What a great day to go to the dentist. There was nothing better to do, so that is what I did. It has rained all day, sometimes harder and sometimes gentler. The puddles in the side yard have reappeared, the snow is gone, and the bog at the foot of the hill is getting fuller again. I had to drive along the Androscoggin River and it is up, covering some of the islands along route 2 in Dixfield. It also appears to be fairly close to the road. I am glad I got my peas mulched the other day because with all this rain it would be another week before I could get it done. I guess we need to be thankful for small favors
High Temperature: 52.6
Relative Humidity: 82%
Barometric Pressure: 29.48 in. Hg
Dew Point: 46.6
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: N/A
Precipitation: Rain
Amount: 0.75 inches
Current Temperature: 52.2

Raindrops, so many raindrops

From my plot of ground the snow is gone, and the ground has reappeared. It has just started to rain, so at 05:30 there was no amount of precipitation to report. As heavily as it is raining it will not take long for it to accumulate in the rain gauge.
This weather appears to be most unusual, but then the weather this year has been unusual all the way around. A very wet May and June and a (from what I understand) record setting wet October. With the rain today I would suspect that this will be a near record November for precipitation. I will adjust the snowfall to 10 inches of snow equal to 1 inch of liquid precipitation, when I do the monthly summary tomorrow
Low Temperature: 47.7
Relative Humidity: 85%
Barometric Pressure: 29.68 in. Hg
Dew Point: 44.6
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: N/A
Precipitation: Rain
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 49.3

Well, how do you like this? We still have some snow on the ground, but there is a whole lot less than there was this morning. If these temperatures continue overnight I suspect that my prediction of the ground being gone until spring will go by the boards. Around noon the wind picked up and blew the fog away, but the overcast remained for the balance of the day. I guess that I will put the rain gauge out to see how much we get overnight and tomorrow. I am constantly amazed by the weather we get, both in its variety and its extremes. From what I understand we are supposed to get quite a bit of rain between tonight and tomorrow. That combined with the snow could present some problems for the low lying areas.
High Temperature: 55.1
Relative Humidity: 89%
Barometric Pressure: 29.96 in. Hg
Dew Point: 42.1
Wind Direction: Northeast
Wind Speed (mph): 3
Wind Chill: N/A
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 45.4

There has been very little change in the weather overnight. It has remained foggy, but it does feel a bit more humid. There seems to be some melting going on on the driveway and in those areas of the lawn where the wind blew and scoured the snow off. Of course there are other areas where the snow was drifted a bit. The icing yesterday has certainly preserved the snow cover, hence the fog that we are experiencing. There is a rumor that we may have a bit more rain tomorrow. If it looks like we will not get below freezing tonight I will put the rain gauge out to see how much we get. The talk is for a significant rain event. At least we won't have to shovel it, and we can be thankful for that.
The other thing that should be noted is that we are once again above freezing. According to the weather prognosticator that I heard this morning this is unusual this late in November, but it does happen.
Low Temperature: 32.6
Relative Humidity: 91%
Barometric Pressure: 30.11 in. Hg
Dew Point: 30.4
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 32.9
Precipitation: Fog
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 32.9

As this day has gone on we have gone from drizzle to fog. The fog right now is quite dense with less than 100 yards visibility here. With the temperature continuing to fall toward freezing I would not want to be out on a night like this. I would almost prefer snow to what we are having right now. Apparently we are still on the Autumnal roller-coaster with regard to our weather. Oh, by the way the secondary roads in this area are terrible. There are icy spots and places that appear to have been untreated, so be careful out there tonight and tomorrow morning if the temperature continues to fall.
High Temperature: 34.6
Relative Humidity: 90%
Barometric Pressure: 30.16 in. Hg
Dew Point: 30.0
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 32.8
Precipitation: Fog
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 32.8

The driveway was a sheet of glass when I took Bart out for his morning constitutional, and it was raining. The rain was freezing as it hit the ground making for very interesting driving conditions. Oh, the road was a sheet of glass also. I did see a truck go through spreading sand and salt. It appears that it is going to be a dismal, dreary day.
Low Temperature: 28.8
Relative Humidity: 94%
Barometric Pressure: 30.17 in. Hg
Dew Point: 27.7
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 29.3
Precipitation: Rain
Amount: Trace inches
Current Temperature: 29.3

This has basically been a beautiful day. I was finally able to get outside and mulch the peas. There has also been a pile of wood and brush that I have been waiting for snow cover and no wind to burn. That has finally happened. So the two biggest outside jobs that needed to be done before full blown winter have now been finished. We finally have gotten above the freezing mark, only by 0.6 degrees, but over is over. Of course the temperature is back below freezing again.
When I mulched the peas the soil in the garden was not frozen, and I sunk into it 4 to 6 inches. At least they have been mulched and therefore stand a better chance of germinating in the spring when the frost is out of the ground. Now it is all in the hands of Mother Nature and she will do whatever she wants.
High Temperature: 32.6
Relative Humidity: 92%
Barometric Pressure: 30.16 in. Hg
Dew Point: 23.5
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 25.6
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 25.6

The sky was red all the way around the horizon this morning. That may portend something or it may portend nothing. It is still below freezing, but with the clear sky the sun may warm things up a bit, but I am not going to count on it. I am going to try to get to the garden and mulch the peas. If the ground has hardened up a bit I should be able to get that done. It is the last of the outside chores I am going to be able to get done other than moving snow around for the rest of the Winter. I do have enough inside chores to do to keep me busy for the next several years, and so it goes. The house owns us not the other way around. It is still better than living in an apartment, and I have done that.
Low Temperature: 14.9
Relative Humidity: 92%
Barometric Pressure: 30.12 in. Hg
Dew Point: 13.6
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 14.9
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 14.9

