This has been, as has been noted, a very strange month for weather. Our minimum low temperature was 2.3°, while our minimum high temperature was 14.4°. Our highest low temperature was 31.8° on January 12th and the maximum high for the month was 53.4° on January 21st. The barometer reached a maximum of 30.35 in. Hg and a minimum of 29.00 in. Hg. It would be accurate to say this was a month of extremes. We had around 20 inches of snow and rain of over 2.3 inches for a total precipitation of 4.34 inches.
Average Low Temperature: 19.3°
Average High Temperature: 35.3°
Average Relative Humidity: 73%
Average Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.70
Average Wind Speed (mph): 1.8
Average Wind Chill: 24.4°
Average Dew Point: 18.0°
Precipitation: 20 days with precipitation.
Amount (inches): 4.34
Sky-AM: 21 mornings mostly cloudy to overcast
Sky-PM: 17 afternoons mostly cloudy to overcast

Today all three of my indicators are correct. They are calling for inclement weather, and that is exactly what we have. The temperature has not gone above freezing for 2 days, yet an icicle over four feet long has grown off the carriage house roof. That is impressive. It is continuing to snow, but the accumulation for all day has only been about an inch. The snowflakes right now are really ice needles as described in The Weather Wizard's 5-Year Weather Diary.
High Temperature: 27.5°
Relative Humidity: 74%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.57
Dew Point: 19.3°
Wind Direction: North Northeast
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 26.6°
Precipitation: Snow
Amount (inches): 1.00
Current temperature: 26.6°

It is snowing this morning, again. As I look out my west window, I cannot even see to my neighbor's driveway. The visibility is less than 150 ft., and that is not good for those of you that are driving. We seem to be stuck at temperatures in the mid twenties. This certainly does not allow for much in the way of melting of the snow that has fallen. Yesterday my snow gauge showed 3 inches of snow, and today is showing five. My rain gauge is not showing anything since there is no heater to melt the snow as it accumulates. Any estimate of the amount of precipitation will need to be based on 10 in. of snow equal to 1 in. of precipitation.
Low Temperature: 23.1°
Relative Humidity: 81 %
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.72
Dew Point: 18.5°
Wind Direction: Northeast
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 23.1°
Precipitation: Snow
Amount (inches): 2.00
Current temperature: 23.5°

Today the only indicator that got it right was the weather stick. It has been pointing down all day long, and we have had inclement weather all day long. Right now and I just came in from exercising Bart, the precipitation is somewhere between freezing rain, freezing drizzle, sleet, snow and freezing fog. No matter what you call it, it is not pleasant, and it is making the roads slippery.
The temperature has not gone above freezing all day. The barometer has gone up, and most of the other parameters have remained almost unchanged since this morning. Looking out my west window it appears that a fog bank is moving in. That should make travel this evening very interesting. The careful out there everybody if you have to be on the roads.
High Temperature: 28.0°
Relative Humidity: 75%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.80
Dew Point: 16.7°
Wind Direction: Northeast
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 23.5°
Precipitation: Snow
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current temperature: 23.5°

It is now almost 8:40 AM, and it is still snowing. The snow actually did not begin until well after dark last night. It should be noted that this has been a fairly heavy, wet snow. Because of the amount of water in the snow we have accumulated less than if it had been a dry snow.
My electronic weather instruments are finally in agreement, showing mixed sun and clouds with a tendency to improve. As usual, in the morning, the weather stick is pointed down indicating deteriorating weather. This morning with the overcast, I am still not sure who I believe.
The photo below shows the results of the snowstorm from last night.
Low Temperature: 22.6°
Relative Humidity: 76 %
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.72
Dew Point: 16.7°
Wind Direction: North Northeast
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 23.1°
Precipitation: Snow
Amount (inches): 3.00
Current temperature: 23.1°

Snowstorm January 30, 2006

Now even my electronic instruments disagree. One says deteriorating weather and the other says a tendency to improve. The weather stick is straight out indicating improving whether. Because of the overcast, there is no red sky to use for an indicator.
We have had no precipitation during the day today. The clouds have continued to thicken and lower giving the appearance that precipitation was imminent. It is as dark as the inside of a pocket as I look out my north and west windows. Right now, if we have any precipitation, it will be either liquid or mixed. Once again, all I can ask is "Who do you believe"?
High Temperature: 39.9°
Relative Humidity: 56%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.73
Dew Point: 21.1°
Wind Direction: East Northeast
Wind Speed (mph): 2.2
Wind Chill: 34.8°
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current temperature: 34.3°

The electronic instruments are showing a tendency toward improving weather. The red sky last night indicated fair weather for today and finally the weather stick is nearly straight out or slightly elevated indicating improving weather. As I look out my west window all I see is clouds in fact it is overcast. I do not think any of the indicators have it right. Unless there are some drastic changes, I think we are going to have inclement weather today. The temperature is continuing to rise so any precipitation that we receive will probably be in the form of rain. That's my prediction and I'm sticking to it.
Low Temperature: 29.1°
Relative Humidity: 63%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.81
Dew Point: 22.2°
Wind Direction: South Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 33.6°
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current temperature: 33.6°

