This has been pretty good day. The temperature did not make it to 60, but so far this afternoon it has only fallen about 2 and a half degrees. Around mid-afternoon I went for a walk. When I started there were some mare's tails and mackerel scales and it was mostly sunny. An hour and a half later the clouds had rolled in from the west and it was mostly cloudy. This certainly gives credence to the adage "if you don't like the weather in Maine, wait a few minutes and it will change". It has also gotten much more humid on the west wind than it was when I started my walk. I looked into my "crystal ball" and it said we would not have any rain, but it is a notorious liar, and I rarely believe anything it says.
High Temperature: 56.9
Barometric Pressure: 29.82 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 65%
Dew Point: 41.9
Wind Direction: West
Wind Speed (mph): 10
Wind Chill: N/A
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches

The wild weather of yesterday afternoon is over, and the result was no frost, no fog and very little dew this morning. While it is a bit on the cool side it appears to be the start of a nice day. Depending on what develops over the day for cloud cover we may or may not see a frost tonight. I will be ready to cover my peppers to try to extend the season a little bit for them. They are just now starting to produce well, with the exception of the super chillies, which have dove very well.
Low Temperature: 41.2
Barometric Pressure: 29.64 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 68%
Dew Point: 30.2
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: N/A
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00 inches

This afternoon (09/29/2005) we had some torrential rain and wild wild wind. I would estimate that we had wind gusts in the 47 to 54 mph range, with a constant wind at around 35 m.p.h. I watched as water gushed off one of the areas of the roof of my carriage house. By 17:00 hours the rain had stopped, and the sun was beginning to peek through the clouds. The wind changed direction to the northwest and the speed dropped to not more than 5 m.p.h. Just to note the rain did not actually start here until around 15:00 hours, so in about 2 hours we had 0.6 inches of rain. That is significant.
High Temperature: 67.0
Barometric Pressure: 29.64 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 74%
Dew Point: 67.1
Wind Direction: Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 20
Wind Chill: N/A
Precipitation: Rain
Amount: 0.60 inches

This morning the predominant feature is the wind. It is absolutely blowing up a storm. For this time of year it is warm and quite humid. It does look like we might get some rain out of these clouds. Despite the wind overnight the grass was quite wet form a very heavy dew. There was no rain or fog this morning.
Low Temperature: 50.2
Barometric Pressure: 29.68
Relative Humidity: 70%
Dew Point: 39.9
Wind Direction: Southeast
Wind Speed (mph): 20
Wind Chill: N/A
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00

It has been another gorgeous autumn day. A nice breeze that started out of the northwest and has since swung around to the southeast. Just a great day for doing anything you wanted to. The humidity has been low, so once the fog lifted and the grass dried off it was great. It was pleasant anywhere you worked today, but it would have been a shame to have to waste this one inside.
High Temperature: 66.4
Barometric Pressure: 29.83
Relative Humidity: 57%
Dew Point: 50.0
Wind Direction: Southeast
Wind Speed (mph): 10
Wind Chill: N/A
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00

Northwest 09/28/2005

East View 09/28/2005

When I first checked the observations it was clear, but now it seems that some fog has crept into the area on little cat feet. This has helped us dodge another bullet as far as the frost is concerned. The grass and vehicles were very wet from the dew since there was little or no wind overnight. Before the fog crept in the sky was clear and star studded. It should be another nice day for doing things outside, if that is what you are able to do. Otherwise it is going to be a nice day anyway.
Effective today I will discontinue reporting the heat index, since the high temperature has not been getting high enough to cause us to get into the region where the heat index indicates the potential for health problems. I will begin to report it again in the spring when the high temperatures again reach the seventies and the potential for health effects are again present.
Low Temperature: 40.7
Barometric Pressure: 29.81
Relative Humidity: 70%
Dew Point: 30.7
Wind Direction: None
Wind Speed (mph): Calm
Wind Chill: N/A
Precipitation: Fog
Amount: 0.00

It has been a beautiful day. The clouds, for the most part, have left and it has been an absolutely bright sunny day. Good enough to go for a short bicycle ride as well as getting some other things done. There is just nothing more that can be said about a day like today.
High Temperature: 64.6
Barometric Pressure: 29.58
Relative Humidity: 58%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 48.7
Wind Direction: Northwest
Wind Speed (mph): 10
Wind Chill: N/A
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00

In the two hours since my first observation the temperature has dropped over 2 degrees. The breeze is currently out of the south, but as it clears I would expect it to come around to the north or northwest (that is what it usually does after a storm). The grass was wet, but that was from last night's rain rather than any dew and there was no fog this morning.
Low Temperature: 53.3
Barometric Pressure: 29.22 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 65%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 43.0
Wind Direction: South
Wind Speed (mph): 10
Wind Chill: N/A
Precipitation: Rain
Amount: 0.10 inches

The rain started fairly early this morning, and has kept up all day. It has not been heavy or torrential but it has been steady. We only had about a 13 degree change in temperature to the high and it has only fallen about 2 degrees at 21:00 hours. It is humid, and the air does have a tropical character to it. It was definitely an indoor day.
High Temperature: 64.3
Barometric Pressure: 29.15 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 0%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 54.0
Wind Speed (mph): 10
Wind Direction: Northeast
Wind Chill: N/A
Precipitation: Rain
Amount: 0.30 inches

