Archive for Weather
Weather, Weather, Everywhere…
by John Weckerle
Winter remains with us, and so does the cold. The denizens of New Mexico Central sallied forth yesterday and picked up another dozen bags of pellets. It’s a good thing we did, as the ice on the fountain suggests.
The State Of The… Er…
by John Weckerle
Interstate.
Specifically, we refer to state of the local Interstate (and more specifically, I-40 in the Sedillo Hill area) and associated roads yesterday morning. Your editor awoke early, looked out the window and noted that no lights could be seen to the east (indicating heavy snow), looked at the few inches on the ground, and decided to make a run for it. This would have been a bad move absent the travel cup of coffee that made the run along yours truly. The “local” roads were passable primarily because few others had been on them. Unfortunately, the climate conspired to create an impromtu parking lot very early this morning on Route 66 just west of Mountain Valley Road. After waiting patiently and then noting the relatively free flow of traffic on I-40, it seemed logical to drive east to Edgewood and gain entrance to the highway there. Traffic moved along very well until just after the Sedillo exit, at which point everyone’s automobiles decided that their riders could use a few (okay, a lot of) minutes to reflect upon their lives.
By the time we got through the congestion, there was no indication as to what the nature of the pause might have been. However, we would like to suggest to our readers that it would be best to be vigilant as regards our speeds during inclement weather. It’s better to get there late than never…
La Nina? Really?
by John Weckerle
Update 8:30 a.m. The weather channel “weather in motion” shows precipitation approaching Belen from the southwest, and NMRoads indicates difficult driving conditions in the west-central and southwest portions of the state, mostly “snow packed and icy.”
Well, here we go again: another winter storm is bearing down upon us. We’re providing the current Winter Storm Warning from the National Weather Service (NWS) below. We’ll note that before the last storm, the winter storm warning indicated 4 to 8 inches above 7,500 feet, which is the weather we usually get at New Mexico Central Headquarters – and we got more than a foot. This time the NWS is projecting 5 to 9 inches. The NWS also has indicated that travel will be impacted, including areas of I-25 and I-40. We suggest that our readers pay close attention to their favorite weather sites and also keep an eye on NMRoads.com. Stay warm, and be careful driving!
...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM MST MONDAY... A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM MST MONDAY. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...GENERALLY 5 TO 9 INCHES POSSIBLE FOR ELEVATIONS ABOVE 7500 FEET AND 2 TO 6 INCHES POSSIBLE BELOW 7500 FEET. LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS CLOSER TO A FOOT ARE POSSIBLE OVER THE SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS INTO EASTERN LINCOLN COUNTY. * TIMING...SNOW WILL INCREASE IN COVERAGE TODAY AND CONTINUE TONIGHT. SNOW WILL GRADUALLY DECREASE FROM NORTHWEST TO SOUTHEAST ON MONDAY...POTENTIALLY EXTENDING INTO MID DAY OVER THE SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS. * WINDS...SIGNIFICANT WINDS ARE NOT EXPECTED. * SNOW LEVELS...SOME RAIN MAY MIX WITH SNOW DURING THE AFTERNOON AT ELEVATIONS BELOW 6500 FEET...BUT TEMPERATURES WILL QUICKLY TURN COLD ENOUGH FOR SNOW AT ALL LOCATIONS AS PRECIPITATION INCREASES. * LOCAL IMPACTS...HAZARDOUS WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED ALONG WITH REDUCED VISIBILITIES IN SNOW. TRAVEL MAY BECOME DIFFICULT ACROSS THE REGION. THIS INCLUDES PORTIONS OF U.S. HIGHWAYS 60...70...AND 380.
Let It… Well, You Know…
by John Weckerle
Yesterday’s “this shouldn’t be as bad as the last one” storm actually dropped more snow than the previous meteorological event. With the drifting and the prior accumulation, it’s not easy to get a handle on the amount bestowed upon us this time around, but it was certainly more than a foot. Your editor actually went in to mid-thigh in a spot or two while tromping around the property looking for things to photograph. Others took a more scientific approach to measuring the snow depth…
Senior Meteorological Correspondent Wilson employs his signature high-tech snow depth measurement methodology.
Here are a few more photos taken this afternoon; once again, nature has provided us with great material!
Baby, It’s Cold Outside…
by John Weckerle
Update 12/23/11 – In this article, we erroneously referred to our tire chains as Euro-Chains. This is apparently a colloquialism; they are in fact Alpine Premier chains made by Laclede Chain Manufacturing.
The denizens of New Mexico Central headquarters wish it to be know that we are collectively fed up with tropical weather. It’s warm, and elicits a response of laziness – and perhaps most significantly, it is decidedly elsewhere.
Now into our fourth major, pre-Christmas winter storm, we have a few things to bring forward. First, a few images depicting the aftermath of Storm #3…
One of these made the evening news on KOAT yesterday. Who knows what images tomorrow may bring?
Second, after having been stuck in snow and ice no less than three times so far this year, we finally took some friends’ advice and purchased a set of Euro-Chains yesterday in preparation for today’s storm. Predictably, your editor got stuck driving his Hyundai Sonata up the usual hill, at the usual spot. After popping the chains on – perhaps a couple of minutes or so for each of two wheels – the previously snow-challenged vehicle crunched its way right on up the hill, through the probably-8-inch-drifts on the road, and safely into the garage. Cedar Crest Tire carries the chains, and we gave them a call to let them know that we heartily recommend them – and now you know, too.
