One of the best sources of weather news and everything related to climate world wide is the weather Underground. If you have a weather program running on your desktop it is most likely plugged into this URL for updates, alerts and warnings. Check it out for your area http://www.wunderground.com/

oh wow! i usually use the weathersites on the search engines....

Wolfie, thanks for holding down Geo when I was off reading stuff for tomorrow's postings. I really appreciate it. What fun to find someone beside me is interested (and what woman is not?!) And, authentic, card-carrying Droolers, too. The Spring will never be the same, which is a good thing!

My ex in central Pennsylvania is complaining of 100�F (37.77�C) temperatures out doors and sent the following: Russia is having abnormally high temps also. In the 90's and dry like us. Besides all that, they have locusts to eat the few plants that are surviving the weather.

More from Pennsylvania (note the size of the hail storms): Yesterday afternoon was sunny and hot, although some welcome scattered clouds began to appear by mid-afternoon. Then an area of clouds-joined-together moved over us. They sprinkled a couple of times and tried to give us a rain, then it got darker and there was a boomy rumble of thunder. Real rain fell for quite a while, then there was a rattle on the roof as nickle-sized and quarter-sized hail fell with the rain. That cell moved away to the south, and we had a pause in the rain. It was still dark where the clouds were coming from, but we could see blue sky along the side of the second storm that was approaching. A somewhat cauliflowered shower head grew along the side of the main gray mass, and rapidly achieved the height of the rest of the storm. Its rapid rise would have given a hint of what was to come. The fairly concealed second storm approached; and the sky had barely begun to get dark, but no rain yet, when scattered white objects began to fall. They were maybe 20 ft. apart at first, then there were more and more of them in the air until they were falling about 2 or 3 ft. apart mixed with rain. These white objects were the largest hail I have ever seen. Golfball-sized hail is often mentioned in the news, but there is was! They weren�t spheres, but were chunks about the right size. They were big enough that they could roll in the grass after they landed, rather than getting tangled in it. They generally bounced several feet high, some as high as 4 or 5 feet. I was afraid to look at the car after it was safe to go outside, but found only one dimple. Possibly the hail was mostly soft; and I did see some smash to bits on the parking lot and the cars, rather than bouncing.

From my Alma Mater, Penn State, one of the best Meteorology pages there is. Lots of links and information relating to severe weather. Http://bookend.met.psu.edu/

Since Hurrican Season is upon us and we all need to be aware of possible severe weather warnings for Tornadoes and other threats to life and property. First, before things begin, check for updates and possible storm threats to our area and while it is ongoing - as long as you have power to run your computer: http://www.noaa.gov/ Afterward you will need http://www.fema.gov/ And anytime is good to prepare the little ones in your family by using this URL http://www.fema.gov/kids/

Actually, the best National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association website which has all of the links you will need plus solar images and other goodies is: http://www.websites.noaa.gov/

You clever girl, posting this at Keepsakes. It got me to come by. I'm sorry to be complaining about the weather so much. I hate it when people do that. Look like relief is coming tomorrow though I can't remember if it's a high front or a low front. Which brings cooler temperatures and is it the same in winter?

A high brings clear skies and the cold front. My ex is in Williamsport and he had golfball-sized hail. Did you get any of that? (Heide, I am delighted you posted...I do what I can to get people here as I work pretty hard on it to just be for my own ego..) The jet stream was up in Canada and that is what moved stuff around on the North American continent. It is sliding south again and will move the hot stagnant air out. Yes, the same things happen in the winter...lows bring snow and sleet because you angle to the sun is different.

The State of New Jersey has declaired a state of emergency due to the prolonged drought afflicting the entire Eastern Seaboard. Other states in the area are bound to follow suit! (Rain Dances, anyone?)

Um...Maryland was just declared a federal disaster area (or whatever they call it) because of our severe drought--worst in 70 years they say. When will it rain???

Good question - and if I had the answer, I would not be sitting in the corner of my bedroom writing this. (BTW, welcome, Autumn!)... Jet stream, la ni�a and all that have to cooperate. Meanwhile I am being deluged by one of the feeder bands from Hurricane Eugene just below our island...Want some?!

well, louisiana has placed several parishes under burn bans since it's been so dry. expecting a cool front which will lower the ambient temp by 1 or 2 degrees plus the humidy level is expected to be much lower. hmmmm, so 95 will feel like 95 instead of 115! gotta luv it!!!!