Last evening we went from an overcast sky to clear and star studded by 23:00 hours. Now we have gone back to mostly cloudy to overcast this morning. When I took Bart for his walk there was a ring around the moon, and now an hour later the moon cannot be seen. Right now Bart, who has some nervousness at loud noises, is acting like there might be a thunder storm close by. If that is the case then the Mare's Tails did not lie yesterday.
Once again this morning it is too warm for a wind chill and too cool for a heat index, so basically it is comfortable. At this location we still have not had a frost, but I do not know how much longer that will continue. It may be possible to escape one more by covering the peppers, and possibly using a sprinkler to keep the freezing temperatures away from the plants as they do in the citrus groves, but that will probably be the end of it for this year.
Low Temperature: 51.7
Barometric Pressure: 29.62
Relative Humidity: 69%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 41.0
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: N/A
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00

This morning we had Mare's Tails and Mackerel Scales, and this afternoon we have an overcast that is threatening to make us wet. Well, score one for the Old Saw (maybe). After a year of keeping records I will take a look at that one too, since I have kept that information. It is almost sunset and I see no red sky as a result of the overcast. So there is no sailor's delight since there is no red sky tonight.
It was too warm for a wind chill and too cool for a heat index today. I don't believe that we will have a frost overnight either, since we have quite a blanket of clouds to hold in the heat from this morning's sunshine. I spent most of my day inside working on preserving my extracted grape juice, and checking on the availability of some ingredients for preserving grains such as barley.
I did take a look at a couple of weather web-sites, and they are predicting a rainy day tomorrow, but there is plenty to do, so I will not worry about that, and I will begin to look at some of my winter projects, such as caning chairs and such. I also have some other indoor projects to look after
High Temperature: 67.0
Barometric Pressure: 29.84 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 64%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 44.2
Wind Direction: South
Wind Speed (mph): 5
Wind Chill: N/A
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches

We did dodge the bullet last night. The temperature dropped to just under 37 degrees so there was no frost. This morning it is quite cool, and with the combination of the fog and heavy dew everything not under cover is very wet. There are some "Mare's Tails and Mackerel Scales" making for some interesting predictions for the next 24 hours. I did not see the sunrise so I cannot correlate it with the cloud type.
Once again this should be the kind of day to do anything inside or out. The Farmington Fair is over, so it should be a good time to finish preparations for the upcoming winter season. That, by the way, is another old saw, "The preparations for winter should be completed by the end of Farmington Fair". The reason for that, I would guess, is that from now on the chance that it will be too cold or stormy to get them done is too great. That is just my common sense approach, and that is all.
Low Temperature: 36.9
Barometric Pressure: 30.06
Relative Humidity: 71%
Heat Index: 0.0
Dew Point: 27.5
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 36.9
Precipitation: Fog
Amount: 0.00 inches

When I went out to observe the sky this evening I was struck by the number of stars that were visible. It is incredibly beautiful. With no lights in the immediate vicinity it is even more spectacular. The fact that there is no wind makes it possible for increased radiational cooling.
If you live in a frost prone area it is quite likely that you will have a frost overnight. This is after all the weekend of Common Ground, and it is not unusual for people in the state of Maine to experience a frost this weekend. I must say though I have seen frost as early as August 16th and as late as October 15th, and all dates in between.
I did get the grapes harvested and prepared. I did not have as many as I would like to have, but I did find out the most probable reason why. There were many of the grapes that did not develop because the flowers were not pollinated. Once again the very rainy May and June have come home to roost in the reduced grape harvest. We can only hope for a better season next year. The other thing I noticed was that there were a number of "dry" grapes in the bunches indicating that we could have had a bit more rain during July and August. Oh, how everything we do is dependent on the weather.
High Temperature: 61.9
Barometric Pressure: 30.08 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 67%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 35.8
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Chill: N/A
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches

Northwest 09/24/2005

East View 09/24/2005

Last night we had a star studded clear sky, and as a result the temperature dropped to around 40 degrees. There was not much dew this morning because of the wind and low dew point. In fact if we had had dew it would have been frost with the dew point at around 26 degrees.
Today we have bright sun, clear skies and cool temperatures; although with the bright sun I would expect the temperatures to rebound nicely. That should make it a good day to be outside cleaning up gardens, picking grapes and preparing our yards for what will inevitably come. I for one will be picking grapes from my grape arbor to try to make what I can from what I get. This will be my first attempt at preserving grape juice for the future.
I noticed again yesterday as well as this morning that the colors have not changed as dramatically as they might. Some of the trees, particularly the Maples, have leaves drying and falling off without changing color to anything but brown. I certainly hope that will change, and the colors will improve.
Low Temperature: 40.5
Barometric Pressure: 30.08 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 59%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 25.9
Wind Speed (mph): 5
Wind Direction: West
Wind Chill: 37
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00 inches

The predominant feature today was the wind. This morning it looked like it was going to rain, and it did not. When I looked closely at my vehicle I could see spots of dust where we had had a sprinkle overnight, but there was not enough to measure.
By11:00 hours the clouds began to break up, the sky cleared and the wind took over center stage. We went for a 16 mile bike ride and going out was nice with a major tailwind that I would estimate at around 20 m.p.h. On the way back we were headed into the teeth of that wind and it was not so pleasant.
High Temperature: 76.7
Barometric Pressure: 29.71 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 58%
Heat Index: 78.5
Dew Point: 47.8
Wind Direction: West
Wind Speed (mph): 10 m.p.h
Wind Chill: N/A
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches

It is warm this morning. The fog did not develop, there is virtually no wind, and very little dew on the grass or vehicles. Usually the weather stick is pointed down in the morning, but this morning it is straight out. It seems that it points down in the morning depending on the amount of dew or precipitation there is. When it is dry it will point either straight out or up. When we have gone through a full year (next May) I will put together a small report on the results I get. My null hypothesis on this one is "A weather stick cannot accurately predict the weather". The criteria are "up" indicates good weather, "straight" indicates changeable weather and "down" indicates inclement weather.
Right now (06:20) the skies look like they are going to give us some rain. If it clears off before noon I will probably go for another bike ride. I have a goal of 1000 miles ridden before the end of the season, and right now I have just over 920 miles. It may well be close, since the season seems to be drawing to a rapid close.
In the past I have observed that this weekend (the weekend of the Common Ground Fair) we have our first frost. I will therefore try to harvest the peppers that are ripe, and cover the plants for the next few nights in an effort to keep them going a little longer. Remember that we still have Indian Summer, which is the first warm period after the first Black or Killing Frost. If we can nurse our plants through the frost we can frequently get a couple more weeks of production out of them. Then again sometimes we cannot. Once again, we will see what we will see.
Low Temperature: 61.0:
Barometric Pressure: 29.41 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 68%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 49.8
Wind Direction: Light and Variable
Wind Speed (mph):0
Wind Chill: N/A
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00 inches

We have been playing tag with the sun all day. Sometimes it is out and sometimes not. Right now the best we can call it is filtered sun. Maybe the red sky was right this morning. We again have a "Fresh Breeze" or 19-24 m.p.h. wind mainly out of the North Northwest, although it dies seem to be almost variable in direction.
We have another "old saw": The height of a paper wasp nest is an indicator of the amount of snow we will have during the winter. Below there is a picture of a paper wasp nest, and the best estimate is that it is 30 feet off the ground. That translates to approximately 360 inches of snow over the winter. I am not sure that I believe that, but hindsight in May will certainly tell that tale. By the way, so far this September we have had 13 foggy mornings. Does that mean 13 "significant" snowstorms? How many inches are significant? I don't know I just report the "old saws". Then I construct a null hypothesis that can be proved or disproved by the empirical data. (Once a scientist always a scientist). That ought to generate some comments.
High Temperature: 76.7
Barometric Pressure: 29.55 in.Hg
Wind Direction: North Northwest
Wind Speed (mph): 22
Wind Chill: N/A
Relative Humidity: 57%
Heat Index: 78.5
Dew Point: 59.7
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches

Estimated height 30 feet

Close-up of Nest

There is a red sky this morning, so "Sailors take Warning". The photo below was taken at 06:00 hours, so you need to look carefully to see the red line near the center of the picture. The clouds are mostly the high thin variety, and at this point do not appear to be building into anything. This is the autumnal equinox where the sun passes over the equator. Our day and night should be about equal. We know what happens now, everything prepares for winter.
I did notice several of the "Wooly Bear" Caterpillars yesterday and they have quite wide brown stripes. If they are to be believed then we are going to have a mild winter. I am not sure I believe that one, but the records will show that in the spring.
This morning there was light dew on the vehicles and grass. I could not detect any wind. My whirligig was not turning and was not moved at all.
Low Temperature: 50.2
Barometric Pressure: 29.75 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 68%
Wind Direction: None
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: N/A
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 39.2
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00 inches

Red Sky this Morning

What a day! If ever there was a day to cap off the summer this was it. It was the kind of day that all the animals went out to labor in the fields,
I, on the other hand went out and labored on my bicycle. I rode a little over 47 miles at just under 13 miles per hour. The only problem I had was the main feature of the day, and that was the wind. I could not believe that I had a headwind both ways. That made it a little tough. Other than that it was great. I hope that I was not the only one that got out to enjoy the day, because this was one to enjoy.
High Temperature: 72.9
Barometric Pressure: 29.56
Relative Humidity: 55%
Wind Direction: North Northwest
Wind Speed (mph): 16
Wind Chill: N/A
Heat Index: 76.8
Dew Point: 55.0
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00

This morning we are dealing with a fresh breeze out of the southwest at between 19 and 24 m.p.h. As a result there is neither fog nor dew, so the grass is dry, as is everything else. I had no complaints from Bart when I took him for his walk. The sunrise had some muted color to it, but it was not spectacular.
All in all it appears that this is going to be a very nice day for the last day of summer. If you have the opportunity, get outside and enjoy it, because there are not many of these left. I have some things to do, but I am also going to go for a bicycle ride, if at all possible. This one is going to be just too nice to waste.
Low Temperature: 56.4
Barometric Pressure: 29.56 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 65%
Wind Direction: Southwest
Wind Speed (m.p.h.): 23
Wind Chill: Too Warm
Heat Index: Too Cool
Dew Point: 43.5
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00 inches