Once again, we are dealing with strange days. This has been stranger than most. I cannot remember a time when the temperature has been this warm this late in January. We did have a brief shower around noontime that netted us another two hundredths of an inch of rain. Since then the skies have cleared, and we had an absolutely delightful sunset. So, at this point, two of my four indicators are saying we are going to have fair weather. The two electronic ones say the weather's going to deteriorate while the weather stick and the evening red sky say we are in for fair weather. Who do you believe?
High Temperature: 52.8°
Relative Humidity: 52%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.67
Wind Direction: Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 42.4°
Dew Point: 26.1°
Precipitation: Showers
Amount (inches): 0.02
Current Temperature: 39.3°

Red Sky Tonight January 28, 2006

Last night's temperature of 28.9° was our low for the evening. Apparently we had some clouds move in overnight which stopped the radiational cooling. Wasn't I surprised to see the temperature in the low forties , when I got up this morning . When I started this it was mostly cloudy but it seems to be becoming overcast .
Once again I can do no better than the prognosticators in getting it right . I would have expected snow today, but with temperatures over 40° I would expect rain . All I can say is this is very strange.
Three of my four indicators , the two electronic instruments and a red sky all indicate deteriorating weather , the weather stick is still confused because it is pointed up. It seems that this is going to be another strange day in a winter of strange days .
Low Temperature: 28.9°
Relative Humidity: 47%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.75
Dew Point: 22.8°
Wind Direction: West
Wind Speed (mph): 10.9
Wind Chill: 29.2°
Precipitation: Showers
Amount (inches): 0.02
Current Temperature: 39.5°

Red Sky This Morning January 28, 2006

The sky this evening is absolutely beautiful, it is virtually cloudless and the stars look like pinpoints of light through black velvet. The temperature has already fallen ten degrees since our high of nearly 40 this afternoon. I expect the temperature to fall significantly more as a result of radiational cooling. This will be very similar to last night I would suspect. The wind has been much more active today than it was yesterday. The direction has varied from south to west. The wind speed has been equally variable ranging from calm to nearly 7mph. Once again, the weather stick is the only indicator that appears to be confused; it is pointed up, while my other indicators are pointed down indicating deteriorating weather. I wonder what that means?
High Temperature: 39.7°
Relative Humidity: 42%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.91
Wind Direction: Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 5.8
Wind Chill: 22.4°
Dew Point: 8.1°
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 28.9°

As the sun rose this morning the sky was red, and the temperature was cold. There was also not a cloud in the sky. All of my indicators, the electronic ones, the barometer and the weather stick are signaling for fair weather. The temperature is already up two degrees from its overnight low. With the amount of sun we appear to be about to get it should warm things up fairly well
I feel rather honored that my weather station has been accepted into the CWOP for NOAA. Therefore, I am now involved in two weather monitoring networks. I understand that NOAA offers classes from time to time on understanding the weather. In order to improve my reporting I will probably take one or two of those
Low Temperature: 11.6°
Relative Humidity: 53 %
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 30.12
Wind Direction: Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 1.3
Wind Chill: 13.8°
Dew Point: -1.3°
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 13.8°

It was cool today, but there was plenty of sun. It did warm up above freezing which made it possible for much of the snow to melt off the driveway. Right now, it is as dark as the inside of a pocket as I look out my north window. As the sun set the sky was a beautiful shade of red, not as brilliant as I've seen but quite nice. The wind has picked up this afternoon and is ranging from dead calm to around twelve miles an hour. That has made it a little less comfortable than it might have been without it. The wind direction has also been quite variable from south southeast to north northwest. The temperature is continuing to fall and it is already below 22.6°. With the clear skies, I would guess we would have a very cold evening.
High Temperature: 37.9°
Relative Humidity: 46%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.85
Dew Point: 8.6°
Wind Direction: East Southeast
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 26.7°
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 22.4°

There was a snow shower a little after 10:00 last night. It snowed just enough to cover the road, and that is exactly how I found it this morning. The sky this morning was mostly cloudy. The cloud type was altocumulus, which are white with some gray parts and shadows. They appear in flattened layers, rolls, or waves, with edges sometimes touching. Their upper parts are composed of ice, the lower parts of water. They are lower and darker than cirrocumulus clouds.
The icons on both my electronic weather stations are indicating fair weather. The barometer has rebounded nicely, which also indicates fair weather. By the way, my weather station is now part of the Weather Underground Network. I am quite pleased that has happened. In addition, just to note, the prognosticators are not saying much about the possible storm on Sunday into Monday, and after yesterday, I can't say that I blame them
Low Temperature: 18.5°
Relative Humidity: 77 %
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.57
Dew Point: 13.2°
Wind Direction: West Northwest
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 19.4°
Precipitation: Snow Showers
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 20.1°

What a strange day it has been. It started off snowing, the snow stopped, it snowed some more and now it is just dismal. Whatever snow fell has melted in my rain gauge and shows up as 0.02 in. of precipitation. With the temperature just below freezing, the roads are getting slippery. I have heard a report that there was a rollover on Mile Hill in New Sharon. The report went on to say that, the road was glare ice. The indicators on both my electronic instruments show inclement weather, and, from the look of the sky, I must agree with them.
The weather prognosticators have indicated that this storm did not produce as much snow as they thought it would. That was because the low formed further south than they expected it to. They did say that the wind would pick up as the storm passed by. I have not seen that yet, but we will wait and see what happens by morning. If the wind does pick up it should dry the roads off. That should make the commute tomorrow morning much less treacherous.
High Temperature: 36.5°
Relative Humidity: 74%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.31
Wind Direction: Northeast
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 31.8°
Dew Point: 24.2°
Precipitation: Showers
Amount (inches): 0.02
Current temperature: 31.8°

