The Northeast Weather Blog...

Earth Day 2011...

Posted by: Zachary Labe, 6:18 PM GMT on April 22, 2011

Earth Day 2011 Blog

(Spring Blooms last year)

"Introductory Thoughts"
Happy Earth Day! This is my annual Earth Day blog. Last year mine focused on climate change and the history of Earth Day. This year will focus on tips for conserving the environment and going green. The pictures in this blog are all mine I have taken looking at the beauty of nature at its best. I have never considered myself an avid global warming activist, and you don't have to be one to conserve the environment. There aren't any disadvantages to try to help conserve the surrounding environment and we all need to do our part.

(My Bleeding Heart last year)

"Going Green Tips"

-The CFL Light bulb aka The Killer Light bulb
One of the simplest inexpensive ways of saving a bit on your electricity bill is by switching your old incandescent bulbs. Many are reluctant to make the switch, but it saves quite a bit of many in the long run. CFL bulbs use 75% less electricity and last 10% longer. Now there have been a few complaints with the bulb particularly due to the trace of mercury. The mercury (HG) is located in the glass rim of the bulb. When the bulb breaks or extinguishes some are concerned about the release of mercury into the air. But really there are only 4mg of mercury in each bulb. A mercury thermometer contains about 500mg of mercury. 4mg of mercury is just enough to cover the tip of a ball point pen. But in recent years manufacturers have begun to take steps to reduce mercury output. Now some companies only put in as less as 1.5mg of mercury in each bulb. Under a true analysis of the element HG, we see that mercury has an extremely high boiling point of 357degrees C. This would show the mercury would only become a vapor at that temperature; otherwise it would be a solid form. Unless direct inhaling of mercury, there are very few side effects from mercury. It just has become one of those things that present day media likes to blow out of proportion. So if a CFL bulb breaks or extinguishes immediately put the bulb in a plastic zip lock bag an air out the room. Take the bulb to a nearby recycling CFL location such as Home Depot. In fact we ingest more mercury from eating fish than anything. The mercury in CFL bulbs is way blown out of proportion. For more information contact the EPA website on directions for disposal of broken bulbs.

On the positive side CFL bulbs use much less energy and last much longer. There are a few things to note that I have noticed with my bulbs that the manufacturers don't really tell you. Every time you turn on/off a lamp it reduces the life expectancy of the bulb so use CFLs first in your lamps that you have on the longest. Also only buy the CFL light bulbs that have the energy star logo on the side. Regular CFL bulbs take quite a while to turn on to full brightness. Energy Star ones take up to one second to reach full brightness. Lastly there are different ratios for CFL bulb wattage is the explanation why some people find that their CFLs are less bright than the incandescent bulbs. Also there are different types of color which include the dull glow just like incandescent bulbs so make sure you check the box label.

Choosing the right color:Link

Light color is measured on a temperature scale referred to as Kelvin (K).

Lower Kelvin numbers mean the light appears more yellow; higher Kelvin numbers mean the light is whiter or bluer.

Most ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs are made to match the color of incandescent bulbs at 2700-3000K.

For a whiter light, look for bulbs marked 3500-4100K.
For bluer white light, look for bulbs marked 5000-6500K.

(Mt. Washington Cog Railway)

-Green Bags
Think of all the plastic bags that you go through in a week, let alone a year. Then all those bags go into land wastes and end of blowing away into the local environment. Reusable totes are an idea that many major companies are advertising, especially grocery stores. If you bring the bags every time you shop then plastic bags will not be necessary. This is equivalent to taking tens of thousands of cars off the roads.

Energy Star Pledge... Link.

(Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area)

Plant a Tree-
One of the simplest and most well known ways of conserving the environment on Earth Day. Did you know April 24 is Arbor Day? Until my research I never put the two together for being in the same week. The Arbor Day Foundation is a wonderful society that offers a great deal right now. When you become a member for a small fee for a year, you are sent 10 free trees of your choice that are native to your region. These trees vary from 6-12inches tall and come with planting and care instructions. Link. Interestingly enough not all trees are beneficial to the environment by cleaning the air of pollutants and reducing the urban-heat island effect. Some trees actually produce a toxin the in turn hurts the ozone layer, but all trees do help at least a slight bit. Researchers came up with a list of 31 species, including American basswood, dogwood, Eastern white pine, Eastern red cedar, gray birch, red maple and river birch that help the environment. One tree such as the Willow actually does not take in my toxins from the environment and therefore is not actually very beneficial. Some researchers even report planting trees about 20N hurts the environment as a forest canopy is dark therefore holding heat instead of reflecting the sun's rays. But for now I do not think going out and planting a tree is going to do any harm.