There was a shower this morning, but it produced only a trace of precipitation. It has been hazy all day with clouds passing over and intermittent breaks in the clouds. Right now the sun is out and the skies are clearing.
There is a fresh breeze estimated at 19 to 24 miles per hour. This is based on the Beaufort Scale for Wind Speed Estimation, that I will be using to calculate wind chill temperatures this winter. The scale comes from the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research from the University of Michigan. The scale can be found at: www.Windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/earth/Atmosphere/tornado/beaufort_scale.html. I believe this gives proper credit for the information.
I was looking at the field today, and I find that the goats and sheep have removed all the leaves from the goldenrod. About all that is left are the stalks, and some of the trunks of the small poplar trees that have been totally denuded.
High Temperature: 69.1
Barometric Pressure: 29.44
Relative Humidity: 62%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 54.6
Precipitation: Showers
Amount: Trace

The fog this morning is making everything wet outside. Taking Bart for a walk was a real treat, and he is soaked to the skin. As a result of the fog and lowered visibility there is a ring around the moon which has been known to portend some inclement weather. The clouds to our west, as well, seem to indicate the same thing. Only time will tell if there will be any precipitation, and it will happen if and when the conditions are right, not on anyone's say-so.
I have included updates of the two areas that I have been following for color. You will note that in the northwesterly view the leaves are basically drying up and falling off the tree, and that seems to be happening to a lot of the trees around the area. In the easterly view there seems to be some color in the background, but it is not as vivid as I have seen in previous years.
Based on current weather conditions I do not believe that there will be a bike ride today, but I have plenty to do. I still have some things to do in the barn, as well as another cottage cheese, not to mention stringing some more chili peppers, if I can get to them before the precipitation starts.
Low Temperature: 52.2
Barometric Pressure: 29.79 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 80%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 52.3
Precipitation: Fog
Amount: 0.00 inches

Northwesterly View 19 September 2005

Easterly View 19 September 2005

Today was a very nice day for doing anything that you wanted to do. It was not excessively hot or humid, and there was a pleasant breeze. I had some fairly heavy labor, moving about 3/4 of a ton of grain into my barn for my animals, but I was able to do it without getting overheated.
Everyone was out working in the field today, and it was a little funny. Abby, our 16 year old ewe, was in the field and our other 3 sheep were about a hundred yards away huddled up. Eventually, when they felt safe they came out to the field along with the goats to feast on the browse. They should definitely be ready for winter when it gets here.
High Temperature: 72.7
Barometric Pressure: 29.83 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 55%
Heat Index: 76.7
Dew Point: 50.5 (Based on the 17:00 hours Data)
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches

The clouds that were with us all day yesterday have finally broken up leaving us with a few high thin ones to our west. There is some ground fog, that left the grass totally soaked, but stars are visible above it.
I have started to harvest what little I have from my gardens, a picture of which is shown below. These are super chilies, and are present in significant quantities on the bushes. They do quite well. It would be nice if some of my other peppers would do as well, but peppers are difficult to grow in this climate.
Low Temperature: 49.5
Barometric Pressure: 29.80 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 76%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 41.7
Precipitation: Fog
Amount: 0.00 inches

Super Hot, Super Chillies

It is now approaching late afternoon and I got home from Bradbury Mountain at 15:00 hours. The bicycle ride for MaineShere went off without a hitch. I rode 50 Kilometers (36.03 miles0 and had a good time doing it. There were a few places where there was some mist, but not enough to even slow down for.
Overall this has been a gray, dull, overcast day with no rain to speak of (any rain was so light as to be unmeasurable). It was not warm, but not cool either, basically comfortable, just dull. If you had outside activities to do you could do them in comfort, with the possible exception of lawn mowing, since the grass stayed wet most of the day.
High Temperature: 68.9
Barometric Pressure: 29.63 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 64%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 54.0
Precipitation: Drizzle
Amount: 0.00 inches

Although there was a shower when I arose there was not enough precipitation to register on the rain gauge. It is quite humid this morning, but there is no fog.
Hopefully it will clear off by about 08:00 so the Maineshare bicycle ride will be held under dry conditions. I ride a bicycle for fun, and I do not consider riding in rain fun, no matter what the cause. Right now 06:00 hours it is not raining, but it is certainly threatening. I will let you know this afternoon how it goes.
Low Temperature: 56.0
Barometric Pressure: 29.60 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 75%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 47.7
Precipitation: Showers
Amount: 0.00 inches

Today has been another gray day. The overcast has hung in all day. There were some very light showers this morning after I did my initial report, but they did not amount to anything.
I put all the animals out to work on the field and they did not get wet. They do have some cover at one edge of the field where they can stay dry if they so desire.
I did try to work in the garden plot, but it was so wet that it was not possible to make any progress. I guess it will have to wait until things dry out a bit sometime next week.
High Temperature: 71.6
Barometric Pressure: 29.59 in.Hg
Relative Humidity: 65%
Heat Index: 75.3
Dew Point: 49.1
Precipitation: Showers
Amount: 0.00 inches

When I first got up this morning it was foggy and it was raining. At 08:00 hours it is still raining, but the fog has for the most part dissipated.
This is the third day in a row that the weather has been less than ideal for outdoor activities. Once this stretch is over maybe we can return to a more normal pattern of temperature and humidity for this time of year.
My memory of this time of year is that it tends to be cooler and less humid, but memory is faulty, and I do not have the records to show just what the "normal" or averages are. Maybe over the next few years I will be able to do that.
Low Temperature: 58.5
Barometric Pressure: 29.70 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 68%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 47.3
Precipitation: Rain/Fog
Amount: 0.90 inches

