The Office to Entourage...Workout to Punk'd...it didn't matter...anything to pass the time.

Enter today, a beautiful, cloudless day...70 degrees...and I'm eagerly planning my weekend. Nothing big. I have to work tomorrow. But it’s funny how nice weather actually makes the day feel a little bit longer. So, instead of driving home from work and thinking about sleep…I’m thinking Mexican food on the patio. I’ve been craving mole sauce. So, enjoy your weekend, no matter what the weather!

Posted by Michelle Grossman at 03:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Bill Karins, Meteorologist

I’ve come to the conclusion that Earth Day isn’t cool anymore. I’m not sure how or when it happened but our American culture isn’t inspired by Earth Day anymore. You only hear about Earth Day in the mass media on Earth Day or maybe a day or two before at most. On the other hand, I can’t go three hours without being encouraged to Go Green or to Fight Global Warming. Yes, these all fall under the same umbrella but Going Green sounds fun, while celebrating Earth Day sounds like a chore.

Our Green Earth (AP)

Earth Day was started in 1970 by US Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. An estimated 20 million people participated back then but now an estimated 500 million people in 175 countries participate. Call me greedy, but there are almost 7 billion people on this planet and I want more than 1 in 14 people to stop and help on Earth Day. The technical term for what I believe the name Earth Day is lacking is called “A Call To Action.”

School Kids Celebrating in Nepal (AP)

In my opinion, we are polluting and harming our planet 365 days a year. Is it to much to ask that for one day a year everyone on our planet stops hurting and starts helping. I’m talking about everyone. I want the first ever international holiday where all schools and businesses are closed in every country. This way everyone can participate and be part of a solution. Wouldn’t it be fun to go out and help, knowing that someone just like you in China was doing the same thing.

On Earth Day, I will be in the Park by my house picking up trash. Let me know below, how you are going to help on Earth Day or what you do on a daily basis to help the planet. Your ideas may inspire someone else. And because I can’t think of a better name yet, Happy Earth Day!

Posted by Bill Karins at 09:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Jeff Ranieri, Meteorologist

What a Nor'Easter this has been. After our long and complete coverage I am finally getting a chance to sit down and share some thoughts on the flooding and Nor'Easter....

If you're interested, hop into my reporter notebook below as I share some of my thoughts.

I knew it was going to be a long week to come for residents of New Jersey from the begining of my day in the field on Monday. It took myself and the crew upwards of two hours to get to our location as countless roads were closed on Monday in New Jersey. We arrived in time for our Today Show live shot just in time with several feet of water at our location. What we encountered in

Lodi, New Jersey saw record rainfall, historic flooding, trapped residents and people that may need to find new places to live as flood waters invaded the very space they call home.

WATCH: Click here to watch Jeff's Today Show report

The location was cold, damp and wet as the Nor'Easter wrapped around artic air into the system and what seemed to be non stop rainfall. Pumps were working overtime on basements as residents were trying to save what they could.

The water kept rising through the day as the rain seemed relentless. Hope in the forecast came around 2pm Monday as the sun tried to part the clouds and the temperature started to rise. Another small bonus was that the water started to recede by the end of the day and residents came out to check the damage. As the water started to sink the evidence of damage was visibly increasing. From talking with residents, it was definite it was the worst flooding that many had witnessed in a lifetime.

The total amount of rainfall that occured was dramatic and intense with 7-10 inches of rainfall in just 36 hours. The problem in Norther New Jersey for residents is the land. Many of the residents in New Jersey are acustom to flooding as they live in one of the most flood prone river basins in the United States, the Passaic River Basin. The PRB is below sea leve in places and a huge system of rivers also run and drain in the basin, creating a major flood potential with any large storm. This river basin has been known to produce major flodding for the past 100 years and the current residents know flooding well - but with this storm it was different.

What made this different? It was the historic rainfall in such a short amount of time. Most of the Passaic River Basin had 10 plus inches of rain in just 36 hours. In Lodi, New Jersey where I reported from this will probably go down as one of the top three flooding events in history and possibly as the strongest Spring flood on record.

