Thursday, August 26, 2010

thursday evening>

**UPDATE @824pm** our rainfall totals have been (well) below 1" for each of the past four days. this is the first time since before the monsoon began in late june that has happened.

our thursday has featured more wild swings in the weather... 1) a mix of sun and clouds early this morning. 2) a period of thick clouds and fog starting around 930am, with a couple of periods of rain and thunder between noon and 4pm. 3) glorious sunshine during the evening. i recorded 0.21" (5mm) of rain in upper mcleod ganj, while our observers near the main temple measured just 0.10" (2.5mm). despite the sunshine at the beginning and end of the day, the high temp was only 21C /69.5F.

well... it is easy to see that we are in a very fickle period, as the monsoon enters its final 20 days. i am finding out that our available computer models are virtually useless in providing decent guidance. a couple of them have been showing ZERO rainfall... and continue to do so right through sunday. this is probably unrealistic, based on the fact that there is still enough tropical moisture lurking near enough to be drawn northward and upward against the mountains during the mid-day and afternoon hours. thus, be aware of the good potential of at least a shower or two each and every day. BUT, the plus side is that we will continue to see periods of sunshine and lower humidity as well, in between occasional clouds and fog. so, i guess the bottom line is that we are getting to taste a bit of both worlds right now: the retreating monsoon, AND the coming dry fall season.

THURSDAY NIGHT: clear to partly cloudy skies. pleasantly cool.
low: 17C (62F)

FRIDAY: periods of sun and clouds, with a bit of fog possible as well. good chance of a few showers.
high: 22C (72F)

SATURDAY: a good amount of sunshine, in between periods of clouds and fog. one or two showers or thundershowers possible. a bit warmer.
high: 23C (74F)

SUNDAY: a mix of clouds, sun and fog. good chance of a couple of showers/thundershowers.
high: 23C (74F)

MONDAY: peeks of sun between clouds and fog. good chance of occasional showers.
high: 23C (73F)

TUESDAY: mostly cloudy with some fog. periods of rain likely.
high: 22C (72F)