Until very late this afternoon there was no shower activity. I guess even the prognosticators can have a miss just like the old saws do. There was only the barest of sprinkles this afternoon around 17:15 hours. It has continued overcast all day though.
I washed the windows on my vehicle today though, so you can expect torrential downpours tonight and tomorrow. If I had washed the vehicle you could expect a flood of Noah proportions. Really though the prognosticators are predicting the remnants of Ophelia to visit us tomorrow.
I would like to go over the garden again with the tiller to remove the green fuzz of weeds that has sprung up, but with the rain it would be a little too sloppy. I should be able to do it next week though. Once again stymied by the weather.
High Temperature: 71.6
Barometric Pressure: 29.88 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 68%
Heat Index: 74.8
Dew Point: 56.1
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00 inches

I was out again last night for a while, and the fog was building by 21:30. It did not and has not dissipated overnight. In fact it has gotten thicker and now has the consistency of pea soup, so be careful out there.
The sky appears to be overcast, since I could not see any stars above the fog as I have on other mornings, so either the fog is thicker than usual, impeding the visibility or it really is overcast.
Bart, my primary complaint manager, did complain about the wet grass this morning, and came in smelling like a wet dog, mainly because he was. Today like the day before yesterday the atmosphere has the feel of rain, you know that clammy feeling. This appears to be a day that we can use to finish those indoor projects that we started yesterday.
Low Temperature: 62.8
Barometric Pressure: 29.90 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 81%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 56.7
Precipitation: Fog
Amount: 0.00 inches

This morning we started out with showers, and we have had little but showers all day. The air is clammy and it is warm. This is quite reminiscent of being at the shore on a gray foggy day with no wind and temperatures as they are now in the low to mid seventies. I can still remember those days.
As I suggested this morning this was a good day to take on tasks inside other than the regular chores. In other words the animals got fed and milked, and turned out to work on the field. The sheep were left in to keep their fleece dry.
This was a good day to make a Feta cheese, and so I did. It was not so hot that all the butterfat would liquefy and oozed out of the cheese, so this should be an excellent one.
High Temperature: 76.1
Barometric Pressure: 29.76 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 70%
Heat Index: 77.8
Dew Point: 61.2 (Based on 16:00 hours readings.)
Precipitation: Showers
Amount: 0.15 inches

Upon arising this morning I heard the raindrops falling on the ground. When I took Bart for his walk it was raining and foggy. Needless to say he complained as we went for our walk, but walk we did. It looks like my opinion from yesterday was right, just a little late, because it is raining as we speak. Today is going to be a day for indoor projects I do believe, at least that is what I have planned.
Low Temperature: 58.1
Barometric Pressure: 29.71
Relative Humidity: 79%
Heat Index:
Dew Point: 51.3
Precipitation: Fog/Rain
Amount: 0.10

Fog and Rain at 06:30

This evening there is some fog building in. I don't know if it will still be here in the morning, but we shall find out. It was fairly hazy most of the day, but the fog did burn off relatively early this morning.
It was not too bad a day to be outside, as long as you could stand the humidity. In addition to the fog this evening there is a pretty good display of stars as you look up through the fog. It was not the prettiest of days, but it was not bad.
I went to a meeting in Augusta, and the building where the meeting was held was quite warm, bordering on uncomfortable.
High Temperature: 76.1
Barometric Pressure: 29.67 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 55%
Heat Index: 78.1
Dew Point: 58.1
Precipitation: Fog
Amount: 0.00 inches

Can you get over this? It is warm enough to be almost midsummer rather than late summer. Weather is a science of averages apparently, and the averages will catch up with us eventually. Right now it is warm, but it will cool off and pay for this we will, no doubt.
Right now the temperature is hovering a bit above 60 and it is overcast above the fog.. There is not a breath of air stirring, and everything is wet either from the fog or dew. It does not matter, the grass is wet all the same.. Right now it is bordering on oppressive.
I don't know if it is going to rain, but in my humble opinion it certainly feels like it.
Low Temperature: 58.1
Barometric Pressure: 29.72 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 80%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 51.6
Precipitation: Fog
Amount: 0.00 inches

This has been a bit of a strange day. It started out with mostly cloudy skies and throughout the morning and well into the afternoon it was overcast. Now, at about 16:00 hours, it is clear with a slight breeze with temperatures in the lower seventies.
The dew point is again based on the current temperature rather than on the high temperature, since that is a bit more accurate. Even though there was a fog this morning the grass was not extremely wet, but it was wet.
It seems, further, that I was right about the day being more comfortable under an overcast sky than full sun. Although it was not as bright as it has been it was quite comfortable. I think we can stand a day like this now and then.
High Temperature: 78.5
Barometric Pressure: 29.70 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 57%
Heat Index: 80.0
Dew Point: 57.4
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches

The weather this morning is cloudy with moderate temperatures and fairly high humidity. There was some fog this morning, early on, but it dissipated by 07:00 hours. This has the appearance of being a bit of a gray day. As long as it does not rain it should not be too bad a day to get o0utside and be active either playing or working. In fact it may be a bit more comfortable if it is overcast than if there is full sun.
Low Temperature: 57.6
Barometric Pressure: 29.73 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 76%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 49.6
Precipitation: Fog
Amount: 0.00 inches