We have now been below freezing for 4 days. We have also had snow 3 out of the last 4 days. Can anyone say Winter? It does seem just a little early, but who am I, I don't have the records to back up that statement. Is anyone taking bets on a White Christmas? That is one I would not want to bet against this year. I am only joking folks, I do not take or make bets. With the overcast, temperature and relative humidity I would not bet against snow tomorrow.
High Temperature: 30.1
Relative Humidity: 92%
Barometric Pressure: 30.04 in. Hg
Dew Point: 20.8
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 22.5
Precipitation: Snow
Amount: 1.00 inches
Current Temperature: 22.5

If a heat wave is 3 days with temperatures over 90, is a cold wave 3 days or more below freezing? If so then we are having a cold wave. This weather is much more like Winter than Autumn and we have another month of Autumn before Winter finally gets here. I honestly am convinced that the ground will not reappear until spring. Things are beginning to look very dreary, no leaves on the trees and except for the evergreens the scenery is black and white. It's cloudy in the west and it's lookin' like snow.
Low Temperature: 7.6
Relative Humidity: 93%
Barometric Pressure: 30.08 in. Hg
Dew Point: 20.1
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 21.4
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 21.4

We are already seven degrees lower than we were last night at the same time. In fact we did not get as high as we did yesterday. The wind did pick up during the day today making it feel a good bit colder than it would have without it. There was no additional snow today, but the wind certainly did fill in the tire tracks in the driveway. I really don't care what anyone says when we don't get above freezing for three days running it feels cold, and it is in fact cold. In fact we did not get out of the twenties for at least the last 2 days. Even the animals seemed to appreciate staying in the barn, even though it is not heated. After feeding the goats headed straight back to their stalls rather than attempting to go outside. They even have undercoats which keep them nicely warm through the coldest winter days.
High Temperature: 24.8
Relative Humidity: 73%
Barometric Pressure: 29.80 in. Hg
Dew Point: 12.2
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 17.1
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 17.1

When Bart went for his late evening stroll at 23:00 hours it was snowing again fairly heavily. So, overnight we had another 2 inches of snow. By dawn the snow had ended, and the skies had cleared leaving us with a cold (13.7 degree) start to the day. We have had some little spurts and starts of snow, but this is the first significant storm of the season. I think that even if it warms up over the next few days that the ground is gone for the duration of the winter season. For those of you who want snow, "Be careful what you ask for you are liable to get it."
Low Temperature: 13.7
Relative Humidity: 58%
Barometric Pressure: 29.30 in. Hg
Dew Point: 12.2
Wind Direction: Southeast
Wind Speed (mph): 5
Wind Chill: 9.0
Precipitation: Snow
Amount: 2.00 inches
Current Temperature: 16.2

As the title says the snow event has ended with about 4 inches of new snow on the ground. This time I do not think the ground will be visible until either the January thaw or spring thaw. I could be wrong, but I don't think so. The barometer is still quite low at 28.76 inches of Mercury. The temperature here has not gone above freezing for two days now, and is not showing any indication that it is about to do so now. In fact with the clear skies we may well see single numbers by morning. As the photo below shows we did have a very nice turkey and a good Thanksgiving. Like most people I probably overate, but it was good anyway. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
High Temperature: 27.5
Relative Humidity: 87%
Barometric Pressure: 28.76 in. Hg
Dew Point: 21.2
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 24.5
Precipitation: Snow
Amount: 4.00 inches
Current Temperature: 24.5

Great Turkey Day

At 18 degrees it is cold, although not as cold as it is going to be later in the winter. The skies are definitely threatening, and it looks like the precipitation will start at any time. Any guesses as to what that precipitation is going to be? My bet is on snow. The snow of yesterday did not go away overnight, so we are having a white Thanksgiving here. My cranberry sauce is made, as are the pumpkin pies. The veggie platter is ready to be put together, and the turkey is in the oven. I need to get this done and go baste it, so, I will say Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Low Temperature: 16.2
Relative Humidity: 72%
Barometric Pressure: 29.07 in. Hg
Dew Point: 12.3
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 18.0
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature 18.0

As I noted in my addendum to this morning's posting it snowed just about all day. It did stop at about 17:00 hours for a little while. According to one of the prognosticators this evening this area is the only one that is currently having snow. How long will this last? I don't know. Again, according to the prognosticators this area could receive 4-8 inches of snow tomorrow. Isn't that delightful? That's okay, there are places in the mountains that are expected to receive a real bonus of a foot or more of snow, and I guess that will be good for the ski areas. If you must travel tomorrow try to leave early to get where you are going safely and on time. If you don't get to read this blog tomorrow have a Happy Thanksgiving.
High Temperature: 30.9
Relative Humidity: 68%
Barometric Pressure: 28.92 in. Hg
Dew Point: 15.6
Wind Direction: Northwest
Wind Speed (mph): 3
Wind Chill: 23.9
Precipitation: Showers
Amount: 0.25 inches
Current Temperature: 23.9