(Ice Storm on Blue Mountain December 2008)

Saving Water-
A very simple way of saving water consists of several different cost-effect and efficient options. One simple method is by replacing water spigots in sinks inside with aerators. This is cheap way of saving water. Aerators for typical sinks use about 1.5 GPM which is much less than the typical spigot in a kitchen sink. Home Depot is offering free aerators this week... Link(See slide 4) Also try replacing showerheads with new efficient ones that produce air and water at the same time therefore reducing water to near 2GPM. An interesting fact... Letting a faucet run for 5minutes is equivalent in energy usage to letting your 60watt incandescent bulb run for 14hours.

Another way of conserving water is buying use a rain barrel. I installed my own personal rain barrel that I made last year. Rain barrels collect water that would typically be from on your roof and head down your spouting. But with a rain barrel all of that rain heads down into your barrel which is typically 55 gallons on average. Rain barrels can be very costly, but making your own is quite simple. Here are simple instructions for making your own rain barrel... Link. My rain barrel fills up completely (55 gallons) with .1inches of rain. Anymore and it overflows. I use it to water all of my gardens and the barrel uses lasts through about 3-4 entire waterings. Rain water can also be healthier for your gardens by providing non-chlorinated water like most water that comes out of the regular spigot.

(Hiking through Blue Mountain)

Install a ceiling fan-
While it may be costly, long term effects help to save energy especially while using Energy Star Labeled products.

Ceilings fans have two settings. With the one setting the counter-clockwise effect makes a wind-chill effect and cools one's body. Ceilings fans do not actually cool a room. So when leaving a room turn off the fan to save energy. In the winter turn on the other clockwise setting to have the warm air down drafted from the ceiling to occupied spaces. Ceiling fans have long term cost effect and energy efficient of helping the environment and your budget. They also had of touch of decor to a room.

(Morning Fog)

Vegetable Gardens-
While at first you may say you don't have the space or the time, well you are likely wrong. Vegetable gardens can consist of from small areas that produce a bountiful harvest. Pick a location that receives quite a lot of sun particularly in a southern facing location. Also try for the raised bed idea. This allows for a longer growing season as the raised bed is warmed directly by the sun. Edge the borders with wooden boards and/or concrete blocks to increase the depth of the soil. This also allows you to modify your existing soil in the ground. The initial costs of the garden may be high for the first year, but it pays off within the first few years. Buy the best soil combination preferably fertile soil as vegetables take more out of the soil than do regular annuals. Look for organic materials such as decomposed plant matter and manure such as mushroom compost or farm yard manure. Add the compost, etc as soon as possible so the nutrients decompose into the soil. Also try creating a compost pile which you can throw into it, vegetable peelings, grass clippings, kitchen waste, dead plant matter, and any nitrogen rich ingredients. Once you have your raised bed and soil built, the hardest part is over. Remember these raised beds can be very small. Even try container pots such as potted tomato plants and etc. This time of year is perfect and not too late for some cool season crops. Onion bulbs are easily available at the local store and are easy growers. There are few enemies and little care. Lettuce is great to grow this time of year, but just remember the local animal population may like to take a bite. Lettuce also while not sensitive too much to frost, it does not tolerate hard freezes so remember to cover. I have had the best luck with Romaine and Buttercrunch varieties. They seem to grow the fastest. Spinach and Chard are also tolerable of the cooler temperatures and are easy to grow without too much preference to soil type. Swiss Chard will also grow all summer so plant it in a location that you can use the whole summer. Radish is about the easiest to grow out of anything. They are great to plant this time of year as they get a bit woody come warmer summer temperatures. Just remember they need to be thinned out as just about all of the seeds will bloom creating a tight location. For a bit more of a challenge and more space needed, try broccoli or cauliflower. They are cool season crops that can have bountiful harvests. As the temperatures warm other crops can be planted. It is so pleasing and much more tasteful planting your own vegetables. It is also much more economic and environmentally friendly. As far as watering and fertilizing is concerned, they will likely be necessary. The nice thing about it is you can control if you want any fertilizer at all. But the simple 10-10-10 formula can be used for most gardens as an initial spreading. Watering, try using a rain barrel. They are more beneficial to your garden by adding the non-chlorinated natural water. It also saves you a bit in your water bill. I am so pleased with my vegetable garden and I continue to expand each year. Give it a try!