I was quite surprised when I drove to Farmington today that there was as much haze over the hills and mountains as there was. It was warm, but quite pleasant. Once again the old saw of Red sky at dawning did not prove to be accurate. It is kind of nice to have a respite from the very cool mornings we have had lately.
I noted it this morning, but I must comment again that this is one of the few mornings that there has not been a coating of water on everything. This was unusual.
It is only 19:30 hours and it is totally dark outside. Where have our long days gone, and soon daylight saving time will end and it will be dark even earlier. How swiftly the time flies.
High Temperature: 79.9
Barometric Pressure: 29.59 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 60%
Heat Index: 81.7
Dew Point: 57.9 Based on 19:00 hours readings
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches

What a change this morning. When Bart and I went for our walk the wind was blowing at a pretty good clip out of the west/southwest. '
There was no dew on the grass and it was warm. This is going to prove to be an interesting day, I think. It seems like we are returning to summer at least for the next few days
Directly overhead the sky is clear, but there is some overcast to the west of us as well as to the east of us. There is a red fringe to the overcast to the east as the sun is rising into the clouds.
Low Temperature: 62.6
Barometric Pressure: 29.53 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 60%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 48.6
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00 inches

Red Cloudy Sunrise

There have been some high thin clouds rolling through from time to time this afternoon. This has kept the temperature a bit on the cool side, but still quite comfortable.
The animals are outside enjoying the day, and taking care of the field at hand. There was quite a heavy dew this morning that I forgot to mention in addition to the fog. No matter, the grass was very wet from the combination.
We have been looking around for apples, specifically Macintosh apples. We have not found any yet, and a number of the orchards seem to have very few apples at this point. Apparently the wet spring has had an effect there since the bees did not get out to pollinate the apple blossoms. We have seen some Paula Reds, but not much else. The weather has certainly affected the apple crop, just as it has a lot of other things.
High Temperature: 69.5
Barometric Pressure: 29.85 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 58%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 48.6
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches

Gradually we are closing down more of the windows at night because it is getting quite cool in the morning. The average date for the first frost is, according to most gardening programs, September 16th. We are fast approaching that. I was talking with another farmer who lives close by, and he said he expected a frost last night, because his average frost date is the 10th of September.
Reports by many people that I have talked with are that we should have our winter preparations done by the end of the Farmington Fair, and that is only 2 weeks away. That does not mean that we cannot enjoy the good weather we have been getting, or may continue to get over the next several weeks. We also have Indian Summer to look forward to, you know, the first warm spell after the first killing frost.
Have you noticed how much shorter the days have become? One week from Thursday day and night will be of equal length, and so Autumn begins.
Low Temperature: 41.4
Barometric Pressure: 30.05 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 66%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 29.7
Precipitation: Fog
Amount: 0.00 inches
I took this photo of Daisy Mae yesterday because she looked so much like she wanted to please.

"May I Help You, Sir"

The temperature did not even make it to 70 degrees today. It has been a delightful day to be active and outside. Scary thought, this is the first day since at least July that there has not been a Heat Index. I was going to go for a bike ride today, but I heard the barn calling, and I finished that instead. That was a major undertaking.
The goats and sheep have been working diligently out in the field trying to reclaim it for pasture. I think that if they keep it up they actually might be able to have a pretty good time of it next spring. The goats and sheep can't put food by like we can, but they are certainly preparing in their own way by getting as much of the field taken care of as possible, and putting on their winter undercoats. In addition they are definitely getting fatter.
High Temperature: 65.7
Barometric Pressure: 29.86
Relative Humidity: 53%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 47.1
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00

The Animals are Making Progress

The sunrise was absolutely beautiful this morning with all the shades of red. A photograph would not have done it justice.
The dew on the grass was quite heavy, and there was no fog. Right now there is not a cloud in the sky, and this one has the appearance of being a gorgeous day.
It should be a good one for a bike ride, once it warms up a bit.
Low Temperature: 42.5
Barometric Pressure: 29.86 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 67%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 31.1
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00 inches

It was comfortable today, comfortable enough that it was possible to get the rest of my hay for the winter stacked up in my barn. It was less humid than it was yesterday and not quite as warm. There are a few more clouds around than there have been, but they again do not appear to be building into any storms.
The goats and sheep are beginning to make some real progress on the field, but I still do not think they will get it done by the time snow flies. They will need to eat a whole lot faster than they are in order to make that happen.
High Temperature: 73.6
Barometric Pressure: 9.73 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 55%
Heat Index: 77.0
Dew Point: 55.8
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches

Easterly 09/09/2005 PM

There was a shower last night around 23:00 hours, but it did not last long enough to register on our rain gauge. This morning there was some patchy ground fog which also did not register, so the best we can call it is a trace. Would you believe the grass was wet?
There were some clouds around earlier, but they seem to have dissipated, at least for now. The sun did not rise over the horizon until almost 06:45, so things are a little bit delayed this morning. I needed to wait until the shadow from the house moved off the area I was going to photograph.
Low Temperature: 55.8
Barometric Pressure: 29.72 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 70%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 45.5
Precipitation: Fog
Amount: 0.00 inches