When I went out at 6:00, it had just started to snow. At 27.3°, it will remain as snow, and it does not look like the temperature is going to rise very much. If the temperature does rise there will probably be some rain mixing with the snow. If that does occur, driving will be treacherous. The sky is overcast and the cloud type is nimbostratus. It looks like this will be another good day for indoor activities.
The goats and sheep will stay inside the barn today. I will be going out shortly to do chores, and make sure they have fresh hay and water. They always seem to appreciate that.
Low Temperature: 26.9°
Relative Humidity: 81 %
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.31
Wind Direction: South
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 27.3°
Dew Point: 22.2°
Precipitation: Snow
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 27.5°

There were some bright spots during the day. However, clouds have been the predominant feature. The temperature did get to 38.4°, which is well above freezing. The icons on both of my electronic weather stations are indicating inclement weather. I must agree with them since it has remained cold and raw despite the fact that it was above freezing.
Right now, the temperature is 33.6 and it seems that it is quickly going to fall below freezing. With the clouds thickening and lowering, I would not be surprised to see snow before the evening is over. Right now, the water is coming off the roof of the carriage house where the snow is melting, but I do not expect that to last very long. I do see a couple of icicles forming because of that water. We are definitely continuing to have a wild ride in the weather department.
High Temperature: 38.4
Relative Humidity: 60%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.52
Wind Direction: South
Wind Speed (mph): 2.4
Wind Chill: 33.4
Dew Point: 24.4
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 33.4

The snow ended overnight. No additional accumulation fell, so 4.5 inches is the total for this storm. A few minutes ago the temperature was 20.1 and it is now 19.5. The wind direction when I first checked was west northwest and as I started this it had moved to the south west and is now back to the west northwest . I guess the winds are variable. The icons on both my electronic weather instruments indicate inclement weather. I am not sure I agree with that although there are many altocumulus clouds around, making this a mostly cloudy morning. These may only be remnants of the storm we had yesterday
Low Temperature: 18.3
Relative Humidity: 81%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.62
Wind Direction: West Northwest
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 20.1
Dew Point: 15.1
Precipitation: Snow
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 19.9

It has snowed all day. The temperature has not risen above freezing, and it is already on its way down. We have almost four and a half inches of new snow on the ground. This has nearly replaced what was there before the rains of the last couple of weeks. Of course, I heard the prognosticators say that this storm would be over by 16:00. It is now closing in on 1900 hours and is still snowing. Well, they said we would get snow they just didn't say how much. My guess is that we will get it all
Needless to say, my goats and sheep did not go outside today. I am sure that they appreciated the dry barn. To say the least I have a rather enjoyed staying inside myself. I have some computer work that I have been able to do since I did not need to go outside. The only time I went outside was to exercise my complaint manager Bart, and he didn't want to stay outside either.
One of the things that I can do now is dictate this information without having to type it. That is one of the nice new things about Word 2003. They have a voice to text program included with Office 2003.
High Temperature: 29.3
Relative Humidity: 72%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.69
Wind Direction: East
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 26.7
Dew Point: 20.0
Precipitation: Snow
Amount (inches): 4.50
Current Temperature: 26.7

This is the Summary of the data for the year from May 2nd through the end of December 2005 (243 days). I hope you find it interesting. This is a little later than I had intended, but better late than never.
Average Low Temperature: 43.0
Average High Temperature: 63.0
Average Relative Humidity: 61%
Average Barometric Pressure: 29.63
Average Wind Speed: 4
Average Heat Index: 84.0
Average Wind Chill: 25.4
Average Dew Point: 40.6
Mornings Overcast or Mostly Cloudy: 133
Afternoons Overcast or Mostly Cloudy: 119
Days with Precipitation: 100
Precipitation since May: 69.10 inches

The sheets of altostratus clouds have moved in overnight leaving us with filtered moonlight this morning. In my headlamp it appeared that there were some snowflakes falling, but I could not be quite sure. The winds were calm overnight and still are. Both of my electronic weather instruments are calling for the weather to deteriorate today, and my preliminary observation seems to confirm that with a falling barometer, which is down from 30.33 last night at just before 19:00 hours. The only indicator which seems confused is the weather stick which is straight out, but that may indicate a change. We will see what this afternoon brings.
Low Temperature: 18.6
Relative Humidity: 65%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 30.10
Wind Direction: West Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 20.8
Dew Point: 10.8
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 20.8

I should have noted that last night we lost power for about 2 hours due to a tree falling on the wires across from the house. That gave us a bit of excitement here in the neighborhood. One of the reasons was that it happened just as I was entering my data into the database. Then this morning around 07:10 hours we had a wind gust of 57.2 m.p.h. which shook the house a bit. Late this afternoon we had some high thin cirrus clouds move into the area. The temperature rose above freezing, but just above. The winds have remained light and variable, so overall it has been a pretty delightful mid-winter day.
High Temperature: 34.3
Relative Humidity: 43%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 30.35
Wind Direction: Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 25.3
Dew Point: 5.8
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 24.9

From the warmth of spring at over 50 degrees we have returned to winter and the twenties. It is a real shock to the system to be on this weather rollercoaster. The barometer has continued to rise and the icons on my two electronic stations both indicate fair weather. That seems to be a fairly accurate assessment, and the weather stick also agrees since it is up too. The wind is light and variable, so it should not cause much in the way of discomfort if you are going to be outside this morning.
Low Temperature: 17.7
Relative Humidity: 45 %
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 30.27
Wind Direction: North Northwest
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 17.7
Dew Point: 0.0
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 21.3

