Archive for Weather
Weather Is As Weather Does
by John Weckerle
New Mexico Central headquarters finally got a good bit of rain this afternoon – anywhere from 0.2 to almost 0.5 inches, depending on which rain gauge we believe (we’re inclined to believe the latter, being skeptical about the ability of a gauge to catch more rain than has actually fallen). For the second time this week, we were treated to a unique sight – not only a double rainbow (look closely), but a full primary arc. We’re not sure about the “double,” as it was too big for the camera. And we’re glad we decided to leave those sunflowers in the driveway…
If April Showers Bring May Flowers, What Do May Snow Flurries Bring?
by John Weckerle
Snow was heavy today at times, with flakes occasionally nearly an inch across.
Cabin fever.
Well, it’s winter again here at New Mexico Central headquarters – at least for today. It has been a day of on-and-off snow flurries, with the high so far having been about 41 degrees Fahrenheit. There has actually been enough precipitation to create mud, and at the rate things are going, it looks as if even the trees will be getting a drink from this bit of unusual weather. Unfortunately, gardening activities planned for today will be postponed until further notice. »» If April Showers Bring May Flowers, What Do May Snow Flurries Bring?
Ah, Spring… You @^(&#!!
by John Weckerle
Many of us here in central New Mexico looked forward to sunny weather this Spring – finally, a chance to go outdoors without having five pounds of mud clinging to each foot as soon as we stepped out the door. Well, the mud is mostly gone, but our other great friend, pollen, has stepped up to the plate just in time to make the outdoors a no-man’s land for many allergy sufferers. With a nice, wet El Nino winter behind us – and, according to the National Weather Service, an El Nino Spring ahead of us – trees are spewing forth pollen in a reproductive frenzy. The pollen indices (from pollen.com) for Edgewood for today through Monday are 10.8, 10.6, 11.4, and 11.4 (out of 12). Combined with the recent high winds, this has wrought havoc with the noses of New Mexico, and with very little precipitation and plenty of wind predicted for the next week or so, the immediate future is looking a little bleak for those who suffer from exposure to tree pollen.
It has to blow itself out eventually. In the meantime, there’s a silver lining; this must be a windfall (pun intended) for the pharmaceutical companies.
El Nino Rides Again
by John Weckerle
Winter Sunrise - Southern Santa Fe County
Sunday’s snowstorm brought about a foot of snow to New Mexico Central headquarters. Fortunately for us, the snow melted sufficiently to allow us to make our appointments in Albuquerque yesterday afternoon. First thing in the morning, though, the snow was fresh and deep, allowing your editor and Senior Snowpack Analyst Wilson to set out just before sunrise and survey the situation. We were not disappointed, and we’re looking forward to the April (and thereafter) flowers that will likely benefit from the recent weather.
Well, Here We Go Again
by John Weckerle
After yesterday’s beautiful weather, your editor awoke with a song in his heart and not too many clouds in his sky. Unfortunately, it looks as if the bright, sunshiny day may be a short-lived phenomenon. According to our friends at the National Weather Service, another system is moving into the area, complete with the potential for more of the good old white stuff. We’ll be under a winter storm watch today and will likely be seeing showers and thunderstorms this afternoon, with snow tonight. Depending on who is to be believed, we have 70-80% chance of rain/snow today and tonight, and 50-70% chance tomorrow. Fortunately, it looks as if temperatures will be remaining at or slightly below freezing tonight and tomorrow, and popping back up into the fifties on Tuesday, so we should not be socked in for long. Nonetheless, driving conditions later today – and especially tomorrow and Tuesday mornings – may be difficult, so let’s be careful out there!
Here’s the winter storm watch advisory: »» Well, Here We Go Again
Winter, Not So Winter, Winter, Not So Winter – Mud.
by John Weckerle
Okay, let's see if anybody can guess how this ice formed.