Northwesterly 09/09/2005

It was a great day. The air temperature was not excessive, and even though it got humid during the afternoon I did get 2/3 of my hay. I should be able to get the rest tomorrow morning. It is days like this that keep people coming back to Maine. This week has truly been Chamber of Commerce Weather.
If I had gotten a garden in this year we would now be doing the rush to judgment getting the last of the produce in and put by for the winter. I did not, so I will be picking some peppers, maybe a few tomatoes and possibly some broccoli and cauliflower. This small a return because of excessive rain in May and June. Well, the plot is already prepared to receive the seed next year. We just hope that we don't have the monsoons like we did this year.
High Temperature: 77.9
Barometric Pressure: 29.68 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 66%
Heat Index: 79.8
Dew Point: 65.3
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches

Once again we are in a fog that has left a coating of moisture on everything. As usual, there is not enough to measure, but the grass is very wet, as is everything else. Looking straight up, the stars are still visible, but they disappear in the fog as soon as the angle of view is less than 90 degrees. Visibility is, therefore, quite restricted.
Oh, by the way, the "Mares' Tails and Mackerel Scales" on Tuesday did not portend anything, so even an old saw can be wrong. I guess that while observation can frequently allow the correct interpretation of the weather it is entitled to mistakes just as the forecasters with all their computers and models. Mother Nature will do what She wants to.
Low Temperature: 52.9:
Barometric Pressure: 29.83 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 68%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 41.7
Precipitation: Fog
Amount: 0.00 inches

What more can be said about clear, dry and comfortable?. This is the time of year when it is really possible to make hay while the sun shines. I will be getting mine tomorrow for the winter.
We really need to hold these halcyon days close to our hearts, and remember them down in January and February at 20 below zero and wind chills at 40 below.
Don’t look at the leaves because they will only remind you of what is to come. Uh-Oh, it is too late you have already looked. I needed to go to Strong today and believe me there is a lot of color out there. In some places whole trees are changing.
High Temperature: 76.5
Barometric Pressure: 29.93 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 57%
Heat Index: 78.4
Dew Point: 59.5
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches

This is three foggy mornings in a row that we have had. If the lore is to be believed then we are going to have a rather active weather pattern this winter. From what I could see above the fog the sky appeared to be clear since I could see stars when I looked straight up. It was a comfortable night for sleeping with temperatures in the low fifties.
This is a delightful time of year with comfortable nights and warm days. Actually, at this point a few showers might be in order just to keep the dust down.
I used to look at our weather stick occasionally to compare it to the weather we were having at the moment, and there was some correlation between the two. I have now been observing it for 4 months, and I have found it to be down (indicating inclement weather almost every morning, and, unless it is raining, up in the afternoon. It certainly is not a prognosticator of what the weather will be, or even what it is. Rather, it is a better indicator of what the relative humidity is because when the humidity is high as it frequently is in the morning or when it is raining it points down and when it is dry it points up. It will be interesting to see what it does this winter when it is cold and dry.
Low Temperature: 51.3
Barometric Pressure: 30.10 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 69%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 41.4
Precipitation: Fog
Amount: 0.00 inches

Here we are again, another beautiful day in September. There are a few high thin Cirrus clouds, otherwise known as "Mares' Tails and Mackerel Scales". They sometimes portend rain within twenty-four hours, but who knows.
It has been a warm dry day, excellent for getting out and about to do whatever suits one's fancy.
I have included two pictures with today's information, and I will probably include retakes of those same two landscapes every few days. It is possible to see some color change in the leaves, particularly of a couple of maples which seem to be the first to change at this time of year. I have not done this before, so I am interested in seeing the progression. One picture is to the east and the other a bit northwest of my location.
High Temperature: 72.5
Barometric Pressure: 30.16 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 58%
Heat Index: 76.4
Dew Point: 57.0
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches

East 1 09/06/05

Northwest 1 09/06/05

Above the fog we could see the stars, so it was clear above the fog. Although there was no precipitation recorded the grass was very wet, as was everything else.
Once again the temperature was below 50 making it very comfortable for sleeping with the windows closed, but no heat on. With the cost of fuel to heat our homes most people are reluctant to start heating this early, so we try to use less energy where we can, and closing windows when it gets this cool certainly helps to do that.
As I look around this area I am beginning to see leaves changing color on the trees, and some of them have already fallen. As you probably know the changing colors are brought on more by the amount of light, and the amount of water received during the summer than by the temperature. Although we did receive nearly normal amounts of rain during July and August it was in large doses and all at once rather than in smaller increments every few days, which would have been better both for the gardens and the leaf colors.
Low Temperature: 48.2
Barometric Pressure: 30.20 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 76%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 40.9
Precipitation: Fog
Amount: 0.00 inches

This has been a glorious day. I hope that everyone had a very enjoyable Labor Day Holiday. With the exception of some showers yesterday morning this has been an excellent weekend weather-wise. It has not been too hot or humid. It has been a great weekend for picnics, berrying or just relaxing and enjoying.
High Temperature: 70.4
Barometric Pressure: 30.14 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 60%
Heat Index: 75.9
Dew Point: 55.2
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches

Speaking of old saws there is one that says that if you count the number of foggy mornings in September that will be the number of significant snowstorms there will be during the Winter. I don't know who or when it started, but it was told to me by an old farmer. Well, here is our first. In the past I kept track on a calendar, and frequently missed some or forgot to mark them down. This year that should not happen.
As to the rest of this morning's observations, the barometer was higher than I have seen it since I started this, and I was a bit surprised by the humidity until I took Bart out and found a rather heavy fog lingering about my doorstep. Above the fog it was clear, and that allowed radiational cooling to occur resulting in the low temperatures this morning. Welcome to an early fall everybody!
Low Temperature: 45.9
Barometric Pressure: 30.10
Relative Humidity: 75%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 38.5
Precipitation: Fog
Amount: 0.00