It is now 3 days after the major event that caused the flooding and we are still monotoring downstream flooding in the Passaic River Basin. The forecast today keeps the weather cloudy with the Nor'Easter still centered well offshore of the Northeast. We will be done with the clouds and lingering showers by the weekend. Flooding concerns will remain for parts of New Jersey through the weekend with the downstream flooding. Early next week we should see a marked improvement in many areas.

The unfortunate thing about this storm is while the water goes down and the sun comes out the second phase of the problem for residents is just begining, the cleanup. Mold, Mildew and rebuilding will last for months. The flood threat for the very vunerable Passaic River Basin will last on as Mother Nature will never be kind to the residents of this area with any large and wet weather system.

Posted by Jeff Ranieri at 02:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Jackie Meretsky

It is still the driest rain season to date in downtown Los Angeles since record keeping began in 1877! With the population of California on the rise, water demand will also rise which presents a very troubling scenario given the rainfall deficit numbers we're facing and the La Nina pattern persisting.

This morning, I was very pleased to see that the upper trof sliding down the West Coast would bring some rain, albeit a relatively small amount, to the California coastal areas on Friday. Any rain at all is a welcome sight for a state that received only 0.05 inches of rain in March which was more than 3 inches below the average rainfall for the month.

The big picture looks equally ominous as nature is pulling a nasty stunt by drying out the three primary water supplies that feeds this thirsty state: The Sierra, the Southland and the Colorado River Basin. There have been times in the past when one or two of these resources has had a below-average amount of rainfall or snowpack, but it is unprecedented for all resources to be tapped out, until the 2006/2007 season!

The Sierra snowpack is at its lowest level in decades although it did receive a hefty amount of snow in 2006 which the state is counting on to supply the reservoirs, but that won't last forever. Adding to this deficit, the Los Angeles area has received record-low rainfall this winter and the Colorado River Basin is experiencing a record-low drought, which is one of the worst it has experienced in centuries.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has built a large reservoir in Riverside County where they are storing as much water as they can underground. But climatologists are worried about a the big picture with drier La Nina conditions prevailing, which means that drought could persist in the southwest for years to come. The present and near future outlook (April to June) is quite grim, according to NOAA, with conditions expected to be roughly 33% drier than normal.

What does this mean for Californians? It could mean brown lawns, shorter showers and mandatory water rationing.

California could use a drink..make it a double!

Posted by Jackie Meretsky at 10:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Gary Archibald, Weathercaster

The Spring Nor’easter of 2007 was and (technically still is as of this writing) – one for the history books. As it stands right now, it is a very mature, massive storm, composed of two primary areas of low pressure – spinning at what appears like opposite poles around the same axis. Wow. Love the water vapor images. It’s like looking at fish in a fish tank – words of my esteemed colleague, meteorologist and Weather Plus producer Kevin Maloney. So true. All of the ingredients, the blatant signature qualities of this storm, define and redefine the term Nor’easter.

Was it a challenge to cover this storm? You bet. But this is what we do here at NBC WeatherPlus. We live for the weather. Our mandate (which we obviously take very seriously) is to provide you with up-to-date, accurate forecasts- the kind of essential information that will help you conduct your daily life.

Whatever it is you and I, and everyone else, has in mind for the day – the weather will always have, at the very least, an underlying role. On a fair beautiful spring day – it’s a blessing and ungratefully for some - an afterthought. In times of crisis – as such with this significant active-weather story – it changes lives, alters relative perspectives…gives you reason to think, count your blessings, think of others who are suffering. The rising flood waters, people’s homes and livelihoods threatened, damaged and destroyed, fatal car accidents on snow-covered roads – all contribute to the real world, sobering picture, and the reverence that builds, as it should, for Mother Nature’s power above all. We bear witness here at WeatherPlus as you. For those who were adversely affected by this storm our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I would like to thank personally on behalf of our Weather Plus staff for the additional expert and deft live-to-air coverage that meteorologists Hillary Andrews and Steve Maclaughlin provided. Thank you!