The rain has ended here for now. There was no frost on the grass, but the puddles have formed a skin of ice on them. The barometer is on the way up from its low of yesterday. The temperature is down almost 10 degrees from its low of yesterday. I would guess that winter is knocking on our door. I looked at some forecasts yesterday, and they are all calling for a decent day today with snow for tomorrow. I have yet to see a prediction of an amount, but I would guess that we will get all of it right down to the last flake. I have heard this morning (but that was from Portland) that it will change to rain and possibly back to snow at the end of the event. It depends on which side of the front we will be on whether it will be rain or snow.
Addendum:
The clearing skies left us, to be taken over by overcast. So far since it has gotten light enough to see it has been snowing lightly. The roads were covered for a while, but now are just wet. There is about a quarter of an inch on the ground, but the ground is covered. The prognosticators blew this one. We have seen no sun, nor has it warmed up above freezing so far today. For those who wanted a white Thanksgiving you have it if you live in the Wilton area.
Low Temperature: 27.2
Relative Humidity: 62%
Barometric Pressure: 28.71 in. Hg
Dew Point: 16.3
Wind Direction: Northwest
Wind Speed (mph): 10
Wind Chill: 18.0
Precipitation: Rain
Amount: 0.55 inches
Current Temperature: 27.2

Well, it took a long while to get here, and it appears it will take a long time to leave. The rain has continued all day, the temperature has risen less than 4 degrees and the barometer is about as low as I have seen it at 28.28 inches of mercury. This appears to be a very deep and strong storm, although we still have very little wind associated with it. We also seem to be on the warm side of it since we are not going to have to shovel this one, and this would have been significant, in the range of 10 to 20 inches of snow.
If the prognosticators have it right we will not dodge the next one, and that will be on Thanksgiving Day, and it may, again if they are right, be significant. Are you prepared? If you are like me not everything is ready, but enough is ready that we can survive.
High Temperature: 40.1
Relative Humidity: 86%
Barometric Pressure: 28.28 in. Hg
Dew Point: 35.2
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 39.4
Precipitation: Rain
Amount: 1.15 inches
Current Temperature: 39.4

Would You Believe It's Raining

This weather system has been moving in since Sunday, and it has finally arrived. The bottom has fallen out of the Barometer at 29.00 inches of Mercury, the temperature still has not gone below freezing, my weather stick is pointed down and it is finally raining, although not very hard yet. This will be another of those dismal days, kind of like most of the months of May June and October. We have not had a lot of precipitation during November, but we are catching up fast. I understand that the temperatures, after this storm passes, will fall, and any precipitation that we get later in the week will be of the frozen variety, mainly snow. Travel to grandmother's house might be better made by horse and sleigh than by car, if the prognosticators are correct. All I can say is be prepared
Low Temperature: 36.0
Relative Humidity: 89%
Barometric Pressure: 29.00 in. Hg
Dew Point: 33.3
Wind Direction: North
Wind Speed (mph): 3
Wind Chill: 36.5
Precipitation: Rain
Amount: 0.10 inches
Current Temperature: 36.5

I am still not at all sure what is going on. The barometer has continued to fall, the overcast of this morning has pretty well gone away and the temperature is above freezing. The next thing I expect to happen is that the sky will be illuminated by lightning with rumbles of thunder. Either that or the temperature will plummet and we will be in the middle of a blizzard. This is just ridiculous.
I just took a look at Wunderground to see their prognostication. So far they have hit it right on the head. It has been clear to partly cloudy all day. They are now saying that we will have rain tonight, and possibly some sleet with little or no accumulation. The rain may be heavy at times overnight, so I guess my rain gauge will go back out for the overnight. Tomorrow be prepared for rain I guess. Can you tell I am confused.
High Temperature: 50.6
Relative Humidity: 70%
Barometric Pressure: 29.31 in. Hg
Dew Point: 36.3
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: N/A
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 46.6

There was one hole in the cloud cover west southwest of this location making it a mostly cloudy sky rather than overcast. The moon and some stars were visible through the overcast giving the landscape an eerie light. For this time of year it is warm and a bit humid. The cloud cover did act as a blanket keeping us relatively warm, or at least not allowing the temperature to fall below freezing. The barometer is still falling slowly, so whatever storm system is coming is taking a while getting here. If the precipitation starts this afternoon it will probably fall as rain, and with the ground as saturated as it is more rain is just what we don't need. How this event ends will depend on the timing of the cold air on Tuesday. The earlier the cold air arrives the more freezing precipitation we will have, be it freezing rain, sleet or snow. For this event I will put my rain gauge back out and hope that it does not freeze during the weather event.
Low Temperature: 36.0
Relative Humidity: 81%
Barometric Pressure: 29.54 in. Hg
Dew Point: 30.2
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 36.0
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 36.0

The sky is now overcast, the barometer is falling and the clouds are thickening and lowering. This sounds like a prescription for some stormy weather. It seems to be taking its own sweet time getting here too. I have heard, even from the prognosticators, that the longer it takes for a storm to arrive the longer it takes for it to depart. I have heard rumors that the sun we saw this morning was the last we may see until Friday. That is depressing.
High Temperature: 43.7
Relative Humidity: 78%
Barometric Pressure: 29.68 in. Hg
Dew Point: 31.3
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 38.2
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 38.2

It is now afternoon and the sky has turned overcast with filtered sun. The temperature is in the forties, but it does not feel warm. We seem to be on a see-saw with regard to this weather. It is definitely autumn, a season of change and unsettled weather. It is difficult to know how to dress and be comfortable. It is also difficult to work outside since the ground is so wet, and has not frozen enough to support my weight in the garden. I guess I will just have to keep trying until everything comes together as it will eventually.
Low Temperature: 22.7
Relative Humidity: 92%
Barometric Pressure: 29.79 in. Hg
Dew Point: 38.8
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 27.5
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 41.2