Hey, anything is better than running an external fever...and according the the weather maps, you are due for some relief in the gulf states area. I hope it get to where it is needed most. Plan a garden party, if all else fails...that usually brings on the monsoons!

Forecast For Hilo, Hi 12 Pm Hst Sat Aug 14 1999 ...High Surf Advisory Is In Effect At 12 Noon For East And Southeast Facing Shores Of The Big Island Of Hawaii... .This Afternoon...Partly Cloudy With A Few Showers. High Near 80. Trades 10 To Near 25 Mph. .Tonight...Brief Showers. Low In The Upper 60S. Variable Winds 5 To 15 Mph. .Sunday...Showery. High Near 80. Trades 20 To 30 Mph. Special weather statement 12 Noon Hst Sat Aug 14 1999 ...A High Surf Advisory Is Effective At 12 Noon For East And Southeast Facing Shores Of The Big Island Of Hawaii... Large Swell Waves Travelling Out Ahead Of Hurricane Dora Are Forecast To Start Arriving At The East And Southeast Facing Beaches Of The Kau And Puna Districts Of The Big Island Late This Afternoon And Tonight And Continue On Sunday. This Wave Action Will Likely Also Affect Exposed Hilo District Beaches. These East And East Southeast Swell Waves Will Produce Surf That Is Expected To Be In The 8 To 10 Foot Range By Late Tonight And On Sunday. The Easterly Swell Will Reach As Far As Oahu And Kauai On Sunday And Could Produce Surf As High As 5 To 8 Feet Along Exposed East And Southeast Facing Beaches Of These Islands. Surfers...Swimmers...And Beach Goers Should Remain Alert And Cautious. Residents Along The Exposed Beaches Should Prepare To Protect Their Property. Another day in Paradise - with a hurricane...

does this mean you need to check your life preservers and raft, Marcia?

We are 450 feet (157 Meters) above sea level. I think the worst that could happen is my 6 picture windows in the living room might shatter - so we will plywood them across...I always have candles and water to drink (and for flushing) on hand - and we have Spam!!! Thanks for asking, though...

Actually, as soon as they post warnings like that one above, the crazies get their surfboards and head for the beach. Those are the ones who are in real danger!

Can you see the ocean from your picture windows? What's the view like? Batten up those hatches, and good luck getting through this one. Is this the biggest storm of the season so far?

We shall batten down the hatches and tighten the anchor bolts if it becomes necessary. The only ocean I can see from the property without sitting on the roof is a very distant horizon, which is just fine considering the Tsunami potential. This is the first major storm to come our way this season, but we are lucky with the two 14,000'(4267M) mountains behind Hilo. They are usually large enough to deflect the storms that threaten(so far.) The current pattern is for them to hook around the south point of ur island and head north hitting Oahu (Honolulu) and Kauai. The last one, Iniki, just about levelled Kauai, and they are still trying to rebuild and recover.

What's the elevation at your house?

450' (157.16 Meters) above sea level, and 5 miles (8 Km) inland.

For the lastest on our hurricane

In the picture above...the Hurricane is at the left and our island is the outline just avobe it. It also apprear as though there are a wholebunch of proto-hurricanes waiting to form to the right, near Mexico.

Anyone wishing to listen to our island's Civil Defense Coordinator, Harry Kim give the latest update on our Hurricane can do so on the hour (also does for lava flows when they are threatening inhabited areas)on the net: http://www.webradio.com/kwxx/

And, as we enter the feeder bands here is our little Big Island and an even bigger Hurricane Dora

wow, it looks ominous. please be careful dear marcia!

Thank you...and we had a Earthquake just a bit ago...I am tired of Mother Nature attacking - especially on a day like this one has been...!

ohmygod, marcia! girlfriend, you are in my prayers *hugs*

Thanks Luv! It surely could not hurt. Where are all those places that need water? Austin? May I ship you some?!

Those satellite pictures are just too freaky! Technology scares me!

