We’ve recently had some rather spectacular cloud formations. Here’s one, an excellent example of a towering cumulonimbus that’s reflecting the setting sun.
These clouds are known in aviation as “clouds of vertical development” and are extremely dangerous because they can contain hail, lightening, microbursts, wind shear and turbulence severe enough to break an aircraft apart, even a large commercial jet. Pilots are always very careful where vertical cloud development is concerned. These cloud types can also cause very dangerous thunderstorms and are precursors to tornadoes. Basically, a tornado is a towering cumulonimbus cloud gone absolutely wild.
If you see a towering cumulonimbus and it’s headed your way, you should always be cautious, especially if you live on the prairies where the flat topography and lack of obstacles such as hills or mountains allows for unimpeded, potentially destructive development.
Otherwise, you can marvel at these natural constructions and enjoy their visual impact.
While out for a ramble I heard a very distinctive sound: that unmistakable rattle of dry leaves in a gust of wind; there they were, swirling on the ground in a sure demonstration of the unstoppable arrival of autumn.
We’re still very green, but even those leaves seem to make that particular rattling sound once September arrives. It’s understandable. By turns it has been hot, dry, smoky, and windy. They’re tired.
But among all that greenery the autumnal colours are slowly creeping in. Everything in life starts small.
Although autumnal yellows are often the first colours to show, I’ve already noticed some reds, too.
The Oregon grape is changing its dress …
… while the matador roses that bloom so beautifully and unceasingly from June through August, are beginning to slump.
Summer officially ends in less than two weeks and while it’s a bit sad to see it go, autumn is a wonderful season with its graceful and stunningly beautiful characteristics. I’m looking forward to it.
A gorgeous collection of butterfly pictures from Sue at The Nature of Things. Please click the link above to see more of her beautiful nature photography.