I have finished my second six tons of wood, cut and split. By the time I finished with it this morning I could have wrung my shirt out and gotten quite a bit of water. I am glad I have finished with that one though. Now it is on to the next task. Cleaning up the lawn and weeding the garden are next. Then there are the stalls in the barn. I hope to have all that done by Friday. Even if I have to work between showers during the week I need to gat that done and get some training in for the Multiple Sclerosis benefit ride that I am involved in this coming weekend. I am planning a 20+ mile ride tomorrow morning. We did have a couple very brief showers this afternoon out of the stratocumulus clouds that gathered. There was not enough to measure though. My digital weather station says we have had 2.22 inches of rain for the month, and my analog rain gauge says 2.5 inches. I did miss a couple showers with computer issues, so I would believe the analog gauge this month.
For the overnight the N.W.S. forecasts light scattered showers to start, and that turning to fog for the rest of the period. The NEXRAD radar shows a few echoes around, but I do not believe they are moving our way. The Weather Underground model forecast maps seem a bit unsettled, and we could have some scattered showers overnight and into tomorrow morning.
My Weather Stick points slightly up. The relative humidity is on the rise however. My Weather Station and Min/Max Thermometer indicate unsettled weather (a mix of fair skies and clouds) with rising barometric pressure. The remote weather station still calls for steady barometric pressure and clouds. I suspect that unsettled weather overnight is the best we can hope fore. Tomorrow morning will tell the tale however.
High Temperature (°F): 90.3
Current Temperature (°F): 69.6
Relative Humidity (%): 83%
Dew Point (°F): 64.1
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.93
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover PM: Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratocumulus
Weather Stick: Slightly Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:67°F/79.7°F//74°F/81.3°F//80°F/88.3°F//81°F/87.4°F
Relative Humidity: 87%/70%//71%/59%//60%/55%//60%/57%
The N.W.S. did not get a single temperature correct today. They only got the last two points correct for the relative
humidity. That is terrible, and should not be acceptable to us a taxpayers. I am not impressed.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 74°F/68°F/61°F/62°F
Relative Humidity: 69%/81%/87%/100%

Where is the cold front we have been promised here in the foothills and mountains of Western Maine? It does not seem to have made it here yet. The humidity is still high enough to keep my weather stick in a slightly down position. The temperature is already (08:00) almost 80°F. Despite the N.W.S. prediction of light scattered showers overnight we have remained dry in Wilton, Maine.
For today the N.W.S. forecasts light scattered showers for the entire period. The cloud cover forecast (69%/69%/77%/77%) would support that, but when I stepped outside (07:00) this morning there was not a cloud in the sky. So either they have made a mistake in their forecast or the fronts and weather systems are not following their predictions. Mother Nature will have the last word, as she always does.
My Weather Stick seems to have caught up with itself and is frowning slightly at the 75% relative humidity. No big surprise there. My Weather Station and Min/Max Thermometer are still calling for falling barometric pressure and foul weather. I do not think they have it right either. The remote weather station still calls for cloudy conditions with steady barometric pressure. Based on my visual readings I think we will have a very nice day, at least until mid-afternoon. The Weather Underground model forecast maps show a possibility for showers then. The NEXRAD radar, both regional and local (Portland/Gray) show no precipitation currently in the area. There are some showers in Eastern Pennsylvania, but I do not think they will affect us in the near future.
Low Temperature (°F): 61.7
Current Temperature (°F): 75.3
Relative Humidity (%): 75%
Dew Point (°F): 66.9
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.86
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover AM: Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Slightly Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:73°F/73.9°F//68°F/66.7°F//65°F/66.7°F//63°F/62.2°F
Relative Humidity: 78%/80%//94%/90%//97%/92%//99%/93%
The N.W.S. had the temperature forecasts correct for all four points overnight. They also had the relative humidity correct. Based on my Weather Station's inability to get to 100% I will give them the 99% reading as being correct at 05:00 this morning. Not a bad job. I still do not agree with their predominant weather forecast for today.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 67°F/74°F/80°F/81°F
Relative Humidity: 87%/71%/60%/60%