It allows you to see how big God is and how tiny man is. Our Island is the size of Connecticut...it is not tiny!

how's the weather Marcia??

Finally...It is sunny and bright and we can see all the junk in the yard...At this hour it is 70�F (21�C)and the tradewinds are picking up. It will be a lovely day, thank you.

glad things are well for you marcia......wish i could say the same about louisiana. yup, the humidity is back on the rise. icky!

...it sounds like it is enough to melt your pralines before they get in your mouth...

check http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/news/32 for the next little storms waiting to assault the Hawaiian Islands. BTW, I had not ventured into the News Conference before this got linked to Geo, and Ree, your painting is outstanding. Smashing, actually! And now these cool horizontal bars...it is so chic...wish the default wallpaper could be something else, but...

and as i can see by the updated satellite pics, the hurricane is far off now. thankfully.

For an update on the next hurricane poising to attack Hawaii, check http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/Geo/14.26 It updates regularly. (Let me know if it is making the loading of this place too long, in which case I will delete it.)

Glad to see Marcia is safe and sound again (for the moment).

Thanks for saying that, Autumn. It is a great comfort to know good people care if you are safe...and I have not checked the updating maps on post 26 for a while...maybe I'd rather not know!!!

The above image is from http://www.intellicast.com/LocalWeather/World/UnitedStates/SouthCentral/Texas/Brownsville/Satellite/

my parents live in harlingen. mom icq'd me to let me know they're waiting for evac orders and don't know where they're going right now.

Harlingen! That's where Evelyn was headed yesterday.

For the loop of the movement of this Hurricane about to hit Texas go to: http://www.intellicast.com/WeatherImages/SatelliteLoop/satloop.wsi;bro;SatelliteLoop;gif;satloop.gif It is pretty impressive and has intensified to a Category 4 hurricane - severe wind damage and flooding. They have taken the measures of dumping escess water from the lakes around Brownsville and Corpus Christi to handle the water generated by the rain bands accompanying the hurricane.

I keep my fingers crossed for all our friends in Texas.

looks like corpus is going to get the brunt of this one. hopefully it'll bring some rain up this way. hope my family is alright.

Plese keep us updated on your families! And, those living in the Austin area, could you please keep us up on your strong windy weather. I hate the thought of your losing power because it would mean no more Spring for a while. We NEED you! Thanks.

at present, we just have some clouds in San Antonio, but nothing else. the good thing about this hurricane is that i dont have to go to work this week (i work in Corpus)!

It is an ill wind that blows no good?! It would seem that someone else's bad fortune may allow us another day with you. Happy thought, indeed! Thanks for the report, Ray. I wonder if Austin is getting any rain - or any cooler?!

How is the flooding going in Corpus area and are they letting you go home any time soon? Wolf, how is your family doing? Ray is dry in San Antonio on a forced holiday and spent some of the time with us at Spring and got me on telnet for real. Will someone with the local scoop update us on the progress of your storm. Thanks!

nope and not noticably(sp?)...

Thanks for the report for the Austin area(?) Are you still not getting any rain from this system?

Nope, there has been scarce few drops of rain, the only change we've had is increased cloudiness.

sunburn alert here...

it's been raining here since last night...but am nowhere near the gulf ;-D

Thanks Terry for the Austin update. I hope the tornadoes go elsewhere, too. (It rains upwards of 200 inches (508 Cm) a year here, so I know rain!) Thanks for the other reports as well. I guess Colorado has sun alerts year round of one sort or another - just as Hawaii does.

my parents are fine (harlingen). we got a t-storm this afternoon, but it didn't rain through the whole area...which is too bad because we really need it.

That sort of activity starts mean brush fires. Glad to hear your parents are well and dry. Thanks for the report.

we've had that and spontaneous hay fires.

Incredible. Not much gets that dry on this side of the island, but where the lava flows go into new channels through the brush, it makes for particularly nasty fires and toxic fumes.

i'll bet! even the humidity doesn't help the parched grasses. i have to water my lawn just about every night to keep the grass from going dormant (that's what it is, not dead like folks think).