As I stepped out to take a couple of photographs it started to rain. The wind has come up and is variable in direction and very gusty. The wind speed is ranging from calm to 19 m.p.h. Talk about your wild weather, we are having it right now. Could this be March? I guess we will have feet of snow in March. This is incredible.
High Temperature: 53.4
Relative Humidity: 58%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.37
Wind Direction: West Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 11.4
Wind Chill: 40.5
Dew Point: 37.2
Precipitation: Rain
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 51.6

The New Weather Station

Looking East at the Storm/Front Moving In

Looking West at the Storm/Front Moving In

Today we have altocumulus clouds with small patches of blue sky between them. Overnight the temperature went just below freezing and is already quite a bit above freezing. In fact, it is over 40 degrees. There is very little sun, except when one of those blue patches passes directly in front of the sun. Then it is bright briefly before another cloud passes in front of the sun.
I am not quite sure what to make of this weather. I know it is winter, but it is a very different winter from what I have seen over the last 20 years or so. We have had open winters where it has been very cold, snowy winters with lots of snow, but I can't remember a winter that has been as variable as this one has so far. Up here we have had over 2 inches of rain, and some snow, which I will calculate in at the end of the month. It has been warm overall, but we have had some readings near 0 degrees. It has been strange, very strange.
Just to note both of my electronic units agree. The icons they are showing are for inclement weather. My weather stick is pointed toward the ground also. I am probably tempting fate, but I will let the animals out at least until it starts to rain, because at 41 degrees it will not be snow..
Low Temperature: 29.4
Relative Humidity: 80%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.60
Wind Direction: West
Wind Speed (mph): 4.4
Wind Chill: 35.8
Dew Point: 32.5
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 41.3

The winds have been calm all day, and it has remained mostly cloudy. The weather icons have finally gone over to inclement indicators, and from the look of the sky they are probably correct. The clouds are of the nimbostratus type, and, according to the description I have, precipitation from them is often lengthy. The barometric pressure is falling which is another indicator that the weather is deteriorating, and why not, it is Friday and the start of another weekend. I guess we should be glad we don't live in Moscow, Russia since the high there is supposed to be -20 degrees Fahrenheit tomorrow.
High Temperature: 40.4
Relative Humidity: 62%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.77
Wind Direction: Southeast
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 35.4
Dew Point: 24.0
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 34.3

Overnight the wind did calm down, and the temperatures dipped into the mid-twenties. The clouds are of the altostratus type which allow for observation of the moon, but as if it is through frosted glass. This type of cloud can produce a snow shower as we had overnight. The icons on my two electronic instruments are for fair weather, but I am not sure I believe them. I guess we will have to wait until this afternoon to see what we get.
Low Temperature: 24.6
Relative Humidity: 74%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.85
Wind Direction: West Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 25.7
Dew Point: 18.8
Precipitation: Snow Shower
Amount (inches): 0.25
Current Temperature: 25.7

The wind was probably the predominant feature today making it feel much colder than it really was. The wind varied from a little over 20 m.p.h. to calm, and from the northwest to the southeast. Mainly though it has been out of the west to west southwest. It did get above freezing, but with the wind it was difficult to tell that. The icons on both of my electronic instruments are calling for fair weather, and I do agree. Days like this do go in the plus column for sure.
High Temperature: 37.9
Relative Humidity: 48%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.89
Wind Direction: Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 3.6
Wind Chill: 34.7
Dew Point: 16.9
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 32.7

When I took Bart out for his evening constitutional we were in the middle of a snow shower at 23:00 hours. This morning at 05:15 when I did the same thing it was still spitting snow flakes. The wind is still variable from the south southwest to the west northwest, and is currently southwest at 20.5 m.p.h. Still and all it is warm for this time of year, particularly when we consider that this should be the coldest week of the season. This certainly has been a normal winter with nothing but abnormal and unusual weather. Just to note that in addition to the .14 inches of rain we wound up with a half an inch of snow overnight
Low Temperature: 30.0
Relative Humidity: 62%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.58
Wind Direction: West Northwest
Wind Speed (mph): 8
Wind Chill: 19.0
Dew Point: 18.5
Precipitation: Snow
Amount (inches): 0.14
Current Temperature: 30.2

It has continued to rain all day long. Fog rolled into the area about 11:00. During the early afternoon the wind began to blow. There was one gust that was so strong that my anemometer did not even register and it went off line which means it was over 111mph. Other than that our maximum wind gust was over 37mph. So far for the entire storm we have had 0.65 in. of rain.
Both of my weather indicators on my electronic instruments are showing inclement weather. I must agree with them. The 20 foot mast for my wind sensor has held up very well. I guess my weather station can now be considered fully operational. Getting it up and running has been a challenge, but overall I think it was worth it.
High Temperature: 52.1
Relative Humidity: 85%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.02
Wind Direction: South Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 10.9
Wind Chill: 38.2
Dew Point: 44.5
Precipitation: Rain
Amount (inches): 0.48
Current Temperature: 48.7