Here in Wilton, Maine we did have a very brief thundershower at about 15:30 hours. The sky darkened, the cumulonimbus clouds moved in, we had a brief smattering of rain drops, and it was over. There was not even enough precipitation to measure. I had a report of a much more significant thunderstorm in and around Auburn, Maine. It just did not reach us here. Other than that brief period it was a good, but warm, day to work outside.
For the overnight the N.W.S. forecasts light scattered showers. From the NEXRAD radar I suspect that is what we have in store. The Weather Underground model forecast maps show the same potential.
My Weather Stick points slightly down in response to the 85% relative humidity. The usual two electronic instruments forecast falling barometric pressure with the probability of foul weather. The remote weather station forecasts cloudy conditions still, with steady barometric pressure. It seems that these instruments are stuck in a rut. I saw very few clouds when I was outside a little while ago, but it is still quite humid. I think that there is a slight chance for a shower overnight, and the cloud cover forecast will support that (80%/76%/73%/73%).
High Temperature (°F): 90.6
Current Temperature (°F): 70.5
Relative Humidity (%): 85%
Dew Point (°F): 65.7
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.80
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover PM: Partly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cumulus
Weather Stick: Slightly Down
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:67°F/69.6°F//72°F/82.0°F//77°F/86.7°F//78°F/83.1°F
Relative Humidity: 97%/89%//84%/73%//71%/61%//69%/73%
The N.W.S. had the first and last predictions for the temperature correct, but missed the middle ones significantly. The only relative humidity point they had correct was at 17:00 hours. Not one of their better prognostications.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 73°F/68°F/65°F/63°F
Relative Humidity: 78%/94%/97%/99%

The Black-Eyed Susans, The Harbingers Of Summer, Have Arrived

Hollyhocks, the best in several years
I took these photos a few days ago, but they are still valid. I have not seen the Hollyhocks blooming like this in several years. The conditions must be just about perfect for their growth and blooming. Now, if I could get my garden to do the same…
Overnight the humidity remained quite high, but the temperature fell into the mid-sixties, making fog a real probability. In fact now (08:30 hours) it is still foggy here in Wilton, Maine. We have not had any further precipitation since yesterday afternoon. Once again, everything seems to be getting ahead of me. If I can do so, I should be able to finish the last of the load of wood this afternoon. Then I can move on to some of my other tasks.
For today N.O.A.A. is forecasting light scattered showers until late this afternoon, when some real rain should arrive. The NEXRAD radar shows showers in Vermont, and they are moving ever so slowly toward us. According to the Weather Underground model forecast maps the showers should arrive sometime early this afternoon, and continue into this evening.
My Weather Stick continues to frown, and so do I with 90% relative humidity. Two of the electronic instruments continue to call for foul weather with falling barometric pressure. The remote weather station forecasts cloudy conditions with steady barometric pressure. It certainly does not look promising out there, and if the front ever gets through here it may turn into a nice day, tomorrow. I do not hold out much hope for today.
Low Temperature (°F): 63.1
Current Temperature (°F): 69.4
Relative Humidity (%): 90%
Dew Point (°F): 66.3
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.82
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): Fog
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover AM: Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:73°F/69.4°F//70°F/66.0°F//68°F/64.4°F//66°F/63.5°F
Relative Humidity: 79%/87%//87%/91%//93%/92%//97%/93%
The N.W.S. had the temperatures correct for the overnight. They did not do quite as well with the relative humidity, but they only missed the 20:00 hour point. Value overnight was better than yesterday Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 67°F/72°F/77°F/78°F
Relative Humidity: 97%/84%/71%/69%

