Enough of summer

in Art, Photography and Philosophy

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A local Cumulonimbus calvus cloud. Cumulonimbus (from Latin cumulus, “heaped” and nimbus, “rainstorm”) is a dense, towering vertical cloud, forming from water vapor carried by powerful upward air currents. If observed during a storm, these clouds may be referred to as thunderheads. Cumulonimbus can form alone, in clusters, or along cold front squall lines. These clouds are capable of producing lightning and other dangerous severe weather, such as tornadoes and hailstones. Cumulonimbus progress from overdeveloped cumulus congestus clouds and may further develop as part of a supercell. **

 

 

This summer I’ve developed a routine of closely watching the storm radar on my iPhone’s weather application as a tool to guide not only our activities but also for predicting our dog Maggies panic reactions to nearby thunderstorms.  Most importantly, this information determines how I dole out Maggie’s daily 2mg of Xanax which is given as four 1/2mg doses.  By adjusting dosage timing and/or shifting activities Maggies panics can somewhat be a little more easily dealt with, at least for us if not for her.  

This summer I’ve noticed along with the extraordinarily constant high temperatures and humidity we’ve experienced for much of July and August an unusually large number (at least to me) of quickly forming pop-up thunderstorms.   The radar will be perfectly clear and then over the space of 10-20 minutes, a column of quickly rising fluffy topped Cumulonimbus calvus clouds can be seen.  This is probably normal for the conditions but I’ve been much more aware of it this year.   Initially, these clouds are beautiful but in many cases, they quickly form thunderheads and begin producing lighting, rain and in some cases hail with little warning or time to make adjustments. 

On the day the above photo was made I witnessed three separate formations of pop-up storms.  I’ve had enough of summer.  :-(

 

** Cumulonimbus Clouds

4 Comments

  1. Mark
    2019-08-20 @ 12:29 pm

    I’ve notice the same here, storms pop up out of nowhere. I can only imagine the problem if you are trying to judge medication for Maggie.

    • Earl
      2019-08-21 @ 12:14 pm

      Mark, perhaps it’s the new norm what with a hotter climate and all. Makes me sick to think that but…
      Rough day and night yesterday with thunderstorms so Maggie is totally crashed out today. :-)

  2. Paul
    2019-09-03 @ 9:32 am

    Earl: What a novel and necessary use for a weather app. Sorry to hear that Maggie’s issues continue, but at least you have medicine to help her along. There have been lots of those isolated thunderstorms, which I don’t mind because at least they gave a respite, although very brief, from the crazy heat and humidity that we’ve had this summer. But, as I think back over the years that I’ve enjoyed the warm embrace of the Carolinas, it seems to be par for the course. Like you, I’ve rather had my fill of summer. I’m looking forward to cooler temperatures so that I can spend more time in my garage/woodshop, doing stuff. It’s rather hard to work when it’s 90 degrees and feels like 100! This, I do not enjoy! :D

    • Earl
      2019-09-03 @ 9:44 am

      It’s hard to feel like doing much of anything in the kind of heat we had several weeks go. I’ve been very grateful for the recent slightly cooler temperatures and the respite in thunderstorms. Here’s hoping fall is just around the corner and that you’re able to have abundant time in your garage/woodshop. Thanks. :-)