This morning we have ice with rain on top of it. As I look out my north window the water is just pouring off the carriage house roof. This certainly is not going to be a pretty day. At least the temperature has gone up above freezing. If this were all snow we would be working on a very significant storm. Of course this much rain will present its own problems. During the past week we have had significant amounts of rain so streams lakes and Rivers are already full. I do not think that this will be a day to play outside.
Low Temperature: 22.8
Relative Humidity: 80%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.69
Wind Direction: East Northeas
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 31.8
Dew Point: 26.4
Precipitation: Rain
Amount (inches): 0.15
Current Temperature: 32.1

We have gone from clear skies this morning to partly cloudy skies this afternoon. There is a significant amount of cloudiness in the west. The wind has come around to the east southeast and is currently blowing at 3.1 miles per hour. It is absolutely amazing that the temperature reached 42.6 degrees this afternoon. It seems as though we're about to reenter our January thaw. This may only be a brief reentry though. When the sun rose this morning the sky was a beautiful pink, and this afternoon the sun is going down in a cloud with no color. My two electronic devices have fair weather indicators showing. The weather stick is pointed down, and today I believe it not the electronics. Isn't it nice to be able to pick and choose the indicators we wish to believe and ignore the ones we don't?
High Temperature: 42.6
Relative Humidity: 40%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 30.02
Wind Direction: East Southeast
Wind Speed (mph): 3.1
Wind Chill: 35.4
Dew Point: 13.9
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 31.5

It is almost 11 degrees warmer than it was yesterday morning at this same time. The sky is clear and we do have moonshadows. Both of the indicators on my electronic instruments are showing the icons for fair weather, and that is the way things are starting out.
Bart certainly did not want to stay outside any longer than absolutely necessary this morning, and I can't say that I blame him. .
Low Temperature: 13.6
Relative Humidity: 61%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.75
Wind Speed (mph): 1.7
Wind Direction: West Northwest
Wind Chill: 13.8
Dew Point: 2.8
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 13.6

At one point I thought that my wind direction vane was stuck or blocked. I checked it out at mid-afternoon, and found that it was not. A little while later I saw a shift to the north, so it is not frozen or stuck, it is just reporting what it sees. It has been very cold today and every time the wind blew it felt even colder.
We had a red sky at sunset today, and that may bode well for the weather tomorrow. Both of my electronic weather indicators are showing the symbols for fair weather, and although it seems like it will be cold it should be fair.
High Temperature: 14.4
Relative Humidity: 58%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.38
Wind Direction: West Northwest
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 12.2
Dew Point: 0.1
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 13.2

The storms of the weekend have left us. Some very cold Arctic air has moved into the area in its place. The barometric pressure has risen slowly over the last 24 hours, and both of my electronic units are indicating fair weather. The dewpoint is the interesting data point this morning at a negative 9.8. That is a cold temperature for frost to form no matter what anyone says.
Low Temperature: 2.3
Relative Humidity: 57%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.31
Wind Direction: West Northwest
Wind Speed (mph): 2.4
Wind Chill: 2.4
Dew Point: -9.4
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 2.4

How many ways can we spell dismal? This has certainly been another one. We have had snow off and on all day and the temperature hit one low at 09:30 hours and right now it is lower than our morning low of 19.4. The current temperature is 12.5 and falling like a stone. Winter has returned with a vengeance.
High Temperature: 24.0
Relative Humidity: 61%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.17
Wind Direction: West Northwest
Wind Speed (mph): 6
Wind Chill: 4.4
Dew Point: 2.3
Precipitation: Snow Showers
Amount (inches): 1.00
Current Temperature: 12.3

The rain has changed to snow during the overnight hours. At 09:00 hours we had about 2.5 inches of snow after a total of 0.95 inches of rain yesterday. The temperature has dropped below freezing, so I would guess that our January thaw is now over. In fact, as I have been working up here I have watched the temperature fall another half a degree. The indicators on my electronic units say that the barometer is rising, and the weather is improving. I am not as sure of that as I observe the weather outside my window.
Low Temperature: 19.5
Relative Humidity: 79 %
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.10
Wind Direction: West Northwest
Wind Speed (mph): 2.4
Wind Chill: 19.5
Dew Point: 14.2
Precipitation: Rain & Snow
Amount (inches): 0.08 Rain/2.5 Snow
Current Temperature: 20.1

The rain and fog that arrived this morning have continued all day. We have had some gusty winds throughout the day one of which reached 21 m.p.h. around 14:30 this afternoon. It has been warm all day, but, if the forecasters are right, this will be the last of the warm weather for a while. I was talking with someone on Thursday, and they said two things. First, that when there is no January Thaw the Maple Syrup Production is low, and second that the coldest week of the season is the third week in January. Next week may well be the coldest week of the season. As to the first statement, there was no thaw last January and Maple Syrup production was down according to someone else in the same shop. Hmmmmm.
High Temperature: 50.1
Relative Humidity: 87%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.00
Wind Direction: South
Wind Speed (mph): 2.2
Wind Chill: 48.7
Dew Point: 45.0
Precipitation: Rain & Fog
Amount (inches): 0.87
Current Temperature: 48.7

In addition to the rain currently falling we now have fog creeping into the area. The temperature fell just a little below freezing overnight which will allow easy access to the water for the animals this morning. I do believe that the animals will appreciate staying inside today and not having to deal with the hot and burning sun. We do have a wind direction, but not enough air movement to register wind speed. Once some wind kicks in the fog will go away. The weather indicators on both of the electronic instruments are showing inclement weather, and I do agree.
Low Temperature: 28.9
Relative Humidity: 83%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.32
Wind Direction: West Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 34.5
Dew Point: 29.6
Precipitation: Rain
Amount (inches): .28
Current Temperature: 34.5