The overcast of the morning has gone to clear skies this evening. The temperature more than doubled during the day, but is on its way back down this evening. It was a nice day although a bit cool. I am still confused as to the indicators around here. The ring around the moon and cirrus clouds along with a weather stick that is either pointing straight out or down indicating "foul weather". The barometer is quite high indicating fair weather along with relative humidities that bounce like an Indian rubber ball. It is no wonder that the prognosticators are having problems forecasting the weather. I do not envy them, but most of us rely on their words in one way or another. Good Luck!
High Temperature: 34.2
Relative Humidity: 79%
Barometric Pressure: 29.87 in. Hg
Dew Point: 23.2
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 29.2
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 29.2

The temperature is the predominant feature this morning. From a low of 16.2 it is already over 22 degrees just before 09:00 hours. The fact that it is overcast with a barometric pressure over 30 inches of Hg is confusing since a high barometer is usually associated with fair weather. If any of you were outside last evening you would have been stricken by the size of the ring around the moon. That along with the high thin cirrus clouds (mare's tails and mackerel scales) all seems to point to some heavy weather today or tomorrow. As confusing as this is Mother Nature has her own agenda.
Low Temperature: 16.2
Relative Humidity: 95%
Barometric Pressure: 30.06 in. Hg
Dew Point: 20.8
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 22.0
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 22

Our morning low temperature has been corrected to 25.2. Sometimes it goes down just a little more before sunrise. It did that again this morning. The snow this morning stayed on the grass all day, and at 27 degrees is not leaving now.
As you can see from the data the temperature did not rise very much at all during the day, and it is already on the way down. Usually a cloud cover will keep in some heat, but I don't think this one will keep very much at all. It is mostly the high thin cirrus clouds, and that does not bode well for the future in terms of precipitation. I unloaded my mulch hay and got it to the basement windows. I also was able to get the garlic mulched to about 18 inches of loose hay. I was going to mulch the peas as well, but I took one step into the garden and sank right up to my ankles in mud. I will have to wait to mulch them until the ground either dries out a bit more or the frozen crust will support my weight. The way the temperature is headed it won't take very long to achieve that.
High Temperature: 33.8
Relative Humidity: 58%
Barometric Pressure: 29.85 in. Hg
Dew Point: 15.1
Wind Direction: West
Wind Speed (mph): 8
Wind Chill: 19.0
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 27

Wasn't I surprised when I came up to the computer and looked out the window? In the time it took me to have breakfast it went from a partly cloudy and star studded sky to snowing heavily with a half an inch of accumulation. The ground is not frozen yet, but there is a bit of a crust on it which should support my weight. That should enable me to get the mulching of the garden areas done. Not a moment too soon either.
If we were concerned about having a white Christmas, I think that concern is misplaced. I think we will have a white Thanksgiving, and the prognosticators are talking about some serious frozen precipitation over the first part of next week, and late in the week as well. Why not? We have had serious precipitation since May, so why should it stop now? Tune up the snow plows and snow blowers because here comes winter.
Low Temperature: 25.2
Relative Humidity: 74%
Barometric Pressure: 29.74 in. Hg
Dew Point: 19.4
Wind Direction: West
Wind Speed (mph): 5
Wind Chill: 21.0
Precipitation: Snow
Amount: 0.50 inches
Current Temperature 26.6

It turned out to be a very nice day. The temperature fell from its high this morning to its low this evening of 29 degrees so far. It has rebounded about a degree and a half since it hit the low. I expect the temperature to continue to fall over night. The atmosphere has also dried out considerably, so the ground may be dry enough in the morning to allow me to spread the hay on those areas of the garden that need it. It was so muddy in the fields today that I did not let the animals out because they did not need to get that muddy. They, I think, appreciated staying dry and getting hay.
Low Temperature: 29.0
Relative Humidity: 64%
Barometric Pressure: 29.60 in. Hg
Dew Point: 19.8
Wind Direction: West
Wind Speed (mph): 10
Wind Chill: 22.0
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches

Wow, we definitely had some rain last night. At the Souther Road weather station they recorded over 4 inches, and from the look of my swamp, and the puddles (ponds) around my house that is not out of the question. The rain has stopped for now, and while it is overcast you can see some definition to the clouds.
I believe that we have seen our high temperature of 47.3 degrees for the day, and it will probably cool off as the day wears on. I just hope that my garden will dry out enough so I can lay the hay down to mulch my planted stock. If you look at the photo below you can make out some areas of standing water. If I get out there to mulch it I will be ankle deep or more in mud, and that would not be good.
This has definitely been a wild night for weather. I did find some small broken branches off the Weeping Willow trees, and some of them were over an inch in diameter. That indicates to me some significant wind gusts. As usual the wind subsided by dawn, and right now it is calm. I guess we shall see what will develop between now and this afternoon when I do this again.
The temperature did go up during the morning very briefly, and i was surprised at how high it got. That is what my thermometer read, and I can;t dispute it.
High Temperature: 68.4
Relative Humidity: 85%
Barometric Pressure: 29.54 in. Hg
Dew Point: 35.1
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 39.6
Precipitation: Rain to None
Amount: 1.5 inches (est.)
Current Temperature: 39.6

A Very Wet Garden

It has remained dismal all day. Near sunset the fog rolled in again, and right now the visibility is very low. The barometric pressure has fallen over the day, so there has been a change in the air mass. Again today the temperature has not changed very much, only about 5 degrees. My garden was so wet that even though I was able to get my mulch hay I could not get to the areas I needed to to put it down. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day to take care of that.
High Temperature: 38.7
Relative Humidity: 88%
Barometric Pressure: 29.54 in. Hg
Dew Point: 35.1
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 38.3
Precipitation: Rain/Fog
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 38.3