Sometimes paying attention to a proverb is appropriate. By 08:00 this morning it was raining, and that rain continued until around 10:00 at least intermittently. The animals were able to go out and I was able to continue my task of cleaning the barn. Once it stopped raining a breeze kicked up out of the northwest, the sun came out and everybody continued as if there had been no rain. The prognosticators were close, but the showers were this morning and not this afternoon. It turned out to be a great day to be outside doing anything and everything.
High Temperature: 78.1
Barometric Pressure: 29.91
Relative Humidity: 56%
Heat Index: 79.6
Dew Point: 60.4
Precipitation: Showers
Amount: 0.10

We have an interesting situation here this morning. Half the sky, to the west, is overcast and the other half, to the east, is partly cloudy with a rosy sunrise. It appears as though we have another front moving through with some clouds, so I have no idea what the weather will be today. When the complaint manager and I went out there was a heavy dew on the grass and he came in wet as did my shoes. I did check one of the weather sites (Wunderground) and their prediction is for a 34% chance of showers this afternoon. That fits with a "red sky at dawning, sailors take warning" proverb. So, other than some clouds right now it is quite pleasant, and the day will bring what the day will bring.
Low Temperature: 52.9
Barometric Pressure: 29.70 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 72%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 43.5
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00 inches

"Red Sky at dawning, Sailors Take Warning"

Just as this morning we had a star studded sky, so too again this evening we have a repeat of the star studded sky. It has been a delightful day, a bit cooler than yesterday, but still a great one for the holiday weekend. If this keeps up we will have one of the best holiday weekends that I can remember.
The barn is getting cleaned, and that is making the animals even more contented. This is one of those projects that depends to a great deal on the weather, and when it is inclement it is difficult to get it done, but right now I have both time and weather on my side. That is a nice position to be in.
High Temperature: 78.1
Barometric Pressure: 29.65 in.Hg
Relative Humidity: 70%
Heat Index: 80.2
Dew Point: 67.1
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches

This morning we have a star studded sky with just the hint of a rosy fingered dawn in the east. There is a moderate dew on the grass, and the complaint manager did not come in from his walk looking like he had been out in a rainstorm. With this for a start today has the potential of being a great day for being outside working or playing.
Oh, in case you haven't noticed the spiders are beginning to make their way inside in preparation for the inevitable cold weather. The next thing will be the wasps and ladybugs, and they do it every year.
Low Temperature: 56.2
Barometric Pressure: 29.45
Relative Humidity: 68%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 45.1
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00

At almost 80 degrees it is definitely warm, and with a dew point of 62.2 it is approaching uncomfortable when working outside. It has been possible to be active outside though all day, and that means that some of the preparations for fall and winter are getting done. The sky was completely clear this morning, but it has become partly cloudy this afternoon. It does not look like there are any storms building, but I felt that it should be mentioned. It is still a nice late summer day.
Yes, fall and winter will be upon us before we know it, so preparations must be made. I have noticed that the goats are already beginning to develop their undercoats, so even they are getting prepared for what is coming. Once again, Mother Nature takes care of her own.
High Temperature: 79.9
Barometric Pressure: 29.39 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 56%
Heat Index: 81.9
Dew Point: 62.2
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches

The tropical air mass is gone, and in its place is some much cooler and drier air. The sky this morning at dawn was red, but I don't think the old saw will be accurate today. It is just too clear at this point to be anything but a great day.
It was a great night for sleeping for sure.
There was plenty of dew on the grass and any vehicles not under cover. This should be an incredible day to work outside.
Low Temperature: 55.6
Barometric Pressure: 29.44
Relative Humidity: 72%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 46.6
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00

Red Sky at Dawining, 02 September 2005

As I looked out this morning I saw breaks in the clouds to the east and west. Those breaks did not take long to spread and clear the sky. It has turned out to be beautiful day, one worthy of being called a summer day. It was nice enough that we were able to go for a bike ride this afternoon, and even that was nice.
All the goats and sheep got outside to enjoy the weather and the free food in the field, and they did come in fat and happy.
High Temperature: 81.2
Barometric Pressure: 29.44 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 62%
Heat Index: 83.6
Dew Point: 66.3
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches

Average Low Temperature: 57.54 Average High Temperature: 80.29
Maximum Low Temperature: 68.4 Maximum High Temperature: 88.6
Minimum Low Temperature: 46.4 Minimum High Temperature: 68.4
11 Days started Clear to Partly Cloudy
19 Days ended Clear to Partly Cloudy
Precipitation Amount: 3.9 inches
There were 10 days with measurable rainfall in this area

We had some more showers last night, and they provided us with about 0.50 inches of rain. There are some breaks in the clouds to the east and a few more to the west of us.
I have noticed that the sunrise has already moved at its point on the horizon from June. It is now almost due East where it was around East Northeast in June. Autumn is definitely on its way. With the clearing skies over the last half hour the humidity appears to have fallen dramatically, because it feels more comfortable.
Low Temperature: 64.8
Barometric Pressur: 29.14 in. Hg
Relative Humidity: 83%
Heat Index: N/A
Dew Point: 59.4
Precipitation: Showers
Amount: 0.50 inches

Sunrise as Storm Ends