Good Evening:
A quick glance at the wind pattern at 850 mb (about 1500 m above the ground level) shows that we'll be the battleground between very hot air to our east and cooler Mediterranean sea-breezes. Unfortunately, the battle will turn towards the uncomfortable side --> hot.
It looks like temperatures will rise into the mid to upper 30s by Wednesday, with the hottest temperatures over the mountain areas again. Temperatures along the coast should be in the low 30s, but with high humidity (so the Heat Index will be high).
Thursday looks like there will be a change of wind direction on Thursday, and this should cool things off as we head into Shabbat.
There is a note in The Times of Israel that Hizbollah is building underground missile factories in Lebanon. The reality of the situation is all too real. Here we have a group that has 150,000 missiles, and they apparently need more. You might remember that one of our previous foreign ministers agreed to the situation that made this possible. She put her trust in the UN and other countries to enforce the agreement (that was -- on paper (only) -- suppose to preclude such a situation). In my opinion, it is necessary to use some very large munitions to destroy these factories. Hopefully, Hizbollah and Iran will get the message.
Barry Lynn
Sunday, July 9, 2017
Thursday, July 6, 2017
Weather It Is (All Good Things)
Good Afternoon:
There is a saying that "all good things must com to an end. " Certainly, if one is following the weather forecast and looking ahead to next week one would be in agreement. While this morning's weather was quite pleasant -- even cool enough for my daughter to ask: "is it cold outside?" -- we're certainly not headed in that direction.
True, there is a chance of cooling sprinkles Friday morning, but the winds will switch from a westerly to a more southerly direction as the days pass into next week, and with the change in wind direction will come the high heat. Temperatures should rise into the mid 30s (if not higher) in the mountains and desert areas, while it will be closer to 30 C with high humidity (Heat Index) along the coast.
It is interesting that the heat should arrive with northerly winds in the mountainous areas, but take on a more southerly direction to the west of the mountains. The reason for this is most likely the temperature contrast between sea and the mountainous areas that creates local pressure differences.
I suppose that one reason I became a meteorologist (or atmospheric scientist interested in weather forecasting) is that I could always add a silver lining to the end of the forecast. True, the pleasant weather of today will be replaced by rather unpleasant heat, but that too will give way to more pleasant breezes when the heat wave as run its course.
Unfortunately, there was an accidental shooting of a young man/soldier from Efrat. Efrat is large enough now that I am not familiar with the family that suffered such a terrible tragedy. On the other hand, in Israel all types of tragedies feel personal. It is the nature of the Jewish people that we feel connected to other Jewish people elsewhere, but especially in our country -- where one can drive from river to coast in a relatively short time.
Yet, I couldn't help but notice this morning how there were those who took an (illegal) opportunity to pass my car on the right hand side. Israelis are notorious for their lack of etiquette on the road, as well as paying scant attention to cross walks, stop signs, etc. Rules of the road are only guide, not an obligation. So, why be angry at our Palestinian neighbors, but not be angry at ourselves for bringing about the same result (death) on the roads?
Barry Lynn
There is a saying that "all good things must com to an end. " Certainly, if one is following the weather forecast and looking ahead to next week one would be in agreement. While this morning's weather was quite pleasant -- even cool enough for my daughter to ask: "is it cold outside?" -- we're certainly not headed in that direction.
True, there is a chance of cooling sprinkles Friday morning, but the winds will switch from a westerly to a more southerly direction as the days pass into next week, and with the change in wind direction will come the high heat. Temperatures should rise into the mid 30s (if not higher) in the mountains and desert areas, while it will be closer to 30 C with high humidity (Heat Index) along the coast.
It is interesting that the heat should arrive with northerly winds in the mountainous areas, but take on a more southerly direction to the west of the mountains. The reason for this is most likely the temperature contrast between sea and the mountainous areas that creates local pressure differences.
I suppose that one reason I became a meteorologist (or atmospheric scientist interested in weather forecasting) is that I could always add a silver lining to the end of the forecast. True, the pleasant weather of today will be replaced by rather unpleasant heat, but that too will give way to more pleasant breezes when the heat wave as run its course.
Unfortunately, there was an accidental shooting of a young man/soldier from Efrat. Efrat is large enough now that I am not familiar with the family that suffered such a terrible tragedy. On the other hand, in Israel all types of tragedies feel personal. It is the nature of the Jewish people that we feel connected to other Jewish people elsewhere, but especially in our country -- where one can drive from river to coast in a relatively short time.
Yet, I couldn't help but notice this morning how there were those who took an (illegal) opportunity to pass my car on the right hand side. Israelis are notorious for their lack of etiquette on the road, as well as paying scant attention to cross walks, stop signs, etc. Rules of the road are only guide, not an obligation. So, why be angry at our Palestinian neighbors, but not be angry at ourselves for bringing about the same result (death) on the roads?