A great forum for vegetable questions... Link.

(At the summit of Hawk Mountain)

"Final Thought"
The old saying, "Earth Day should be every day is so true." Whether you are an avid global warming activists or not this topic is important to you. Any reader of this blog knows I am not a supporter at all of this man-made global warming. But that does not mean I am not an avid supporter of conserving the planet. We take for granted this planet, driving our car down the street I do not think any of us are thinking "some type of forest must have been cut down to build this road." And we shouldn't be thinking that; modern society needs room for advancement and industrial revolutions. We cannot all live in a house in a tree like Robinson Crusoe. Without the development of urban suburbia and cities, there would be no modern technology or expansion. But the point is we need to do our part protect. Yes there always will be vast farmland and forests, but that land is diminishing. Think about this... How many times do you drive 30miles and see small areas of construction sites building a strip mall with the same old, same old, a nail salon, pizza parlor, Chinese food takeout, and a tanning salon. Then three years later there hangs a for sale sign above an abandoned building. Or how many condominium or large estate neighborhoods are being built in your community? Now a sign of a healthy community is population expansion and growth, but how many of those homes sit empty for 1-2years. I am not here to argue that we need to save the little bird in xyz so we can't drill oil, but is it too much to ask to plant a tree in a new neighborhood or not build a little worthless strip mall next to one 2miles already down the road. Earth Day needs to be an awareness day because we as humans we live an invincible life; nothing ever could go wrong. We do not need to do our share. But we do. The effervescent beauty of nature is powerful, just a look through the Wunderground photo gallery. My challenge to you today is to go take a hike... Not your typical hike of physical exertion to lose that December holiday 10LBS that you still haven't lost. Instead take a walk, take a camera, and sit down in the middle of that worn path. Now envision 10 years from now.

Is that worn path still there?

(Summit Path on Blue Mountain)

Important Links...
-2008 Earth Day Blog... Link.
-Home Depot Earth Day Specials... Link.
-Earth Day Network... Link.
-Earth Day... Link.
-EPA/Earth Day... Link.
-Weather Channel Go Green... Link.
-Energy Star... Link
-NOAA Green... a href="http://www.noaa.gov/features/green/index.

Lower Susquehanna Valley Doppler...

(Courtesy of WGAL)

"Here north of Harrisburg 2011 statistics"
(Severe Weather Stats...)
Severe Thunderstorm Watches- 1
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings- 1
Tornado Watches- 1
Tornado Warnings- 0
Total Thunderstorms- 6

(Precipitation Stats...)
Flood Watches- 4
Flood Warnings- 3
Flash Flood Warnings- 1
Monthly Precipitation- 7.62in
January Precipitation- 1.12in
February Precipitation- 2.74in
March Precipitation- 6.43in
April Precipitation- 7.62in
Yearly Precipitation- 17.91inches

(Temperature Stats...)
Heat Advisories- 0
Excessive Heat Warnings- 0
90degree days- 0
Highest Temperature- 84F

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1. seflagamma 6:56 PM GMT on April 22, 2011
Hello Zachary, Very interesting Earth Day information you have provided along with beautiful photos! I agree with all of your suggestions and do almost all of them... except I don't like the new "coil" light bulbs. I went out and bought them to replace every "evil old" light bulb in my house... and I hate them... I use them in some lamps but put back the old ones in reading lamps. The new bulbs do not provide enough light to read well... but that is just me. Maybe I got the wrong type but they did not work for me. I have a dozen or more canvas bags in back of my vehicle I can use and do use all the time when shopping. Along with my rain barrel and compost... and wish I had more of those.. I do drive an SUV, but it is a new "fuel efficient" one that I am not fond of.. I like my old BIG vehicles..I need the space! LOL I think it would be so easy for more folks to do just a few of the easy things to help our Mother Earth.... Thanks for doing your part and providing some examples! Patti Member Since: August 29, 2005 Posts: 286 Comments: 40485