Today was a much brighter day than yesterday, and it did get warmer as well. Suring the day there was some wind, but my wind sensor was not yet in place. As of right now it is atop the mast and there is a wind direction being reported. The indication being noted on both of my electronic units is for a change in the weather, and that is being borne out by a falling barometer. I would suspect that we will be having some inclement weather before the end of the day tomorrow.
High Temperature: 50.5
Relative Humidity: 63%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.72
Wind Direction: West Northwest
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 38.8
Dew Point: 28.7
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 38.8

As I stepped out of my carriage house door I was instantly reminded of the intimate relationship between water and temperature. Where the water was dripping off the roof the step was ice covered. I was careful, and did not slip or fall, but if you have such areas do be careful. That fact also means that if you know of areas on the roads where water accumulates they are probably frozen also. It is cold right now, but the potential is there for some more time for the temperature to be above freezing again today, and that should care of more of that treacherous ice on our walks and driveways.
Low Temperature: 25.7
Relative Humidity: 81 %
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.85
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 25.7
Dew Point: 20.6
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 25.8

It is almost 16:00 hours, and it has been a great day. There was a fair bit of sunshine amidst the numerous cumulus clouds. They were the result of the breakup of the storm we had last night. I talked with someone today who said that the roads around North New Portland were a sheet of ice this morning. I know that here the temperature flirted with the freezing mark until the sun was well up. The most prominent feature of the day though was the warmth. This has certainly been a great way to get rid of a lot of the treacherous ice under the snow.
High Temperature: 49.8
Relative Humidity: 63%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.74
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 43.3
Dew Point: 31.5
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 42.8

The rain has stopped and there are some stars visible. My electronic indicators are showing the tendency toward rain, but I think it is a matter of time before that changes. The temperature is rising rapidly, and is already 4 degrees above freezing. There is a fairly strong west wind which should help to clear things out this morning. It does appear that our January Thaw will continue a bit longer.
Low Temperature: 31.8
Relative Humidity: 82 %
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.52
Wind Direction: West
Wind Speed (mph): 15
Wind Chill: 25.0
Dew Point: 31.6
Precipitation: Rain
Amount (inches): 0.46
Current Temperature: 36.1

There were some very brief periods of sun during the day along with the constant presence of clouds. All in all it was not a pretty day. It did get warmer than yesterday, and the shower we had this morning did not even wet the windshield. It looks like we may yet get some more precipitation, and as long as the temperature does not fall significantly it will be as rain. By the way, my parts of my weather station have come back, and should be installed by the weekend. Everything seems to be working just fine. I will keep you posted.
High Temperature: 39.6
Relative Humidity: 77 %
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.88
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 35.1
Dew Point: 28.6
Precipitation: Showers
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 35.1

While it is still below freezing it is still warm for this time of year. The temperature has already climbed over 3 degrees from its low. The barometer has fallen over a tenth of an inch since last night, and the weather indicators on my electronic stations are showing a tendency toward inclement weather. With the overcast sky and high relative humidity I would have to agree with that assessment.
Low Temperature: 18.5
Relative Humidity: 91%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.96
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 21.8
Dew Point: 19.6
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 21.8

Is this our January thaw for real? It certainly seem so. High pressure is in control, the sun is out and the temperature has been above freezing almost all day. We can certainly handle a day like this. Both of the electronic indicators are saying fair weather, and I must agree. The sun is absolutely brilliant.
High Temperature: 38.7
Relative Humidity: 59%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 30.09
Wind Direction: Southeast
Wind Speed (mph): 8
Wind Chill: 26.1
Dew Point: 20.5
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 33.3

Overnight the temperature rose to 29.2 and has since fallen off to 25.7. Both of my electronic indicators are showing fair weather symbols. That appears to be the direction things seem to be moving in. There was some fog in the distance, but with the wind here it has not settled in over this area.
Low Temperature: 25.7
Relative Humidity: 79 %
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 30.03
Wind Direction: Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 7
Wind Chill: 18.4
Dew Point: 20.5
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 26.1

Yes, it is still snowing this afternoon. Around 15:00 hours I heard someone on a scanner say that the storm should be all over. The reply he got was that it was all over, all over everywhere he had been. We have only had an inch and a half of new snow which gives us around 7.5 inches on the ground by the snow gauge. Both of my electronic weather sensors indicate a tendency toward clouds and precipitation, and that is exactly what we have. Like many of us I am becoming more dependent on electronics, and the things they can do for us.
High Temperature: 25.2
Relative Humidity: 100%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.62
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 21.8
Dew Point: 21.8
Precipitation: Snow
Amount (inches): 1.50
Current Temperature: 21.8

It is currently snowing, but there has not yet been enough to measure. It was certainly brisk outside this morning, but the animals will be outside today anyway. I got it partly right yesterday. It was not totally fair, but with the temperatures in the mid twenties it was not bad. We did have some sunny breaks, and we did have some snow showers, so it definitely was a mixed weather day. There is a forecast calling for snow today, and I do believe it. Both of my weather indicators are calling for fair weather, but I am not sure I believe them today.
Low Temperature: 6.1
Relative Humidity: 100 0%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.88
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 13.0
Dew Point: 13.0
Precipitation: Snow
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 13.0