Barry Lynn
Monday, July 3, 2017
Weather It Is (A Hot Day)
Good Afternoon:
There's a hot, dry wind a blowing, and it is blowing right here. Temperatures are in the upper 30s in most locations across the country, except along the immediate coast. However, along the coast line humidities are quite high, so the Heat Index is still in the mid 30s. The winds are generally actually from the north, but they are originating from the deserts to our east. Only the coastal areas have a westerly (from the sea) component to the winds (and hence the higher humidity).
So, no matter where you are it isn't pleasant to be outdoors.
Fortunately, a cool front will arrive this evening and temperatures should trend downwards to more normal levels by the end of the week (when they may trend back up!). High pressure will first dip to our south bringing "cooler" westerly winds, and a trough of low pressure will approach mid-week as well -- keeping the winds in a more westerly direction.
There is still a lot of hot air coming from our politicians. One "religious" man was heard to say that the "Diaspora" Jews should stay our of our business. I guess he has forgotten that the country was built by both who built it with their hands (and blood) and those that provided the financial resources to make it possible (and in many ways, still do). Yesterday, our Prime Minister stopped a bill that would have made it more difficult to give away part of Jerusalem in a possible future (actually -- it is really impossible) peace agreement with our Palestinian neighbors. Suddenly, the man was more like a Tuna-Fish rather than a Jelly Fish. I wonder from where he grew a spine?
Hoping for cooler weather and a true leader to step forward.
Barry Lynn
There's a hot, dry wind a blowing, and it is blowing right here. Temperatures are in the upper 30s in most locations across the country, except along the immediate coast. However, along the coast line humidities are quite high, so the Heat Index is still in the mid 30s. The winds are generally actually from the north, but they are originating from the deserts to our east. Only the coastal areas have a westerly (from the sea) component to the winds (and hence the higher humidity).
So, no matter where you are it isn't pleasant to be outdoors.
Fortunately, a cool front will arrive this evening and temperatures should trend downwards to more normal levels by the end of the week (when they may trend back up!). High pressure will first dip to our south bringing "cooler" westerly winds, and a trough of low pressure will approach mid-week as well -- keeping the winds in a more westerly direction.
There is still a lot of hot air coming from our politicians. One "religious" man was heard to say that the "Diaspora" Jews should stay our of our business. I guess he has forgotten that the country was built by both who built it with their hands (and blood) and those that provided the financial resources to make it possible (and in many ways, still do). Yesterday, our Prime Minister stopped a bill that would have made it more difficult to give away part of Jerusalem in a possible future (actually -- it is really impossible) peace agreement with our Palestinian neighbors. Suddenly, the man was more like a Tuna-Fish rather than a Jelly Fish. I wonder from where he grew a spine?
Hoping for cooler weather and a true leader to step forward.
Barry Lynn
Friday, June 30, 2017
Weather It Is (Heat and Jelly Fish)
Good Afternoon:
It's been a while -- much longer than "ever before."
Basically, I've been working on a paper on forecasting snow -- a process spanning almost two years. Even so, I really felt like there wasn't very much to talk about, and some other issues came up that made it hard to concentrate on writing a blog. God willing, the near future won't bring any new surprises.
People, though, were certainly surprised when light showers came to us about two weeks ago. Our weather then was more like the typical summer of Europe -- not too warm and some rain. One could almost feel a bit nostalgic for the old-country (of the US). Of course, someones cool weather is someone else's hot weather elsewhere (and it was hot in many European countries).
Then, just when one might have become accustomed to this (perfect) type of weather, the weather "regime" has changed drastically. The winds are still strong, but they are bringing (and will bring even more) heat than we've felt in quite some time. With the strong, hot winds arriving from the north will also come a much heightened risk of wildfires. So, be careful with fire outdoors.
The extreme heat will really soar on Shabbat and peak in the upper 30s in many locations on Sunday and Monday.
Our Prime Minister has been feeling the heat lately. His problem is that he is not really a leader, but the type of person who tacks whichever way the political winds blow. He's very successful at this, and begs us to forgive him for giving in to the Haredi Parties. But, he tells us, it's more important he should continue as Prime Minister than anything else, like providing leadership (i.e., standing on principles).
Yet, before we really pile on the blame on our spineless leader, remember that the summer is Jelly Fish time in Israel (that's because someone built a canal between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean) -- so what should we expect? And, he's not the only one. A simple way for the government to pass laws that encourage conversions, encourage work, and encourage social responsibility is to form a coalition of Likud, Labor, and Yesh Atid. They pretty much all agree with each other on the basics (each realizes the futility of trying to make peace with the Palestinians), so they could come together to form a coalition without the Haredi parties. But, they won't -- because none of leaders have the spine to compromise -- they all want to be the largest Jelly Fish in the sea.
Shabbat Shalom,
Barry Lynn
It's been a while -- much longer than "ever before."
Basically, I've been working on a paper on forecasting snow -- a process spanning almost two years. Even so, I really felt like there wasn't very much to talk about, and some other issues came up that made it hard to concentrate on writing a blog. God willing, the near future won't bring any new surprises.
People, though, were certainly surprised when light showers came to us about two weeks ago. Our weather then was more like the typical summer of Europe -- not too warm and some rain. One could almost feel a bit nostalgic for the old-country (of the US). Of course, someones cool weather is someone else's hot weather elsewhere (and it was hot in many European countries).