2. TheRasberryPatch 7:07 PM GMT on April 22, 2011
Well done with the new blog, Blizz. You are a very good writer with great thoughts. Great pictures. I love to plant trees. I think since my first house I have planted close to 100 trees. They are so nice for the landscape. One benefit a willow provides is it is a water seeker. If you have an area that is prone to water ponding or standing water or by a sediment pond or stream, the willow is good for those areas. Last fall I planted a Red Oak and a White Oak. I love oak trees. They grow tall and provide for the forest animals. I hope they find a way to bring back the American Chestnut I have mostly CFL type bulbs that I spent a lot of money and am in the park as Seflagamma. The big box stores should do a better job with promoting which bulbs to have in certain areas of your house. Do they have CFL bulbs for the outside yet? I recycle all my grocery store/box store bags. Most stores have a box outside to collect them. The green canvas bags they say you have to be careful, because they can retain bacteria especially from chicken. BTW - are you enjoying the road work around your house? have they finished the circle? Member Since: January 26, 2007 Posts: 72 Comments: 5645

3. originalLT 7:54 PM GMT on April 22, 2011
Thanks for the new Blog , Blizz, I will study it when I get home,(at work now). Happy Earth Day, and Happy Easter to you Blizz, and to all of you.LT Member Since: January 31, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 5063

4. lawntonlookirs 11:23 PM GMT on April 22, 2011
Thanks blizz for the new blog. You have a nice subject on earth day. Member Since: April 18, 2011 Posts: 0 Comments: 31

5. originalLT 4:07 AM GMT on April 23, 2011
Very nicely done Blizz, one typo you may want to correct, is in the paragraph that starts out with " The CFL light bulb,AKA the Killer Light Bulb"...You say the bulb lasts 10% longer, I think you meant to say, 10 times longer--as you have in the "fast facts" section right next to the picture of the bulb. I can't help finding these tiny miscue's, I guess its from proof reading my two kids papers in High School, and even in College! Well done. Member Since: January 31, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 5063

6. pittsburghnurse 3:20 PM GMT on April 23, 2011
Thanks for the explanation of the CFL bulbs. There are so many on the market now and little understanding as to how one type is different from another. Now I know which ones to buy to have them come to full brightness immediately. Some peaks of sun through the clouds this morning. Sunshine has become as valuable as gold in my eyes. There is no end in sight to this pattern. I need 3 solid warm dry days to sufficiently dry out for grass cutting. For now we have to what we can with the battery operated weed whacker. Member Since: October 14, 2006 Posts: 1 Comments: 638

7. seflagamma 3:58 PM GMT on April 23, 2011
Good morning Bliz, Wishing you and your loved ones a Blessed Easter Weekend! Easter Christian Graphics Member Since: August 29, 2005 Posts: 286 Comments: 40485

8. TrentonThunder 6:44 PM GMT on April 23, 2011
Very good read Blizz... We do all of that besides the rain barrel, which sounds great and thoughtful. The Arbor Day foundation sounds interesting too. Will have to check that out. Member Since: December 17, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 796

9. TrentonThunder 7:02 PM GMT on April 23, 2011
How do you water the garden from the barrel Blizz? If it's not out there already, a good invention would be to attatch a spigot and hose attachment while somehow creating enough pressure to use in a sprinkler system. A barrel at each gutter of the house / building. Could design them so they look nice and match the house or garden. I think people would really go for that. Free water, better for your lawn & garden, better for the environment. Member Since: December 17, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 796

10. PhillySnow 8:12 PM GMT on April 23, 2011
Great topic and excellent suggestions, Blizz. Thank you! I wasn't aware of the two directions of ceiling fans. Great information which we will use. We don't air condition the house most days, so we use our fans a lot. Now I know to turn them off when leaving the room. :) Also, I agree with the issues around the light bulbs. We haven't had great luck with them, but I'm going to try out different types now to see if I can find a color/brightness that works better for our needs. Member Since: December 18, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 795

11. MarylandGirl 11:19 AM GMT on April 24, 2011
Happy Easter Blizz, thanks for sharing your photos. I just purchased bleeding hearts for my yard in Maryland. We have a veggie garden in front of the house and my fav is cukes! Use so many and growing them is great. Fresh herbs for cooking right outside the door, a chefs dream. We have composted for years and enjoy adding it to planters and the garden. Appreciate you explaining the cfl bulb numbers...... Hummingbirds are in so don't forget to hang feeders...the ones traveling north need food! Weather looks great for us for the next few days....thoughts are with people who have the severe weather on the way...stay safe. Member Since: September 10, 2001 Posts: 2 Comments: 483