It’s been an interesting few weeks here at New Mexico Central headquarters. We have probably had just about every kind of weather one can think of – a little rain, sleet, snow (including at least twice when there were no clouds within miles), sunshine, and even thunder. We had sunshine today, are predicted to have clouds tomorrow, and who knows what thereafter. There is one thing of which we have plenty, and that is mud. Good ‘ol, sticky mud that dries on hard and gets in everywhere. We are hearing more and more people lamenting the muddy roads, mud on the shoes, mud on the dog, the rugs, the floors, the cars… Lest we forget: the long and short of it is that the ground has not been dry here since December. As much as we may be tired of the mess, this is good news for the pinons and our nectarine tree (assuming we don’t get a frost during flowering, which happens more often than not). It’s good news for wildflowers, too. So dust off those cameras and start warming up, people; Spring’s just around the corner.
Global Warming And Nuclear Contamination Cause Icicle Mutations In Santa Fe County
by John Weckerle
Okay, maybe not, but this is one funky looking icicle. If any of our readers has a weird icicle picture to share, send it along and we’ll be glad to post it!
Here We Go Again…
by John Weckerle
Senior Sculpture Correspondent Wilson with his latest work, "Pack Leader With Arms Folded."
By all accounts, tonight and tomorrow (perhaps into Monday) will bring us yet another storm. We still have plenty left over from the last one, and at least during the day, it’s Mud Season here at New Mexico Central headquarters.
It is not clear how much snow we’ll get out of this next system, but given the intensity of this past week’s event, we’re advising people to get their provisions today and plan on either a warm, toasty day indoors or a day of outdoor fun close to home. We’re also going to let the NMDOT, county governments, and municipalities (as well as anybody with a parking lot; hint, hint post offices and grocery stores) in on a little secret. Starting the plowing relatively early in the storm may mean doing it twice, but it will cut down on things like packed snow and ice and ultimately get the roads clear and dry more quickly.
Storm Slams Mountains, Valley
by John Weckerle
Another Update: According to NM-Roads, at 12:55 p.m.: I-40 is closed from mile marker 165 to Moriarty.
Update: Moriarty-Edgewood Schools will close at 1 p.m.
Highway Camera at Sedillo Hill, 11 a.m. Today
Your editor just took a drive to Edgewood, and the situation is not good. Roads are snow-packed and icy and, perhaps predictably, there was no evidence of any plowing, sanding or other response from either the Town of Edgewood or the New Mexico DOT. Visibility was less than a quarter mile coming north on 344.
As this photo from the Sedillo Hill highway camera shows, I-40 is in bad shape and, based on what we’re seeing here at New Mexico Central headquarters, it’s probably getting worse rather than better. According to KOB.com, Mountainair Municipal schools will have early dismissal at 11:45 a.m., and Estancia Schools will have dismissal at 1:00 p.m. If you’re home and can stay there, we suggest you do so. If you’re not home, you may want to consider heading there now rather than later.
Winter Storm Dumps Major Snow Load (So Far)
Sedillo Hill camera at 8:33 a.m.
by John Weckerle
Snow is falling heavily here at New Mexico Central headquarters, and has been since sometime during the night. Depending on where we dig, we can see anything from eight inches to a foot. Areas shoveled less than half an hour ago are under two to three inches of snow already. Road reports are not encouraging, and neither are the roadside camera shots from NMRoads.com. Cameras at I-40 & NM 14, and at Carnuel, are iced over, with no image available except for the ice on the camera. The I-40 & Zamora Rd. Camera shows some snow in both lanes, and having looked at two consecutive images, we think it may be getting worse there. The Sedillo Hill camera shows at least some snow in all lanes – and both cameras show snow still falling. According to KOB.com, the following schools in our area are closed:
- East Mountain High School
Senior Meteorological Correspondent Wilson Taking Scientific Snow Depth Measurements
- Edgewood Christian School
- Mountainair Junior High
- Albuquerque Public Schools East Mountain Schools
- Estancia Municipal Schools
- Moriarty-Edgewood Schools
- Mountainair Public Schools
TCPO To Go Transportation and the Estancia and Moriarty Magistrate Courts are also closed. If we’ve missed any schools, we’d appreciate it if our readers would let us know.
Lest the local climate change “skeptics” get too excited, let’s remember that winter storms of this nature (and the frequency with which they’ve been occurring) are typical of El Nino conditions – a warming of surface waters in the Pacific Ocean.