And to you our viewers – thank you for allowing us into your homes. We look forward to providing you with stories about the weather – your weather at all times. It’s a position we do not take for granted.

My best to you and yours,

Gary

Posted by Gary Archibald at 06:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Today I found out why residents of Secaucus, N.J. pronounce it Sea-caucus. Most of us who work here, but don't live here, usually pronounce it 'ci-caucus', sort of like the beginning of the word supper.

Well, wouldn't you know, Secaucus floods like you can't believe when there's a rainstorm. Sure, today was a Nor'easter, so it was a bigger rainstorm than usual. That's why one of my colleagues was stuck for two hours in a parking lot while watching the floodwaters rise higher and higher. Fortunately, she was on higher ground in the parking lot than one of the town's main thoroughfares, so her car survived the flooding. But being ten minutes from work and unable to pass the floodwaters didn't make for a great start to her workday.

I find it almost humorous that working in Secaucus means that many Weather Plus employees have a hard time getting to work when there's bad weather. I say it's *almost* humorous, because it sure doesn't seem funny when it's happening to you.

Of course, weather woes can ruin everyone's day -- check out the video below to get a taste of today's stormy Monday.

By the way, I've often wondered where the name 'Secaucus' comes from. Apparently it's a version of the Lenape (Native American tribe) word for 'black snake,' which was frequently seen in the swampy marshlands of this area. I bet the Lenape had some bad weather commutes, too.

Posted by Mara Sonnenschein at 05:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

It’s not until you actually work with the weather at a national level that you really start to understand the wide-ranging impact of a storm.

Naturally, people are concerned about the weather where they live. In California I only followed Sacramento weather. I had never bothered to learn much about a nor’easter because, by definition (Northeast Storm), it was not a system that could ever affect my day.

Watch people remember the massive nor'easter of '92:

However, now that I am at Weather Plus I am following storms from start to finish…no matter where that may be. This weekend there’s a lot going on. I’ve been watching my colleagues track quite the storm. It's already brought tornadoes to Texas -- snow to the Plains -- and could bring massive flooding to the Northeast. It’s required non-stop vigilance as the storm takes on new characteristics and travels from one state to another to another.

To be honest, it’s hard to keep up!

There is really something to be said for national meteorologists, their work can be relentless. At the end of the day, all I still want to know is if I need to wear my galoshes on Monday. But for the rest of the gang…home is where the storm is.

Posted by Talia Bluth at 10:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The word “busy” would be an understatement for tonight. I had no idea myself and my weather team would travel for over 5 hours and cover 150 plus miles.

The afternoon started off with plenty of snow in the Midwest and our top story quickly changed. We were also monitoring possible storms in the Southeast and they more than fired up just before 4pm.

3:50 pm:
My producer Darrell and I took the Weather Plus radar right into the zone of concern, Southern Alabama.

3:55 pm::
Storms intensify and we start picking up hail on our radar at .50 – 1” in diameter. We also spot 2 strong individual thunderstorms that could be supercells.

4:00 - 5:00 pm:
Tornado warnings are posted and we are busy as almost the entire central Alabama is covered in warnings. My colleague Gary Archibald and I started covering the tornados. 6-12 warnings are posted over the hour. We start to classify our original thunderstorms of concern as “supercells” that are cruising at 45 mph.

5:00 - 6:00 pm:
The tornado activity continues…

The two thunderstorm cells in the above video are again what we call supercells, which are long lived storms. Supercells are known for producing tornados, very gusty winds and hail.

6:00 - 8:00 pm:
The storms continue as the dynamics in the atmosphere remain perfect. Storm reports start coming in with hail as large as golf balls and possible tornados on the ground.

8:00 - 9:00 pm:
Nearly 5 hours after our first strong thunderstorm started it was still producing gusty winds and moving through Southern Georgia.

Click above video to see the storm pass across several states.

Our stong supercell traveled over 5 hours and 160 miles!

The dynamics in the atmosphere were perfect for these storms on our Wednesday as Wind Shear, Daytime heating and a front all interacted.