Our temperature of 32.2 last evening was the low for the overnight. In fact the temperature has gone up a degree and a half since then. The sky is still overcast and it is raining lightly. I have taken in my rain gauge because of the threat of freezing temperatures, so for the time being I am using data from Souther Road in Livermore Falls for the precipitation. Their data and mine have corresponded very closely over the last several months, so until my weather station arrives and can be set up I will use theirs for rainfall totals. I will also note this data as estimated (est.).
Since it still has not gone below freezing for an extended period of time, causing the frost to go deep into the ground, it is giving me the time to get the mulch hay over my garlic and peas protecting them from frost damage. Mulching them will do two things. First it will insulate them from the extreme cold to some degree. Second it will tend to protect against excessive weed growth in the spring. Both of these actions will be beneficial. Obviously I will note the results in the spring when things get to growing.
The other point I wanted to note was that the prognosticators did get this one correct. The temperature did not go up very much yesterday, what started as snow changed to rain and the temperature hovered near the freezing mark overnight. That was a pretty good hit for their forecast. Good Job!
Low Temperature: 32.2
Relative Humidity: 91%
Barometric Pressure: 29.94 in. Hg
Dew Point: 31.1
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 33.7
Precipitation: Rain
Amount: 0.10 inches (est.)
Current Temperature: 33.7

Drizzle and Fog

The title says it all. It has rained since noon and frequently been mixed with sleet and even some snow. It is raw, damp humid and any other adjective you wish to add. We have had a fairly dry November, but the ground still has not dried out from October. That swamp that I pictured toward the end of last month is still full, and with this rain it will be a little fuller. At least we don't have to shovel; it and it is not piling up on the roofs. I will also note that the replacement garlic is in the ground for summer harvest.
High Temperature: 37.6
Relative Humidity: 92%
Barometric Pressure: 30.20 in. Hg
Dew Point: 30.0
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 32.2
Precipitation: Rain/Sleet
Amount: 0.50 inches (est)
Current Temperature : 32.2

There are a couple of things I should note. The barometric pressure the night before last was not 39.70, but 29.70. That correction has been made. Second the prognosticators got it almost right for yesterday. It was a very nice day, although in our area it did not get as warm as they said it would. A temperature of 54 is definitely not 57 or 60 degrees.
This morning it is cool and with a relative humidity of 90% it is what I would call raw. My head light for taking Bart for his morning constitutional was picking up frost on the grass, and it sparkled like diamonds. Late last evening I noticed that the moon had a very large ring around it as the high thin cirrus clouds passed in front of it. It was quite interesting.
Believe it or not I have some more garlic to plant. I had a few cloves that showed some mold from the first shipment I got, and they replaced those cloves with 3 full bulbs. I need to get those in the ground this morning and get them mulched before noon. I definitely can't let any grass grow under my feet today. If the prognosticators are correct this is going to prove to be a very interesting day for weather. We shall see how it all plays out.
Low Temperature: 30.4
Relative Humidity: 90%
Barometric Pressure: 30.22 in. Hg
Dew Point: 28.8
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 31.5
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 31.5

The wind and sunshine were the predominant features of today. It stayed windy until just after sunset, when I took these readings. As the sun set the sky was a beautiful shade of red, but I did not get a picture of this one. I don't really believe that we don't have anything to worry about from the weather tomorrow as a result of the red sky at night. My garden is still too wet, and the lawn will not be mowed, but there are some things I need to try to do tomorrow before we get rained on again. With any luck at all I will get them done. I have found some mulch hay, so I can get that early tomorrow and get those things done that I need to as far as the house and garden. I also have a few things that need to be picked up so they don't get caught in the snow blower. There is always something to be done.
High Temperature: 54.9
Relative Humidity: 75%
Barometric Pressure: 29.98 in. Hg
Dew Point: 32.7
Wind Direction: South Southeast
Wind Speed (mph): 20
Wind Chill: 32.0
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 40.9

The fog appears to be hanging around this morning. It has been present since I took Bart for his morning walk. It is a bit warmer than it was yesterday morning, in other words it did not go below freezing last night. There were some clouds, but no precipitation overnight. I imagine that the animals will go out today since it appears that it will not rain.
They are now getting hay every day since all the browse is now nutritionally devoid of anything but fiber. Once the fog has burned off I should be able to get outside and do a few more things to get ready for the next storm. From now on I guess it will be prepare for a storm, take care of the storm and get ready for the next storm. So it is in winter.
Low Temperature: 34.2
Relative Humidity: 91%
Barometric Pressure: 29.70 in. Hg
Dew Point: 32.9
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 35.5
Precipitation: Fog
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 35.5

This evening there is a ring around the moon. According to the old timers that is an indicator of some precipitation, just as the Mare's Tails and Mackerel Scales we saw earlier today. The temperature did not rebound into the fifties like the prognosticators said it would all week long. 45 is definitely not 57, and I suspect that tomorrow will be no different. If it sounds like I am holding their feet to the fire on some of their predictions, I am. When they get it right I will applaud them, but when they get it wrong I will not. As you may have noticed I go by what I see outside my window or on my own instruments. Then I look at what was predicted. Sometimes what I have seen matches the prognosticators, and sometimes it does not.
High Temperature: 45.5
Relative Humidity: 88%
Barometric Pressure: 29.70 in. Hg
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 37.3
Dew Point: 33.8
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 37.3

For what was supposed to be a nice day according to the prognosticators this is headed south in a hurry. It started out mostly sunny, but the clouds have moved in and now it is overcast. The temperature is not rising as quickly as they said it would either. With the relative humidity at 98% this is proving to be a rather unpleasant day to be outside. Oh, that’s right; it is the weekend, so it is not supposed to be pleasant.
Low Temperature: 22.5
Relative Humidity: 98%
Barometric Pressure: 29.96 in. Hg
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 32.5
Dew Point: 32.2
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 32.6