Third, we received an e-mail from Bernalillo County announcing that they were out salting the roads in advance of the storm. We saw no evidence of any such activity on either Mountain Valley Road or County Line Road, and neither did we observe any police, fire, or other emergency response assets during our drive along the thoroughfare at about 5:30 p.m. today. Mountain Valley Road is of greater importance, given the preponderance of north-facing slopes and the fact that it is the only through road from Route 66 to Frost Road between Tijeras and Edgewood. Then again, the worst of the storm is still just ahead of us and it’s not clear that a little salt in advance would help these roads given the nature of the meteorological event in question – that having been said, it’s probably all the more important that the roads be patrolled to ensure that assistance is rendered to any stranded motorists. We’ll drop a line to State Representative and local road condition hawk Jim Smith, who has been instrumental in working with Bernalillo County Commissioner Wayne Johnson to remedy the relatively frequent oversights associated with keeping Mountain Valley Road clear. To our readers, we wish a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwanzaa, Blessed Yule, and wonderful holidays to any who we may have forgotten to mention.
Moisture At Last
by John Weckerle
Recent storms have left New Mexico Central headquarters high and dry, passing to the east and west as they bring moisture to – well, points east and west, and north and south for that matter. That is, until yesterday, when the skies opened up and dropped a greatly appreciated 1.1 inches of water on our location in 24 hours. The rain barrels are full, and we suspect that there’s much more water in the big tanks today than there was yesterday at this time. The weather forecast indicates we’ll have a couple of relatively sunny days, and we’re hoping for more rain before too long; if we’re lucky, it’ll be in time for one last burst of wildflowers. In the meantime, we’re enjoying the early morning “special effects” left behind by the storm.
Hazardous Conditions At Edgewood Post Office
by John Weckerle 
Today’s photos were taken yesterday at the Edgewood post office, four days after the storm that hit last week. At the time the photos were taken, the sidewalk along the north side of the building had not been cleared of snow, and part of the parking lot remained a sheet of ice. We understand that the past weekend was a holiday weekend, that the Edgewood Post Office has been without a postmaster since July, and that the Post Office is looking to save money where it can. However, this has been a problem at the Edgewood Post Office for years, and it’s about time for it to be resolved. The USPS has an obligation to protect its patrons from harm while they are on its property, and the conditions just feet from the door are hazardous. A word to the wise, USPS: sooner or later somebody is going to take a fall, and even a minor injury may cost you more than a whole season’s snow removal services.
Well, It’s About Time!
by John Weckerle
I-40 at Sedillo at 1 p.m. courtesy of NM-Roads.com.
It would be stating the obvious to observe that it’s snowing here at New Mexico Central headquarters and in many of the surrounding areas. As of about 1:15 this afternoon, we’ve probably accumulated about three to four inches, and snow is continuing to fall steadily. Weather reports are varied with respect to the amount of snow we’re likely to see on the ground (the NOAA National Weather Service web site is still predicting rain), and based on what we’ve seen thus far, we believe they will all end up We are glad that our trip to Albuquerque has been taken care of, and we are now in a position to settle in and watch the snow fall, at least until its time for Senior Meteorological Correspondent Wilson and I to go out and sample the weather again.
Review of the highway cameras and other information at NM-Roads.com shows a varied set of conditions throughout the region. Highway cameras at Santa Rosa and Vaughn show little evidence of snow, and there’s even some patchy sunshine in Vaughn. There is definitely snow on the ground in Clines Corners, although I-40 looks clear in the image (but that could be black ice, so take it with a grain, or a truckload, of salt). Moving further west, conditions become snowier, with some evidence of snow on the interstate at Sedillo Hill, Zamora Road, and NM-14. The New Mexico Department of Transportation describes conditions from Carnuel to Sedillo as “mostly wet and slushy with snow still falling,” and from Moriarty to Route 3 as “snowpacked and icy, with possible black ice.” We noted on our trip back from Albuquerque that Route 66/NM 333 was substantially snowier than I-40. We recommend that people be very careful driving, leave plenty of time to get where they’re going, and get there before temperatures drop and more snow piles up. Remember: the snow is falling on wet roads, and that means roads that look snowy may also be icy.
Got Rain?
by John Weckerle
It’s 6:20 a.m. here at New Mexico Central headquarters, and it’s raining. It’s been raining since some time since yesterday afternoon. Just a little while ago, your editor grabbed a flashlight and popped out to check the rain gauges, which currently hold 1.8 inches and 2.2 inches. Even though we’re on a community water system, we harvest rain for various purposes, here; we have five 100-gallon rain barrels and two 1,550 tanks. A cursory examination reveals that even the previously empty rain barrel next to the office door is completely full, suggesting that the others probably are, as well. We’ll wait for the mud to dry up a bit before we go and check the big tanks, but we anticipate that a good bit (maybe as much as a thousand gallons) may have found its way into the tanks. This is a welcome respite from the long, warm dry spell we’ve experienced in recent weeks, and we’re grateful for it.
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.