Jeff Ranieri – Meteorologist

Posted by Jeff Ranieri at 08:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I was thinking today about how I work in this enormous news operation -- the MSNBC news studio -- and how I hardly see any of it outside of the Weather Plus area.

So I decided to take a walk around ... and to give you a tour of the MSNBC and Weather Plus studios.

Hope you enjoy it!

Posted by Gary Archibald at 07:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Well, we are starting another week and mother nature again continues to torment those of us that want spring already. The radar this afternoon, showing rain, snow and mixed precip! The watches and warnings are out in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest and the records stacking high. Our latest storm is gaining strength and could dump several inches in Minnesota and Wisconsin. This will be a quick moving storm and by Thursday the weather will be much calmer in these parts. When will this change for the good??? I have been hearing this question a lot lately.

A key to any season officially coming is a large scale change on the map that could signal a stable pattern. I pulled out the latest in forecasting tools and there are some positive changes that could be coming soon. A look at a long term model does show more areas of energy occuring in the next few days but by Tuesday of next week ridging looks to occur. Ridging is key to getting warmer temperatures and clear skies, otherwise known as High Pressure. As we enter spring, the West tends to see a semi-permenant "high" move into place. This spring/summer high pressure for the west could be exactly what is forming into next week. If this plays out next Tuesday it definatley could signal a change down the line to spring for many of us. From what I have observed in my daily research this is the largest "ridging" or "high pressure" I have noticed the models picking up on for months!

Want more insight? Look at this picture. This is a weather model that has nothing to do with high fashion :-)

It shows you that Mon aft. - Tuesday of next week will have "ridging". Look at the graphic as all of the colors create a RIDGE to the north, this generally means the storm track pattern heads to the North and warmth is able to build.

As for right now, ridging is hard to find but the snow is easy. Minneapolis for example: snow approaching, windy, and cold.

Who's ready for the spring warmth? I want the windows open in my apartment already.... anyone else agree?

Jeff Ranieri - Meteorologist.

Posted by Jeff Ranieri at 02:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The title sounds like a take from the fine film “Good will Hunting”… doesn’t it…well I digress… just an observation…

My train of thought actually isn’t focused at this time on the silver screen, no. I’d rather turn to the classic medium of the written word instead, one of my favorite pastimes… reading…and what better topic than to read great books about the weather. Stave off the current cold snap that has a solid grip on most of the eastern half of the country by staying indoors wrapped up next to a warm fire, with a good book…a book on weather.

Some suggestions, my friends, are as follows:

1. The first was suggested by my friend and trusted colleague here at WeatherPlus, meteorologist Britta Merwin. She suggested one of her favorite books, "Isaac’s Storm." It revolves around the life of Isaac Cline, who was a legend around Galveston, Texas -- the weatherman who, as the story went, recognized a big storm was coming, warned the town's residents, and helped save thousands of lives. But writer Erik Larson wanted a fresh angle for his book on America's deadliest hurricane, and was inclined to dismiss the rather hackneyed tale of heroism.

Larson found an article that Cline had written several years before the September 8, 1900, massive and deadly hurricane. In it, Cline boldly declared a cyclone could never seriously damage the city, and that anyone who thought otherwise was delusional. "When I read that," Larson said in a telephone interview, "I realized that maybe this guy was not quite the hero history has made him out to be." Larson proceeded to write "Isaac's Storm," a 1999 best-seller centering on the tragically misguided meteorologist who, in fact, failed to forecast the storm that would kill more than 6,000 people.

2. "Weatherwise" is a magazine by Heldref Publications on weather and climate for weather enthusiasts as well as meteorologists and climatologists. It is richly illustrated with large color photographs of weather phenomena, which are a large draw. Articles are published on a myriad of topics related to the atmosphere, frequently by experts in their respective fields. Articles tend to focus on the relation of weather to technology, history, culture, the arts, and society. The magazine also features reviews of books, videos, recent and past events, commentaries, photography contests, questions and answers, and weather maps.