It was hot, and I was sweating like a horse, but I was outside splitting wood. If it had not started to shower at about 04:00 I would have finished too. N.O.A.A. certainly seems to have gotten this one right. The showers did not start in Wilton, Maine by 11:00 hours, but the clouds were gathering for the storms. As the storms gathered the temperature did drop significantly. It felt nice until the rain started. As soon as the first peals of thunder were heard Bart wanted to go in the house, but I told him that as long as he heard the thunder he was all right, it was when he saw the lightning, but did not hear the thunder that he had a problem. Like he understood me.
For tonight the N.W.S. says we will start with light scattered showers, which will change to fog for the middle part of the period, and we will end with more light scattered showers. The NEXRAD radar does show some precipitation west of us, and moving in our direction. There are spaces between the storms, so we will have periods of rain and periods without precipitation according to them. The Weather Underground maps say we will have scattered showers overnight.
My Weather Stick is frowning again, and so am I with 92% relative humidity. Being sticky does not make anyone happy. Two of the electronic instruments are calling for foul weather overnight with falling barometric pressure. The remote weather station is also calling for falling barometric pressure, but with cloudy conditions. I think we will see unsettled weather with a chance for some more showers overnight.
High Temperature (°F): 97.3
Current Temperature (°F): 66.3
Relative Humidity (%): 91%
Dew Point (°F): 63.6
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.83
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): Showers
Amount (Inches): 0.08
Cloud Cover PM: Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Stratocumulus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:70°F/81.6°F//78°F/92.8°F//85°F/96.0°F//86°F/78.4°F
Relative Humidity: 76%/72%//66%/53%//55%/47%//51%/70%
The N.W.S. had none of the temperatures correct today, and only the 08:00 hour point for the relative humidity. Talk about the fleecing of America. Have we gotten good value for our tax dollars from the National Weather Service today?
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 73°F/70°F/68°F/66°F
Relative Humidity: 79%/87%/93%/97%

Overnight we did not get into the fifties, and that is what the N.W.S. predicted. When I got up this morning there was some very light ground fog in our area of Wilton, Maine, but it did not last long. Right now the sun is out, and while it is hazy, there are no clouds. The relative humidity has fallen almost 20% since I started this report about an hour and a half ago and the temperature has risen almost 20°F during the same period,
For today N.O.A.A. forecasts no precipitation early this morning, with the chance for light scattered showers for the rest of the day. It is supposed to get warm, but not as warm as yesterday. There is still nothing showing up on the NEXRAD radar. The Weather Underground model forecast map does indicate the chance for some showers later this afternoon.
My Weather Stick is back to frowning, and with 92% relative humidity (when I read it) I am frowning too. The electronic instruments are calling for the barometric pressure to continue to fall. Two of them are calling for inclement weather, and the remote weather station calls for cloudy conditions. I would suggest that there is a front moving through that will probably bring us some showers this afternoon. That will depend on how unstable the atmosphere becomes as it heats up. It also depends on the interaction between the two air masses as they move through the area. Keep the umbrella handy in case there are some showers this afternoon.
Low Temperature (°F): 61.8
Current Temperature (°F): 62.2
Relative Humidity (%): 92%
Dew Point (°F): 59.9
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.92
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:81°F/77.5°F//70°F/67.8°F//65°F/64.2°F//64°F/61.8°F
Relative Humidity: 67%/72%//84%/89%//93%/91%//100%/92%
The N.W.S. had all the temperature forecast points within 5°F of the actual reading for the overnight. I have never seen my weather station record a relative humidity above 96%, so I would suggest that the relative humidity forecast by the N.W.S. was correct for all four periods. A very nice job.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 70°F/78°F/85°F/86°F
Relative Humidity: 76%/66%/55%/51%

