Tag Archives: Weather

nature, Photography

A Cloud to Respect

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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.

Happy Thursday.

nature, Photography

More Rain

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We have been experiencing a rainier, cooler than usual summer punctuated by hot days where the temperature reaches 37 or 38 (98.6-100.4 F). A rainy night makes for comfortable morning constitutionals, however.

These clouds were moving into the north after being pushed out by …

… quite strong and gusty winds from the east. Surface easterly winds are unusual here since they have to make it past a number of mountain ranges in order to arrive, but I noticed that this one seemed to have quite a lot of altitude, too, probably about 3000 metres (approx 10,000 ft).

As the day wore on – and more clouds moved back in – our resident bald eagles weren’t too concerned as they perched in their favourite lookout tree to survey their territory. Some jostling from the winds didn’t stop them from having one of their regular, affectionate chats.

Happy Saturday.

nature, Photography

Sun Showers

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Sun showers are an interesting weather phenomenon. In one spot, thick heavy clouds may be dropping significant rain while a few metres away, it’s sunny.

This was the case recently when I went for my daily ramble. There were some dark clouds producing a misty rain and a bit of a rainbow …

… while on the other side of the lake, the sun shone beautifully.

The contrast of sun and dark cloud probably shows better in this photo.

The sun was shining on these azaleas but you can see the dark cloud behind them. Eventually the weather cleared completely and I finished my ramble without need for an umbrella.

Happy Monday.

nature, Photography

Before the Rain

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We recently have had a lot of rain, very steady and soaking, which is an excellent thing, especially against summer forest fires. I’ve noted that I can usually tell when an intensely rainy spring period is about to arrive.

There’s often a halo around the sun – the arrival of the first gauzy clouds – and the atmosphere is quiet but expectant.

In spite of the impending poor weather, this lead-in is beautiful. The sky and sun are screened by the first delicate wisps of cloud and the air becomes very soft with water vapour.

Happy Wednesday.

nature, Photography

Moody Overcast

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I encountered this glowering, very moody overcast while out for my daily walk.

When I left home, there was a white overcast but nothing remarkable; 45 minutes later these blue-grey, menacing clouds had filled the sky. I barely made it home before the skies totally opened up and buckets of rain came pouring straight down; there was no wind. From inside, it was beautiful to see, but I’m glad I avoided that particular soaking!

Happy Saturday.