This did turn out to be a delightful day. It was a bit cool, but not quite so windy, so it did not feel as uncomfortable as it did yesterday. It almost made it to 40 degrees today, but not quite.
The sky at sunset had a red glow, so if it is to be believed we should have a really nice day tomorrow. I am looking forward to it. It actually might clear off the rest of the snow, and right now that would be a very good thing. It would allow a final chance to get things picked up and cleared away before it all catches up with us.
High Temperature: 39.6
Relative Humidity: 75%
Barometric Pressure: 29.90 in. Hg
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 35.5
Dew Point: 27.7
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 35.5

Red Sky Tonight Our Delight

This morning there is frost on the grass that is visible, and it has just gone above freezing at 34 degrees. The animals will go out, but they will also get some hay outside since the nutritional value of the browse is down to almost nothing.
It is another pretty morning with bright sunshine and little if any wind. I hope to be able to find some mulch hay so I can mulch the peas and garlic. I did note that the ground is beginning to freeze, and that may cause some problems. If I get things mulched soon they should be all right. I am trying a new source (to me) for my garlic, and I will let you know next August how their product performs. By June of next year I will also let you know how the fall planting of the peas worked out.
Low Temperature: 22.5
Relative Humidity: 88%
Barometric Pressure: 29.85 in. Hg
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 34.0
Dew Point: 30.5
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 34.0

Today it never did warm up. Our high of 36.4 occurred around 10:00 hours and it has been falling ever since. This was not a day to enjoy the out of doors. The wind blew with some pretty strong gusts out of the north country. The sun played hide and seek through the puffy clouds during the day. So, while it was a pretty looking day, it was not a day to be outside. I have heard a rumor from the prognosticators that we may see the upper fifties by Sunday and Monday. We shall see.
High Temperature: 36.4
Relative Humidity: 66%
Barometric Pressure: 29.53 in. Hg
Wind Direction: West Northwest
Wind Speed (mph): 15
Wind Chill: 22.0
Dew Point: 21.6
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 32.2

The wind has returned again this morning. There was no apparent frost on the vehicles, and one could not tell what was on top of the snow. There was one other significant item and that was the formation of ice on the puddles. At least that will help smooth out the bumps in the driveway.
Right now the sunshine is not as bright as it could be as a result of passing clouds. This will not enable the temperature to rise as far as it could on a clear, bright day. I still need to find some mulch hay to take care of the peas and garlic until spring.
Low Temperature: 27.9
Relative Humidity: 65%
Barometric Pressure: 29.45 in. Hg
Wind Direction: South
Wind Speed (mph): 15
Wind Chill: 27.0
Dew Point: 17.7
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 36.4

We had a little bit of sunshine this morning, but that too is gone. It is only a few minutes after 17:00 hours and it is already dark. This is due to the early sunset and the mostly cloudy conditions. There is still snow on the garden spot so it would have been foolish to try to mulch the cloves of garlic and the peas. I let the animals stay in because the pasture was well covered with sleet and snow, and the other areas that were not were very muddy. They don't like that and neither do I. They will appreciate some more hay with their grain this evening. I do not believe that the mud season next spring (unless we get a lot more snow before it freezes solid) will end until the middle of July.
High Temperature: 42.4
Relative Humidity: 74%
Barometric Pressure: 29.14 in. Hg
Wind Direction: South Southeast
Wind Speed (mph): 15
Wind Chill: 27.0
Dew Point: 33.8
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 36.2

We definitely had a mixture of weather overnight. We started with snow that mixed with sleet and then turned to freezing rain. The layer of snow now has a coating of ice on it. I would not be surprised to find places like Mile Hill in New Sharon to be a bit slippery. Any areas that are considered to be higher elevations are as well. The fog makes it even a bit more interesting because of the reduced visibility.
Low Temperature: 32.4
Relative Humidity: 91%
Barometric Pressure: 29.06 in. Hg
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 32.9
Dew Point: 30.4
Precipitation: Sleet/Fog
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 32.9

It is 23:00 hours and it is snowing with a little sleet mixed in. The red sky this morning surely did not lie. It has been snowing off and on since around 19:00 hours.
I did get the peas planted and the garlic planted this afternoon. The only thing left to do is to mulch them both fairly heavily. In that way they won't freeze and die. I certainly did not get those into the garden any too soon.
The other thing I noted out there was the presence of a great deal of water in the ground. Unless we continue to get some more snow to insulate the ground, and we get a great deal of very cold weather before that we will have frost in the ground until July. That would not be cool. I kept saying that the ground needed to dry out, but it has not, and that may prove to be a very big problem both for the winter and next spring, but I am not a meteorologist, I am just a weather enthusiast and observer
High Temperature: 44.3
Relative Humidity: 85%
Barometric Pressure: 29.70 in. Hg
Wind Direction: Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 5
Wind Chill: 28.0
Dew Point: 28.2
Precipitation: Snow
Amount: 2.00 inches
Current Temperature: 32.6

The predominant feature of yesterday is gone and in its place are some much colder temperatures. The frost on the grass was quite noticeable when I took Bart for his morning walk. It continues to wax colder every day, and that is making me quite nervous about the possibility of getting done what I need to both in the garden and on the lawn. If I have to make a choice I guess the garden work will have to come first, and if there is an opportunity the lawn will have to come later. The day started out clear, but already the sunshine is becoming milky due to the influx of some high thin clouds. We just can't seem to get enough clear days together to dry the ground out so the tasks at hand can be accomplished. Well, there is always next year.
Low Temperature: 23.4
Relative Humidity: 90%
Barometric Pressure: 29.98 in. Hg
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 32.4
Dew Point: 29.7
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 32.4