3. And finally, "The Weather Forecasting Handbook" by Tim Vasquez breaks the mold by explaining all the latest forecasting principles, techniques, and tools. This readable book is a valuable reference for professionals, students, amateurs, storm chasers, sailors, and anyone who needs to know the exact fundamentals and mechanics of weather forecasting. Basic physical concepts are reviewed, and commonly-employed analysis methods are presented. Then weather systems are explained in terms of their thermal structure, dynamics, and effects. Special problems such as thunderstorms, winter weather, and tropical weather get chapters of their own. Margins are filled with forecasting facts, hard-hitting quotes, educational stories, and even a few fun weather jokes. With added emphasis on analysis, visualization, and awareness of model limitations, readers learn to use tools properly and are always a step ahead.

There are many, many more volumes, ranging from scientific journals, non-fiction topical books on specific weather phenomenon, and fictional accounts – some of the great classics have revolved around weather of some sort – ie, "The Perfect Storm" by Sebastian Junger. Investigate, survey, browse your bookstore online or otherwise…visit the library… Go nuts reading weather – a great idea… And when it actually warms up, temperature-wise… go for a jog, walk your dog, plant your garden….but still keep reading.

Enjoy!

GA

Posted by Gary Archibald at 06:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I have chores to do…some spring-cleaning of my aunt’s garage…I have to fix a gate, pant a fence…work on an awning...you get the idea.

I have no problem doing the work – in fact it’s my pleasure – anything for family and friends. That goes without saying. No, my problem is with the weather in the northeast. It’s not pleasant right now.

It’s frigid.

Break out the gloves and the hat. The average daytime high for New York City, where I live, at his time of the year should range between the low to mid-50’s depending on which borough that you reside. Central Park’s average temp for today is 57. We’ll be fortunate if we break 40…optimists are projecting 44. Saturday the high in Cp will be 43, Sunday 46. Both days will be a mixture of sun and cloud, mostly cloudy though on Saturday – AND a chance of FLURRIES before noon on Sunday!

WHEN AM I GOING TO GET THE WORK OUTSIDE DONE?

I have to wait until the week of the 15th. By then we are in the 50’s and I can shed a layer. Or maybe I should just get cracking and not blame the weather. Just don’t blame my weather colleagues or me. We’re just messengers.

Happy Easter by the way.

GA

Posted by Gary Archibald at 10:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Well… somewhere across this great land…it actually feels like spring!

Can you believe it?

Indeed it has been very cold, with heavy amounts of snow production across much of the upper Midwest, Great Lakes, northeast, and New England states. Temperatures have been in the single digits – factor in the wind chill (northwestern gusts clocking in at 50+ along the Michigan and Wisconsin shorelines on Thursday for example)… It’s cold. Two feet of snow has fallen over Upper Michigan. Lake effect snow has kick started again in Upstate New York – remember the 8-14 foot snow heights in Watertown and Oswego. Of course, that was record snowfall that occurred during winter, technically speaking.

Is it winter?

Please… a reprieve if you will from this wintry onslaught. Alas, all it takes is for any specific weather event (as I have mentioned before in previous blogs) is that the elements and/or ingredients come together at the right time and under the right circumstances.

In short – much of the eastern portion of this country is ripe for such events. Cold Canadian air circulates around an area of low pressure that has lingered over the Great Lakes for the last 3 days. The unstable air mass has all the upper level support to produce the white stuff and it has fallen in abundance. The strong winds freeze warnings and watches, lake effect snow tallies, winch chill…all of these resulting factors have made a re-appearance in parts of the country that thought that winter was done. Not so. Not yet.

Next week will be better though. Temperatures will moderate near normal levels across the Midwest, however further north and east the thaw will take at least a week before we can take about a truly temperate moderation. Hang in…

Posted by Gary Archibald at 10:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Easter bunny is going to have to hold onto his or her winter coat of fur for the Easter weekend. It’s cold in much of the eastern part of the country through to the weekend! Temperatures are 5-15 degrees below seasonal over the next 3 days, leading up to and including Easter Sunday and Monday.

