National Sky Awareness Week (SAW) 2022 is on the not-too-distant horizon (April 24-30). As always, the week-long celebration of the sky (clouds, optical phenomena, planets, and stars) affords all an opportunity to appreciate sky beauty, to understand sky and weather processes, and to work together to protect the sky as
Read DetailsEarlier this week, a welcome cold front passed through southwest Florida. Daytime highs and nighttime lows tumbled a bit, while dew points (the measure of atmospheric humidity) fell into the comfortable 60’s. As with most of our early cooler season fronts, the relief from oppressive humidity readings was short-lived. Early
Read DetailsThe other morning (10/21/21), marked the end of an early-season cooler and drier weather pattern across southwest Florida. It also marked the return of mid-level moisture to the region (as was evidenced by an extensive layer of altocumulus clouds (Fig. 1). These water-laden, puffy-looking clouds typically occur between 8,000 and
Read DetailsSUMMARY: Being an “observationalist” isn’t hard work; in fact, it’s fun! You just have to look around and see the patterns in your natural world. First there was “The Mentalist,” the hit CBS series that focused on Patrick Jane’s (played by Simon Baker) ability to use his mind to find
Read DetailsWith most of the regularly scheduled summer weather camps closed due to COVID-19, I have discovered at least three sites that are offering virtual versions. These are listed below, along with web links to facilitate further research. If you want additional information about any of the camps, please contact the
Read DetailsIf you are a parent of a rising 6th – 12th grade student who is “crazy” about weather, then this summer weather camp announcement is for you. Likewise, if you are meteorologist (TV or otherwise), an emergency manager, a teacher, and/or anyone else that you may know has a weather
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Thanks to all those who posted about my initial CoronaVirus story at NextDoorVineyards (NextDoor is a neighborhood connectivity listserve that is centered on each community and its immediate neighbors only; the Vineyards “chapter” is located in Naples, FL), recently. Neighbors eagerly shared images of their orchids, other flowers, and even
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Yes, it does feel as though we are in a parallel universe. But outside of our homes, nature continues unabated, knowing no boundaries. The birds, the flowers, and the sky (clouds, stars, planets) all continue on their appointed rounds. Instead of watching the news (which repeats itself ad nauseum), why
Read DetailsSpring arrived about one month ago (Mar. 20, 2018). At that time, many people were looking forward to escaping winter’s icy fingers. Alas, for many in the eastern two-thirds of the country, Old Man Winter did not get the memo. My wife, Barbara, and I were looking forward to South
Read DetailsThe Naples area has had a plethora of rainfall during the past 35 days. Locally, amounts have topped 25 inches at many locations, with one report in the Piper Cove area (of north Naples) in excess of 30 inches. Lakes levels are up; mosquitoes are swarming; snails are heading for
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