If you are one of those that enjoy hot weather, then you got your wish. Today was hot, humid and hazy. There were almost no clouds in the sky, although between noon and 15:00 hours we did have some puffy cumulus clouds move through this area of Wilton, Maine. The N.W.S. did have the predominant weather correct, since we had no precipitation. The relative humidity did fall off during the afternoon as you will note below.
For the overnight, N.O.A.A. forecasts no precipitation during the first half and fog during the second half of the period. There is no precipitation near us on the NEXRAD radar, and the Weather Underground model forecast maps show no storms in our immediate vicinity.
My Weather Stick is expressionless, responding to the 86% relative humidity. (It is neither frowning nor smiling.) The electronic instruments are responding to a decrease in the barometric pressure, and two of them forecast foul weather. The remote weather station forecasts cloudy conditions. It should be noted again that the transmitter for that unit is in the barn, and might not respond the same way as the outdoor transmitters do. With the relative humidity as high as it is forecast to be I would not be surprised to see some fog in the morning, but I am not sure of that. My best guess is that we will have a warm night, and sleeping may be a bit difficult. Since I spent the day splitting and cutting wood, I do not expect to have much problem.
High Temperature (°F): 96.4
Current Temperature (°F): 70.5
Relative Humidity (%): 86%
Dew Point (°F): 66.0
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.91
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed: 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Straight
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:72°F/79.8°F//86°F/88.7°F//92°F/95.1°F//90°F/95.0°F
Relative Humidity: 87%/66%//53%/51%//49%/46%//47%/48%
The N.W.S. only missed the 08:00 hour forecast temperature, and the rest were within 5°F of the actual reading. They also missed the 08:00 forecast point for the relative humidity, and the rest were within 5% of the actual reading. This was not a bad showing.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 81°F/70°F/65°F/64°F
Relative Humidity: 67%/84%/93%/100%

Overnight the sky remained clear, and the temperature did fall to the levels that were predicted. N.O.A.A. did forecast no precipitation for the overnight, and they were correct. The sky this morning was red, so that may portend some foul weather on the way. The temperature is already over seventy degrees, and it is not even 07:30 yet. It does look like it is going to be a warm one for sure.
For today N.O.A.A. forecasts temperatures in the nineties and no precipitation. The NEXRAD regional radar and Weather Underground model forecast maps indicate the same in terms of precipitation. The cloud cover forecast (7%/13%/19%/16%) support the idea of no precipitation as well. We do not seem to be able to have precipitation without clouds.
My Weather Stick is frowning, and appears to be responding to the 92% relative humidity. There is again no big surprise there. The electronic instruments are still calling for either cloudy conditions or a mix of cloudy and fair skies. Two of them forecast rising barometric pressure, while the remote weather station sees steady barometric pressure. With the forecast from the N.W.S. for minimal cloud cover, and what I see outside, I suspect that we will have clear skies and high temperatures today. This may well be one of the hottest days of the summer.
Low Temperature (°F): 58.8
Current Temperature (°F): 59.5
Relative Humidity (%): 92%
Dew Point (°F): 57.2
Heat Index (°F): 59
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.06
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed: 0.00
Wind-Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Clear/Red
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:75°F/76.1°F//68°F/67.8°F//63°F/62.0°F//61°F/59.3°F
Relative Humidity: 64%/66%//81%/81%//100%/88%//97%/91%
The N.W.S. correctly forecast the temperature within one degree. It looks like I missed that part of the forecast since the temperature fell further than I thought it would. They did not quite get the relative humidity right for the last two forecast periods. Still, it was not a bad showing.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 72°F/86°F/92°F/90°F
Relative Humidity: 87%/53%/49%/47%

It did warm up early this morning and got hotter as the day wore on. Around noon some clouds moved in, but by 15:00 hours they were gone. It was definitely warm working outside splitting my wood. N.O.A.A. had the predominant weather correct, in that we had no precipitation. The cloud cover did decrease to significantly less than 27%, but that was all right.
For the overnight the N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation and virtually no clouds (0%/0%/0%/3%). Under normal circumstances I would expect there to be some radiational cooling, but tonight I think it will stay warm. The Weather Underground model forecast maps are calling for fair skies, and there is nothing showing up on the NEXRAD regional radar.
My Weather Stick is smiling with only 43% relative humidity. No big surprise there. The electronic instruments are agreeing that the barometric pressure will rise overnight, and we can expect a mix of fair and cloudy conditions. I do not think I quite agree with that. Since we already have cloudless skies, I think we will see that condition continue overnight, but the temperature will not fall as far as N.O.A.A. expects it to.
High Temperature (°F): 95.0
Current Temperature (°F): 91.5
Relative Humidity (%): 93%
Dew Point (°F): 65.9
Heat Index (°F): 94.0
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.02
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed: 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:69°F/81.8°F//83°F/86.3°F//89°F/95.0°F//87°F/92.1°F
Relative Humidity: 78%/66%//48%/56%//41%/43%//44%/43%
The N.W.S. correctly forecast the 11:00 hour temperature point. They did get the 14:00 and 17:00 hour relative humidity forecasts correct within limits. Not one of their better forecast attempts.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 75°F/68°F/63°F/61°F
Relative Humidity: 64%/81%/100%/97%