The wind was the predominant feature of the weather today, and it was sharp. If you had not put on some extra layers you could have gotten quite cold. It was a pretty day with the bright sunshine, although the red sky this morning gives some cause for concern. We will see how that plays out tomorrow.
High Temperature: 51.1
Relative Humidity: 73%
Barometric Pressure: 29.60 in. Hg
Wind Direction: West
Wind Speed (mph): 20
Wind Chill: 31.0
Dew Point: 31.6
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 40.5

Well, I did not get that one right. The temperature hit 38.7 this morning and stopped. See, even though there was a breeze, and the sky was clear we did not cool down enough to get below freezing. The sky was absolutely star studded, although the east was quite red. There is one other thing to note, and that is the absence of leaves from the trees against the skyline. Despite the warm weather we have been having we are on the doorstep of winter, and it will come.
Low Temperature: 38.7
Relative Humidity: 73%
Barometric Pressure: 29.51in. Hg
Wind Direction: West
Wind Speed (mph): 15
Wind Chill: 30.0
Dew Point: 29.8
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 38.7

Red Sky at Dawning Take Warning

The wind picked up today and blew from just about every direction you could imagine. There were gusts that I would estimate at about 40 mph, and a fairly constant wind of 15 to 25 mpn. The atmosphere has dried out and the temperature is dropping like a stone. I would certainly expect below freezing temperatures before morning, but I have been wrong before. I took Bart for a walk this afternoon and walking in the same direction I had cross winds out of the north and northwest, headwinds out of the east and even an occasional gust out of the west. When I checked out my whirligig it was showing wind out of the south. That was unreal.
High Temperature: 53.5
Relative Humidity: 59% in. Hg
Barometric Pressure: 29.50
Wind Direction: Variable, mainly Easterly
Wind Speed (mph): 20
Wind Chill: 35.0
Dew Point: 28.8
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 43.6

Overnight, as the data shows, we had some significant rain at about 0.70 inches. The skies have now cleared out and they are star studded. The air mass has changed as well. The barometric pressure has fallen and the relative humidity has risen, giving us a more humid feel to the air as well as being a bit more unsettled. If the clear sky holds, it will be nice to be able to see the sun for a change. Once again things need to dry out before any work can be done outside on gardens and lawns. We can live in hope, but right now I am not holding out much of that. We seem to be in a very changeable weather pattern.
Low Temperature: 40.1
Relative Humidity: 85%
Barometric Pressure: 29.37 in. Hg
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 40.1
Dew Point: 35.6
Precipitation: Rain
Amount: 0.70 inches
Current Temperature: 40.1

Since this morning the fog has gotten a little heavier, more of a drizzle. I have therefore put out the rain gauge for collection of any precipitation that falls. The drizzle that has fallen so far today has not been enough to measure. We achieved the same high today that we did yesterday, and that was not very high. This has not been a very pleasant weekend. It has been a good one to stay inside and cook, or knit or cane chairs or even read a book. Outside activity has not been something that most of us would want to do on days like this. Well, we can look forward to January and two or three feet of snow. At least we did not have to shovel this stuff.
High Temperature: 54.9
Relative Humidity: 84%
Barometric Pressure: 29.67 in. Hg
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 43.6
Dew Point: 38.7
Precipitation: Drizzle
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 43.6

The elevated humidity and cool temperatures have combined to make this a very raw morning. The fog which is in evidence is not helping that situation at all. The ground is still saturated and it is not drying out at all. This is making things more and more difficult in terms of getting those things done both in the garden and on the lawn that need to be done. The leaves are beginning to flatten out an the ground which will make them very difficult to sweep up, unless it dries out some and they curl a bit. We can only hope for some drier weather before freezing and snow. This is most frustrating.
Low Temperature: 40.1
Relative Humidity: 83%
Barometric Pressure: 29.85 in. Hg
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 41.2
Dew Point: 36.0
Precipitation: Fog
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 41.2

Apparently the warm front has won out. The temperature is still above 50 (50.2) at 17:08 hours. So I guess that even though we had a cool morning a day or so ago we are still in Indian Summer. The air mass over us still has not made a great change since the barometric pressure is still at 29.68 in. Hg. It is true that we don't have to pay for days like this in terms of oil consumption, but sooner or later we will pay. It may be in January or February, but pay we will.
High Temperature: 54.9
Relative Humidity: 78%
Barometric Pressure: 29.68 in. Hg
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: N/A
Dew Point: 47.8
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches

The battle still rages above us. It is not cold enough snow, and yet it is not warm enough to dry things out. Last night at about 20:00 hours it was drizzling, and apparently that has continued intermittently throughout the night. The grass was wet, but there was no condensation on our vehicles, so there was no dew. At this point I am betting on intermittent precipitation all day, so I will let the animals stay dry, or at least dry off from last evenings drizzle.
Low Temperature: 38.7
Relative Humidity: 83%
Barometric Pressure: 29.68 in. Hg
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 41.4
Dew Point: 33.4
Precipitation: Drizzle
Amount: Trace inches
Current Temperature: 41.4

We are back into the dismals. The garden, even though it has been tilled is not drying out so that I can get something done out there. The ground overall is still very saturated. I guess we are still on the line between the fronts, and that is making everything very unsettled. I still have hopes that I will be able to mow and sweep the lawn before we have either too much snow or the ground freezes. I have my doubts as to the probability of both the garden work and the lawn, time is growing too short.
High Temperature: 47.7
Relative Humidity: 75%
Barometric Pressure: 29.70 in. Hg
Wind Direction: West
Wind Speed (mph): 5
Wind Chill: N/A
Dew Point: 35.5
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 43.9

