Thursday, May 30, 2013

Weather It Is (Extreme Heat; Yet, a Musack (Garage) That Won't Leave You Hot Under the Collar)

Good Morning:

Southerly winds will bring extreme heat to most of the country today.  Temperatures will rise into the mid to upper 30s in most places, and into the 40s down south and in the Dead Sea area.  These are dangerous levels.

Winds from the west will moderate the temperatures tomorrow, but not by much.  Early next week, temperatures will rise again, and even become extreme.

It will certainly be cooler in the shade, so stay out of the sun, and try to stay air conditioned if you can. One place you can be sure to be cooler and find a nice place to stay cool is the Muscack (Garage) of Gush Etzion.  I have to mention that I had a recent issue that was resolved most amicably.  The proprietor, Elad, deserves a bit "thank you" for his honesty and consideration. Of course, you can have your car serviced and head over to the English Bakery next door for something to eat and drink.  So honesty, consideration, and good food go a long way!

Barry Lynn

Monday, May 27, 2013

Weather It Is (Feeling a Bit Confused?)

The weather has been up and down -- quite dramatically. From light winds and warm temperatures to strong winds and relatively very cold temperatures.   Is it spring, summer, or even winter?

The next weather system should bring some mid-level moisture (light rain, perhaps) by mid-week and then a sharp warm up (or is that "hot" up) to extremely hot temperatures on Thursday.  Actually, the temperatures are forecast to dive the next day and then return to really hot levels this coming Sunday.

Are we headed into summer with just some detours along the way?  Actually, we see no indication yet that the weather pattern will settle down -- so better to just enjoy the ride.

Barry

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Weather It Is (A Bit Wet and Windy)

Good Afternoon:

A late winter-like season storm will approach our area tonight and move through tomorrow.  Temperatures should drop substantially during the storm, which will bring in moisture off the sea.

The current rain amounts are between 5 and 10 mm from the coastal areas to the center, and should occur from late tonight into tomorrow morning.  The rain should be accompanied by lightning and thunder.

After the storm passes, temperatures will warm substantially, before taking a bit of a dive mid-next week.

Hag Shavuot Sameach,

Barry Lynn

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Weather It Is (It's Chilly)

Good Evening:

As mentioned in a previous blog, our temperatures are headed downwards for the next few days as winter-like chill moves south and east into our area.  Temperatures are expected to fall by about 7 C at lower and upper levels, and some moisture will move in as well.

Looking at our three day rain forecast does not indicate a heavy rain, but rain is a possibility and we'll have to see how this plays out during the next few days.

The chilly weather, though, should be followed by an extended period of much warmer weather, which will feel more like summer than spring.

Otherwise, Carbon Dioxide levels continue to rise, and we've passed the 400 parts per million (on average over the globe), which is about 30% higher than before the turn of last century.  Unfortunately, CO2 is one of those gases that increases the heat retention of the atmosphere, as the radiation balance shifts to a higher energy state.  There are those who argue that there is nothing to worry about, but this is based on the argument that in the past changes in CO2 levels did not lead to (or cause) extreme temperatures.  In fact, in the past, changes in solar radiation levels associated with changes in the earth's orbit were likely a big part of changes in earth surface temperatures.  However, in the past there weren't very many people, and CO2 temperatures were not out of "balance" with the underlying amounts of sunlight reaching the earth's surface --  now they are.  The CO2 level. unfortunately, is on the way up.

Barry Lynn

Friday, May 3, 2013

Weather It Is (That Kind of Weather)

Good Morning:

The weather continues along its merry way, not particularly hot, but not particularly pleasant.  There is a lot of dust and smoke trapped below the inversion layer at lower to mid altitudes. The dust has arrived from far off desert areas while the smoke is our own (Lag  B'Omer) doings.

People are asking: "Is that it? -- meaning will there be anymore rain.  Well, actually, temperatures should turn about 10 C cooler in about a weeks + time, meaning that some moisture and colder air will create the opportunity for May showers.

There were many fires during the Lag B'Omer period, and many of these were not intentional but a result of Bon-Fires that spread uncontrollably.  Fires are dangerous and I'd like to suggest that the practice of wide-spread lightning of fires end, and that towns (cities) sponsor a bon-fire with proper safety precautions. Alternatively, a little fire in the grill is also a good thing (because one can approach close enough to cook).

Lastly, wouldn't it be great if beaches were to have (not separate) but religous family sections for those who would like to swim, but prefer to stay away from the Bikini crowd? I know that for some this wouldn't be a good alternative, but it is a nice alternative to the present situation at our beaches.  There could be signs: "Bikinis left; Families right."

Barry Lynn