I am having some real difficulty doing this commentary. When I went out this morning to do the chores I fell down, and I did get hurt, a dislocated elbow. All in all I was out of service for about 3 hours. Many people, particularly my wife and daughter, came to my aid. The ambulance personnel did all they could to get me to the hospital and get me back on my feet. They did a great job.
Now to the weather. We have had just about everything, It has snowed, been cold, been windy and done almost everything else except thunderstorm. I am going to call this good. I need to get somewhere where I can heal. I hope you understand
High Temperature: 25.2
Relative Humidity: 93%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.91
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 15.3
Dew Point: 13.6
Precipitation: Snow
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 15.3

This is a very interesting weather morning. When I first looked out it appeared to be overcast. About 20 minutes later I was taking my data, and on looking up I noted that straight up it was partly cloudy. We had a layer of fog on top of the clear cold air. As the temperature has warmed up the fog seems to be dissipating and we now have filtered sun (I can see shadows).
It did get quite frigid last night with a low temperature of 2.5 degrees. The barometer is rising and the wind is calm. Both of my electronic weather stations are indicating fair weather. The only thing that is not, as usual, is the weather stick which is pointing down. I guess I will stick with my prognostication of last night and call for a fair, but cold day.
Low Temperature: 2.5
Relative Humidity: 10 0%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.87
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 10.2
Dew Point: 10.2
Precipitation: Fog
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 10.2

Ok, I am going to fly in the face of the prognosticators. With the red sky, calm winds, almost no clouds and the tendency on both my weather instruments showing a tendency toward fair weather I am going to say the same. I may wind up with snow on my face when we have the foot of flurries that we will have overnight tonight. Last night was twelfth night, Little Christmas, Orthodox Christmas or Epiphany. It is also the night that the Mardi Gras Season starts in New Orleans. There were probably no parades, but the Twelfth Night Revelers should have had their fancy dress ball. From now until Shrove Tuesday there will be or should be King Cake Parties, Fancy Dress Balls and, during the last two weeks, almost nightly parades. I hope their party goes off as it has almost every year.
High Temperature: 23.9
Relative Humidity: 64%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.61
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 17.8
Dew Point: 13.5
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 17.8

When I looked at my truck last evening I noted that there was some frozen precipitation that was not snow. As noted in yesterday afternoon's commentary we had about an inch of additional snow, and an inch during the evening. With all that we lost about a half an inch on the snow gauge due, I guess, to that other frozen precipitation packing what was on the ground down. The sky is now clear, and the temperature has fallen back into the mid teens again as a result. Both of my station indicators are showing fair weather, and once again they are being very accurate. The only one that is not is the weather stick which is pointed down, but it usually is in the morning.
Low Temperature: 14.2
Relative Humidity: 78 %
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.53
Wind Direction: South Southeast
Wind Speed (mph): 3
Wind Chill: 19.2
Dew Point: 8.6
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 14.2

Here we are again, it is almost 17:00 hours, and it is snowing again. In fact the snow has been falling gently almost all day. That is why we have only picked up about an inch of accumulation today. It is also quite foggy out there.
Both of the indicators on my electronic stations are showing foul weather, and right now they are being very accurate.
There was someone that fell off the road just at the foot of my hill late this afternoon. Apparently they slid off the road and parked their vehicle on its side. At least they missed out neighbor's mail box and nobody was hurt. The roads are nasty out there so do be careful. As I have noted before each of these flakes are very light snow, it is just when they gang up on us in numbers that they become a problem. Ha, Ha, p.s. joke.
High Temperature: 30.6
Relative Humidity: 90%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.4
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 28.3
Dew Point: 25.8
Precipitation: Snow
Amount (inches): 1.00
Current Temperature: 28.3

By 17:00 hours yesterday afternoon the snow ended, like somebody turned off a switch. After that the temperature started to rise, so our high yesterday afternoon became our low of this morning, unless it falls a bit like it frequently does just before sunrise. The sky is overcast and there is no wind, so it may be possible to get everything cleaned up by noon before the wind starts to blow and drift the snow around. There was virtually no accumulation after yesterday afternoon's commentary, so 6 inches is what we wound up with for accumulating snow. This was a light fluffy snow, and with the temperature below freezing any wind will move it around easily.
Low Temperature: 21.1
Relative Humidity: 96 %
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.24
Wind Direction: Calm’
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 22.7
Dew Point: 21.9
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 22.9

The New Analog Snow Gauge

It is 16:30 hours and the snow has not abated at all. I received a call from my cousin about an hour and a half ago, and she asked how much of this lovely white stuff we had. I told her a couple of inches. Well, wasn't I surprised when I took Bart out for his constitutional and found that we have actually had around 6 inches based on my new analog snow measuring device? I will try to get a photograph of it tomorrow morning before the wind kicks up and begins to drift this stuff around making any measurement inaccurate. This has been another one of those excellent days to stay inside after the chores were done and do some computer chores as well as read a bit and do what I am doing now
High Temperature: 23.2
Relative Humidity: 95 %
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.23
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 21.1
Dew Point: 19.9
Precipitation: Snow
Amount (inches): 6.00
Current Temperature: 21.1