Eggs, like rabbits and hares, are fertility symbols of extreme antiquity; since birds lay eggs and rabbits and hares give birth (to large litters) in the early spring, these became symbols of the rising fertility of the earth at the Vernal Equinox.

I know that many children across the nation will be going on Easter egg hunts in and around their homes and neighborhoods. Love those chocolate eggs myself. Naturally, pleasant weather in terms of conditions and temperatures are desirable but that’s just not going to be the case in the Northeast, for example.

In Maine, egg hunters will be hard-pressed to find those colored delicate sweet treasures and treats in the 8-12 inches of snow that’s already on the ground due to the foot-plus of snow already on the ground with more significant accumulations over the next 36-48 hours. Millinocket, East Millinocket, Patten, Lincoln, Guiford and Medway among other counties in Maine will be dealing with heavy snow fall totals of 10 – 15 inches over the next 24-36 hours!!

Want those eggs? If you can find them outside… BUNDLE UP!!

Happy Easter!!

GA

Posted by Gary Archibald at 01:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

You won’t believe it. OK, maybe you’ll believe it, but I was a bit stunned.

It’s snowing in Manhattan!

April 5th and there is snow falling from the sky. I walked out of my house this morning expecting a gloomy and chilly day. Instead flurries were frantically dancing around me. It reminded me a lot of the first time I experienced snow in New York. I was excited all over again!

To be honest, I have been a little uninspired by the weather lately. Spring here is odd. Sure, we have had a couple of unbelievably beautiful days. But nothing seems to be guaranteed.

I’m not quite sure what I would call a New York spring. Any given day can be like winter…or it can be warm a sunny. It’s a combo. Maybe we should call it Spriter? Or do you think Wing works better?

I have to admit I do feel a little bit responsible for this “cold snap”. You see, last week I put my winter jackets in a garment bag and shoved them to the back of the closet. If that isn’t taunting Mother Nature I don’t know what is. And now look what happened. But don’t blame me for the rain. I didn’t wash my car.

Posted by Talia Bluth at 10:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hmmmm…. Let’s see now… There is a blizzard warning in effect for northeastern Wisconsin, the Upper and north central region of Michigan. Interesting. Winds will be gusting to 50 mph in the area with near zero visibility – blowing and drifting snow will accompany this development. That certainly qualifies as a serious active weather event.

There’s also heavy snow in the forecast for Wednesday and Thursday for Maine and northern New Hampshire…It’s technically spring but winter has a knack for hanging around…making an unexpected curtain call so-to-speak.

But then again, is it that unusual for the Upper Midwest, Central Plains, Great Lakes and New England states to see this kind of weather at this time of the year? No, not really. In fact, there have been snowfall events that have taken place in late spring and early summer even… the later are rare but keep in mind that weather has a lot to do with timing and circumstance. If all the ingredients are in place – anything can happen at anytime, in theory of course.

The unfortunate situation that has been setup with all of this cold air descending across the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes and Ohio Valley – even stretching down south toward Tennessee, is the freezing conditions which could, if prolonged, could damage seed planting, spring blossoms, and crops. Ah, winter… The Old Man… has an extended agenda this year.

Posted by Gary Archibald at 08:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

I awoke yesterday to the sweet-as-molasses melodies of birds outside my window. They were a polished chorus, one could tell by their playful collective musical dynamic exchange, delighting in themselves and their surrounds.

Spring is truly the season of song, and songbirds sing the lyrics of spring themes: love, rebirth, being alive in this natural order of things unfolding around us ... and at times seemingly, that change is muted. But the songbird does his and her job well, bringing all of us who are tuned to listen, to take in the fanciful notes, a little closer with each bar, progression.

What’s that I hear? A little Allegro Moderato? The pace quickens into a tumultuous but controlled, passionate Prestissimo… The resonance has inherent allure. I awaken in mind body and spirit. Thank you sweet sounds of song in flight…

Any particular species of songbird a favorite of yours? How so? Please drop us a line or two. We would love to hear from you!

Cheers!

Gary

Posted by Gary Archibald at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)