We just must live right (oh sure...NOT!)God waters ours every night and shines up the leaves and makes the flowers open with dew on them...! We call our showers "dust control"

Here is a great little map of the world and its troubles with weather from http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/ Reports from Australia report tornadoes in Perth area again and cricket-ball sized hail stones in Sydney. Homes are still unrepaired, by the thousands. Thanks, AnneH for your report.

A map of the world? Where? Where? I see but a little piece of the world here.

I erred. It is the world from Hawaii on the left to the edge of Africa of the right. They do not have one for the entire world, sadly, but few hurricanes form over the land mass of Europe. They have this one, though: fromhttp://www.wunderground.com/global/EU_ST_Index.html

For a totally awesome image of Hurricane Dennis: http://lumahai.soest.hawaii.edu/gifs/atl_cam.gif

From http://www.weather.com:

So, somebody update me on the weather, pls. In the office tomorrow, it'll be overcast and cloudy... Coping with suboptimal news, putting some plan Bs up, etc. That's your Central European weather report, brought to you by superstar magazine...

Most of the maps I put on this Topic automatically update every time you check them. Europe is http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/Geo/14.71 I am looking for a WX map rather than that temperature map. but it is some indication of the weather pattern for the area. Will try to get it up by the end of this day. Please check back. Sorry about the inclement weather in your office. Sometimes, it is necessary to go through that to appreciate the sun which will inevitably shine on you in two weeks. *smile*

For those interested in European weather, this map also updates each time you boot it. http://www.weather.com/weather/sat/europesat_440x297.html

This color bar explains the image colors.

Thank you for the European maps, Marcia, they come in very handy :-)

You are most welcome - Australia next...! I love the ones that update when you log in. It makes it so much easier.

Australia's updating weather satellite map from http://www.weather.com

I expect Marcia has put some of Oz's strange weather this winter on. But it is nothing compared to some parts in the rest of the world. Sydney's baseball or cricket size hailstones I suppose has been the worst. Adelaide has had a very dry season - already the driest city in Oz and they are in some trouble. I would be most interested to know if the monsoon arrived in India this year. New Delhi seems to have been hot most of their summer season.

Thanks, Anne. Nothing like a report from "on the ground" to go with the weather map. It is hard to imagine how the rest of the world fluctuates because we are eternally springtime here all year round.

Really, I hope you keep those weather reports from the other side of the planet coming! We're still waiting for rain in these parts, it's crackling dry here. Day after day of 100 degree weather. I love it! But we could use a good gully washer.

I shall put up the pacific basin from whence your weather will begin to come as autumn sets in. You need a soaking rain of some duration. Incredible how depressing so much sun can be (especially for someone who gets upwards of 200" (508 cm) of the stuff anually! (Do you really like that much heat?!)

Good chance of some wet stuff over the holidays. What are folks doing for the holidays and what's the prediction for your area?

Nothing happening here. Just trying to recouperate from the Volleyball tournament. I would love to hike in the volcano...but I think I may be home alone - again - so I will be at the Spring again!!!

sunny. mild, lovely trades in the day and mountain air at night. Same old Same old...

i just want everyone to know that nw louisiana has received rain and cooler temps! yippeeeeeeeee!!!

Hawaiian Islands updating satellite image from http://www.weather.com

Alright wolfie got her fur wet.

the bad one looks like it's sitting on the Bahamas as we speak...

A very dpecial lady in Drool is at the moment on a laptop in a bunker in Florida riding it out for the night. It does not sound like my favorite thing to do. http://www.wunderground.com

I feel rather bad wingeing about the earthquake swarms we are having as a prelude to our next volcano outbreak...I think I would rather deal with this Hell rather than her High Water!

According to CNN, Floyd is not going to strike Florida after all, but is heading upwards to North Carolina. So Moon should be alright (I hope), but do we know anyone in N.C.?

My Dear, I was just wondering about that! Do not think FLOYD is going near anyone we are aware of. Perhaps they will volunteer some information as they emerge from underground. Has to be a bad experience, but lots better than dying!

Hey did you see that global picture I posted earlier? There's a bigger hurricane than Floyd out there in the middle of the ocean. Just a little detail I noticed, that's all.

No, I did not. Where is it???

If you check http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/news/32.69 you will see the relative proximities of the two hurrricanes. This map updates so it keeps current.