Right now there is just enough snow to cover the hood of my truck. It is snowing very lightly, and so far there is no measurable accumulation. The barometer is falling which does indicate foul weather, and both of my station indicators are saying the same thing. The animals will be staying inside today, which should please them immensely. At least they won't come in later snow covered. When there is foul weather they do (especially the goats) look for ways to get out of their pasture and into the barn. I have watched them go right through an electric fence to get to the door of the barn to get in, and the fence was active. Who says goats are stupid?
Low Temperature: 13.7
Relative Humidity: 10 0%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.51
Wind Direction: East
Wind Speed (mph): 5
Wind Chill: 8.5
Dew Point: 16.2
Precipitation: Snow
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 16.2

A 22+ degree change in temperature is significant in either direction, and this one in the positive was quite nice. My indicators are both saying we are in for some foul weather. I am not betting on rain at this temperature. There has also been a significant drop in the barometric pressure which indicates a change in the air mass. So, the battle rages as the front passes over us, and we will be the beneficiaries of that change. We really do need a bit more snow on the ground in order to slow the penetration of the frost. Of course as we get more insulation on the ground the depth of the frost will decrease. That would be nice particularly when we get to mud season next spring.
High Temperature: 24.1
Relative Humidity: 67%
Barometric Pressure (in. Hg): 29.74
Wind Direction: East
Wind Speed (mph): 3
Wind Chill: 14.5
Dew Point: 9.7
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 18.9

Overnight the skies cleared removing that blanket of protection that had held our temperature fairly steady. As a result the temperature bottomed out at 2.5 degrees. Bart certainly did not want to stay outside very long, and as a result it was a very short constitutional this morning. We did walk on top of the snow rather than plowing through it. In fact I did not want to stay outside very long this morning. I will check the temperature again a little later since it usually goes down just before sunrise, and will adjust it as necessary later.
Low Temperature: 2.5
Relative Humidity: 98 %
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.94
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 8.5
Dew Point: 8.05
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 8.5

We have had less than a 5 degree change in temperature today. Further, there has been almost no change in the barometric pressure. The sky did not really clear, although there were some brief periods where the sun broke through the clouds. All in all a pretty lack luster day.
High Temperature: 23.8
Relative Humidity: 75%
Barometric Pressure (in. Hg): 29.93
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 21.9
Dew Point: 14.7
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 21.9

So far it looks like it is just going to be a gray day. At 06:00 hours it is as dark as the inside of a pocket, but it is not snowing. The barometer is still quite high and despite the overcast the indicators on both the base station and min/max thermometer indicate fair weather. The only thing indicating a change or foul weather is the weather stick which is currently pointed down. I would not want to stake anything on what the weather is going to do, so I will just report what I see during this day.
Low Temperature: 19.4
Relative Humidity: 95%
Barometric Pressure (in. Hg): 29.99
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
HWind Chill: 19.4
Dew Point: 18.3
Precipitation: None
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 19.4

Surprisingly it warmed up to over freezing this afternoon. The barometer is still higher than it was yesterday or this morning. There was some wind during the day, as my whirligig was quite active. We had a delightful holiday, and enjoyed the company of family to celebrate the start of the new year.
High Temperature: 34.6
Relative Humidity: 80%
Barometric Pressure (in. Hg): 30.00
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 26.3
Dew Point: 20.8
Precipitation: None
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 26.3

This morning I observed a few clouds on the horizon that appear to be just passing through. The snow that was falling last evening was unmeasurable, just a thin coating on the ice on the driveway. That should be fun. The barometric indicators are still showing fair weather, and the barometer is still quite high. The only nay sayer is the weather stick which is pointed down. The animals should enjoy the day outside in the sun, as long as it lasts.
Low Temperature: 18.0
Relative Humidity: 91%
Barometric Pressure (in.Hg): 29.94
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 19.8
Dew Point: 17.6
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 19.8

I thought my driveway was slick with the ice, but now with a little bit of snow on it it is like trying to walk on glass coated with oil. Now that should conjure up a picture for you. It is snowing lightly right now, but there has not been enough to measure yet. Tomorrow morning will tell a clearer story. All the indicators are showing fair weather, and the barometer is quite high, so I am not sure what is going on right now.
High Temperature: 25.2
Relative Humidity: 86%
Barometric Pressure (in. Hg): 29.93
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 20.5
Dew Point: 21.7
Precipitation: Snow
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 20.5

This has not been as wet a month as we have had recently, but 5.55 inches of precipitation is pretty good. There have been 17 mornings that were overcast or mostly cloudy and 13 afternoons that were the same. That does not allow for a lot of sunlight during the day. There were 15 days that had some precipitation either in the morning or afternoon or both. The average estimated wind speed was only 4 miles per hour with an average wind chill of 18.4 degrees. It will be interesting to see the averages for the data from last year that I have accumulated since May. I hope to do that sometime over this weekend.
Average Low Temperature: 17.1
Average High Temperature: 31.8
Average Relative Humidity: 79%
Average Barometric Pressure: 29.52 in. Hg
Average Dew Point: 17.6
Average Wind Speed (mph): 4
Wind Chill: 18.4
Days With Precipitation: 15
Amount: 5.55 inches
Sky-AM: 17 Overcast or Mostly Cloudy
Sky-PM: 13 Overcast or Mostly Cloudy

We are starting out the new year with an overcast sky, no wind and cold temperatures. This will be a good day to curl up with one of the books you got for Christmas near a fire and stay warm.
Low Temperature: 12.4
Relative Humidity: 85%
Barometric Pressure (in. Hg): 29.69
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0
Wind Chill: 15.5
Dew Point: 11.9
Precipitation: Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Current Temperature: 15.5