Then, just when one might have become accustomed to this (perfect) type of weather, the weather "regime" has changed drastically. The winds are still strong, but they are bringing (and will bring even more) heat than we've felt in quite some time. With the strong, hot winds arriving from the north will also come a much heightened risk of wildfires. So, be careful with fire outdoors.
The extreme heat will really soar on Shabbat and peak in the upper 30s in many locations on Sunday and Monday.
Our Prime Minister has been feeling the heat lately. His problem is that he is not really a leader, but the type of person who tacks whichever way the political winds blow. He's very successful at this, and begs us to forgive him for giving in to the Haredi Parties. But, he tells us, it's more important he should continue as Prime Minister than anything else, like providing leadership (i.e., standing on principles).
Yet, before we really pile on the blame on our spineless leader, remember that the summer is Jelly Fish time in Israel (that's because someone built a canal between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean) -- so what should we expect? And, he's not the only one. A simple way for the government to pass laws that encourage conversions, encourage work, and encourage social responsibility is to form a coalition of Likud, Labor, and Yesh Atid. They pretty much all agree with each other on the basics (each realizes the futility of trying to make peace with the Palestinians), so they could come together to form a coalition without the Haredi parties. But, they won't -- because none of leaders have the spine to compromise -- they all want to be the largest Jelly Fish in the sea.
Shabbat Shalom,
Barry Lynn
Friday, May 19, 2017
Weather It Is (Breezes, Showers, and Cool Weather)
Good Afternoon:
The winds are blowing and clouds dot the sky. Yesterday's strong northeasterly winds have been replaced by breezy conditions from the northwest. It's the kind of weather that makes it a bit hard to hear, and blows thrown or hit balls off course (the birds aren't even trying -- they just get a free ride). There are some light showers shown on our forecast maps, with a chance of heavier rain up in the far north.
The cool winds of the north should remain with us until late Saturday night, when they should be replaced by warmer southerly winds. The warm winds should last into Monday night, before another cool front brings a chance of light showers on Tuesday or Wednesday.
The sun is moving higher in the sky, so enjoy the cooler weather while it lasts.
Shabbat Shalom,
Barry Lynn
The winds are blowing and clouds dot the sky. Yesterday's strong northeasterly winds have been replaced by breezy conditions from the northwest. It's the kind of weather that makes it a bit hard to hear, and blows thrown or hit balls off course (the birds aren't even trying -- they just get a free ride). There are some light showers shown on our forecast maps, with a chance of heavier rain up in the far north.
The cool winds of the north should remain with us until late Saturday night, when they should be replaced by warmer southerly winds. The warm winds should last into Monday night, before another cool front brings a chance of light showers on Tuesday or Wednesday.
The sun is moving higher in the sky, so enjoy the cooler weather while it lasts.
Shabbat Shalom,
Barry Lynn
Sunday, May 14, 2017
Weather It Is (Heat, More Heat, and Rain)
Good Afternoon:
The heat is on, and it will stay on until the end of Wednesday. Fortunately, the next couple of days won't be quite as hot as today.
However, Wednesday should see an increase in heat, humidity, and dust. This combination of weather factors should ease on Thursday as a cold front and storm approaches. The storm should bring comparatively cooler weather and there will be a chance of tropical showers as a serious of upper level disturbances pass through. The storm will bring strong winds and a chance of flooding rains in thunderstorms.
The cool weather will remain with us until early next week
Barry Lynn
The heat is on, and it will stay on until the end of Wednesday. Fortunately, the next couple of days won't be quite as hot as today.
However, Wednesday should see an increase in heat, humidity, and dust. This combination of weather factors should ease on Thursday as a cold front and storm approaches. The storm should bring comparatively cooler weather and there will be a chance of tropical showers as a serious of upper level disturbances pass through. The storm will bring strong winds and a chance of flooding rains in thunderstorms.
The cool weather will remain with us until early next week
Barry Lynn
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Weather It Is (Breezy, Warmer)
Good Evening:
Spring breezes will bring warming temperatures into mid-week, and then spring breezes will bring more chilly weather on Wednesday and Thursday. New spring breezes should bring warmer temperatures Friday and Shabbat.
The dry weather and strong breezes on Tuesday/Wednesday will raise the fire risk level, so exercise care!
We still don't see any real changes in the 500 mb temperatures. They will start to rise soon, as the Indian Monsoon grows in intensity. This will be a true end to our spring (and any chance of rain until next fall).
Barry Lynn
Spring breezes will bring warming temperatures into mid-week, and then spring breezes will bring more chilly weather on Wednesday and Thursday. New spring breezes should bring warmer temperatures Friday and Shabbat.
The dry weather and strong breezes on Tuesday/Wednesday will raise the fire risk level, so exercise care!
We still don't see any real changes in the 500 mb temperatures. They will start to rise soon, as the Indian Monsoon grows in intensity. This will be a true end to our spring (and any chance of rain until next fall).
Barry Lynn
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)