We still appear to be in the pattern of change. Right now it is overcast with calm winds and no dew on the grass (or anything else). The temperature is too high for snow, but that could change at any moment, depending on what the front decides to do. The barometer has been fairly steady for the past couple of days with only minor swings from morning to afternoon. Do I have a clue as to what is going to happen with this pattern? No. Looking out my window I would expect rain or snow, and based on the time of year I would be inclined to say snow, but what do I know? We will just have to wait and see what transpires this afternoon.
Low Temperature: 39.4
Relative Humidity: 79%
Barometric Pressure: 29.72 in. Hg
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 39.4
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Dew Point: 32.7
Current Temperature: 39.4

Today has been quite changeable. It was cool this morning, but it has warmed up into the low fifties and the relative humidity has gone down making it rather comfortable. The cloud cover has gone from clear to overcast and now it is mostly sunny. The wind has likewise been variable both in direction and speed. This has been just one of those days where if you wait 15 minutes you will probably get what you want for weather, and 15 minutes later you will get something you don't want.
High Temperature: 51.3
Relative Humidity: 64%
Barometric Pressure: 29.26 in Hg
Wind Direction: West
Wind Speed (mph): 8
Wind Chill: N/A
Dew Point: 38.1
Precipitation: Dry
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 50.9

When I first got outside to observe the weather and walk Bart the sky was absolutely clear and star studded. In the roughly 1 hour since then the sky has become overcast. Further, the grass and the vehicles were absolutely dry this morning. I found that quite unusual considering the relative humidity at 90%. However, the dew point had not been reached at 30.0 degrees. Without a doubt this is going to be an interesting stretch of weather. With things being as they are right now I may not get out to mow the lawn or plant the peas and garlic. There is an old saw that addresses the fact that there is no dew on the grass, but I cannot remember what it is. If anyone knows what it is please send me a comment.
Low Temperature: 32.9
Relative Humidity: 90%
Barometric Pressure: 29.70 in. Hg
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 32.9
Dew Point: 30.0
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00 inches

Yes, we are returning to more seasonable temperatures. Just since I got home at 16:00 hours the temperature has dropped from 41.4 to 38.2, and it appears to be continuing that downward spiral. I suspect that we will see temperatures below freezing tonight, and even if it remains clear tomorrow it will not be warm. So, be prepared for what is to come. By tomorrow morning you may want to add an extra layer of clothing for the morning commute. I may have to do the same to get my lawn mowed and swept. The garden was still too wet to plant the peas today. When I get them and the garlic planted I will probably put down some mulch hey as protection against the extreme temperatures.
High Temperature: 55.8
Relative Humidity: 60%
Barometric Pressure: 29.48 in. Hg
Wind Direction: North
Wind Speed (mph): 15
Wind Chill: 30.0
Dew Point: 24.3
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00 inches
Current Temperature: 38.2

Overnight there were some showers as evidenced by the water drops on the vehicles. There was not enough to make puddles in the driveway though, so despite the fact that I have taken the rain gauge in there was probably just a trace of precipitation. Right now we are dealing with some filtered sunshine as the clouds continue to break up.
Our Indian Summer continues at least through today, but the air has a much drier feel than it has had over the past few days. To me this indicates a change in air mass as does the lower barometer. I would expect the temperatures to fall below freezing overnight, but that remains to be seen
Low Temperature: 42.1
Relative Humidity: 78%
Barometric Pressure: 29.32 in. Hg
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 42.3
Dew Point: 36.2
Precipitation: Showers overnight
Amount: Trace inches

After a clear start to the day the clouds have moved in and are lowering and threatening. There is however a bright spot in that there was a thin line of red at the horizon. It has remained warm enough to get outside and get some work done. The specific task was to get the garden tilled. That has happened, however even with several dry days the ground was still so wet that it was like waking in thick oatmeal. There were a few places where the mud almost pulled my boots off. My garden spot is on the top of a hill, and I know the swamp at the foot of the hill is still pretty full of water. As long as we don't get a lot of rain overnight I should be able to get my other task completed; that being the final mowing and sweeping of the lawn before winter.
High Temperature: 64.8
Relative Humidity: 72%
Barometric Pressure: 29.36 in. Hg
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: N/A
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00 inches
Dew Point: 46.4

We are starting November just as we ended October with our Indian Summer continuing. There is dew on the grass, but all in all it is a very nice start to the day. It should be a good day to get some things done. I am running a bit late with my chores, but fortunately the animals don't complain at this time of year. I will get to them shortly.
Low Temperature: 38.9
Relative Humidity: 84%
Barometric Pressure: 29.64 in. Hg
Wind Direction: Calm
Dew Point: 34.2
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 39.1
Precipitation: None
Amount: 0.00 inches

What a month!
The average Morning low temperature was 48.9, while the average afternoon high was 56.1 degrees. The overall average temperature was 48.9. The Max Low was 56.2 and the Min Low was 22.1. The Max High was 77.8 and the Min High was 39.4. So there was quite a swing in temperature.
The average relative humidity was 70.7% and the average barometric pressure was 29.64. We had 18 mornings that started Mostly Cloudy to Overcast and 20 afternoons that were the same. We had 19 days with some precipitation and a total accumulation of 13.75 inches.
Average Low Temperature: 46.8
Average High Temperature: 56.1
Average Barometric Pressure: 29.64 in. Hg
Average Relative Humidity: 70.7%
Precipitation: 19 with Precipitation
Amount: 13.75 inches
Sky-AM: 18 Overcast or Mostly Cloudy
Sky-PM: 20 Overcast or Mostly Cloudy