The sun rose this morning into a bank of clouds. Those clouds appear to be dissipating, and the temperature is rising quickly. Already, at 07:15 hours, it is up to 77 degrees. Overnight the N.W.S. forecast no precipitation, and we did not have any. Score one for them. When I first checked the sky conditions it was mostly cloudy, but that has changed, and the relative humidity is falling. That is a good thing.
For today N.O.A.A. is again calling for no precipitation, and a cloud cover forecast that would support that (36%/47%/34%/27%). There may be some clouds, and a chance for a shower between noon and 15:00 hours according to the Weather Underground model forecast maps. Right now the regional NEXRAD radar does not show any precipitation near Wilton, Maine. The storm that moved on shore yesterday is continuing to move west. It still does not appear to be ready to affect us.
My Weather Stick is frowning still as a result of the 93% relative humidity that I noted earlier. My electronic instruments are trying to confuse me. My Weather Station forecasts partly cloudy conditions with rising barometric pressure. My Min/Max Thermometer indicates that foul weather is in the offing with falling barometric pressure. Finally the remote weather station forecasts cloudy conditions with falling barometric pressure. I am not sure what the conditions will be today, but I will guess that it will be warm (near 90), bright sun will predominate, and the possibility of a thundershower this afternoon.
Low Temperature (°F): 59.1
Current Temperature (°F): 61.8
Relative Humidity (%): 93%
Dew Point (°F): 59.6
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.03
Wind Direction: West Southwest
Wind Speed: 1.7
Wind-Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cirrus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:75°F/72.5°F//66°F/64.0°F//63°F/62.2°F//61°F/59.7°F
Relative Humidity: 66%/75%//90%/87%//93%/91%//90%/92%
The N.W.S. missed only one of the forecast points for the relative humidity, and that was at 20:00 hours last night. They got the temperatures right and the rest of the relative humidity forecast points correct within limits.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 69°F/83°F/89°F/87°F
Relative Humidity: 78%/48%/41%/44%

This morning it looked like the sky was going to open up and we were going to get soaked. That just did t happen. By noon the cloud cover had broken and the sun was out. As you can see form the high temperature it did get quite warm, N.O.A.A. predicted some rain for today, but they did not get that right. Mother Nature, once again, has had the last word.
For the overnight, N.O,A.A. forecasts no precipitation and a very light cloud cover (18%/29%/39%/38%). There is nothing showing up on the NEXRAD radar or the Weather Underground model forecast maps. There is some precipitation in central Pennsylvania, but it does not look like it will affect us for the near future, or maybe even the long term.
My Weather Stick is frowning slightly. Two of the electronic instruments are calling for the barometric pressure to fall and the weather to turn sour. The remote weather station forecasts clouds with steady barometric pressure. Based on all I can see I must disagree with them. I think we will have a relatively clear night, with warm temperatures and higher than usual relative humidity. It may not be the most comfortable of nights for test.
High Temperature: 91.7
Current Temperature: 67.2
Relative Humidity: 84%
Dew Point (°F): 62.2
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure: 29.96
Wind Direction: Clam
Wind Speed: 0.0
Wind-Chill(°F): N/A
Precipitation: None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Slightly Down
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:66°F/65.4°F//75°F/70.8°F//79°F/86.0°F//78°F/88.7°F
Relative Humidity: 84%/89%//66%/83%//60%/60%//62%/53%
The N.W.S. missed the mark for the last half of today’s forecast temperature readings. They had the first and third forecast readings for the relative humidity correct. Did we get good value for our tax money today?
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 66°F/75°F/79°F/78°F
Relative Humidity: 84%/66%/60%/62%

Posted by Jeffrey Le Doux at 10:02 PM
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