12. Hoynieva 11:42 AM GMT on April 24, 2011
Nice stuff, Blizz. I, as most know, garden and compost. In addition to using energy efficient light bulbs, my apt. is LEED certified with solar panels, radiant heating, air filtration and a green roof, so that helps a lot with energy savings. I finally started planting more crops yesterday as the weather has warmed considerably. Looking to put most everything outside this week with highs in the 70's and lows in the upper 50's. Perfect weather, at long last. Member Since: January 20, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 1292

13. TheRasberryPatch 1:23 PM GMT on April 24, 2011
HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE more rain last night. still waiting for some dry weather to get my gardens started. it was in yesterday's paper that the farmers usually have corn seed in the ground, but not this year and it won't be until mid-May until they probably won't get the corn in the ground. this rain has to stop. I wonder what the onion farmers in the Hudson Valley are doing. Member Since: January 26, 2007 Posts: 72 Comments: 5645

14. pittsburghnurse 2:16 PM GMT on April 24, 2011
HAPPY EASTER to everyone. I'll be working in the kitchen and firing up the grill for the family on the big screened porch. Sunshine would have been nice but is not a requirement. Got quite a spread planned and some profitable egg hunting for a couple of lucky grandkids is also in the works. It looks like warm weather is arriving at last as the predominant pattern. At least that's something to cheer about. Enjoy everyone. Member Since: October 14, 2006 Posts: 1 Comments: 638

15. TrentonThunder 3:20 PM GMT on April 24, 2011
Dewpoint 60F this morning, can really feel it. Tuesday looks toasty around Philly: Mostly Sunny / High 82F / Dewpoint 61F / Heat Index 83F. Member Since: December 17, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 796

16. TheF1Man 3:43 PM GMT on April 24, 2011
HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE! pittsburghnurse i'm looking forward to the warm pattern as well! Member Since: February 23, 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 571

17. weathergeek5 3:44 PM GMT on April 24, 2011
HAPPY EASTER EVERYBODY!! Member Since: December 25, 2005 Posts: 0 Comments: 1721

18. Zachary Labe 3:55 PM GMT on April 24, 2011
Happy Easter to all! As always, I definitely appreciate all of the comments here on my blog to make this a continuing excellent community! seflagamma- Happy Easter and thanks for stopping by! I find those new CFL lightbulbs are very misleading when purchasing. For instance there are two new 'wattages' that both convert to the old 60 watts. Always make sure to get the higher one, usually 15 watts. I try to always buy the new wattages that convert to the old 75 watts. They seem to be the brightest and work excellent. Just keep in mind to always buy name brands of the new bulbs along with the energy star logo. TheRasberryPatch- Thankyou! Ugh, no the construction is entering phase 2 and now has many of the local roads we use daily through Linglestown blocked off; very inconvient. Although it will look wonderful when it is finished. And yes the new CFL lightbulbs can be used although direct contact with water should be avoided. If they are protected by a glass light fixture outside, they should be fine. They do also now make floodlights using CFL bulbs which can be used outside and are very energy efficient.By the way my new expansion to the vegetable garden is about finished and quite large. I will get pictures soon; I think you will be impressed with the expansion. So far I have planted my onions, potatoes, parsley, corn seeds, radish seeds, pea seeds, and chard. originalLT- Thankyou! I usually do not have time to proofreed because it takes a while to put these together. Hope you are having a nice Easter! lawntonlookirs- Thanks for checking in! Have a great Easter! pittsburghnurse- Thanks! Sure has been wet recently with over 7in of rain here this month. I hope you are able to get a vegetable gardening going in your new location. Just add some potted vegetables or get a small chicken wire fence. That will help to keep the animals out. TrentonThunder- Thank you! I station watering cans below the spigot of the rain barrel to fill up with water. I also have heard of people attaching a hose to the spigot allowing the water to flow through the hose and eventually through the beds in sort of an irrigation method. PhillySnow- Thanks! When buying the lightbulbs, just be sure to read the packaging closely. The boxes usually provide adequate information from ranging from the wattages to the color of the light. MarylandGirl- Thank you! Hummingbirds already, wow. I did not realize that they were already out. I already planted my parsley in my herb garden, but have not been able to get others quite yet. Hoynieva- Wow, I did not realize you were so energy efficient. You should be giving us all tips, lol. Hopefully we get a few days of a break with the rainfall late this week to continue to garden. The rain sure is making it difficult. Member Since: December 14, 2007 Posts: 253 Comments: 14314

19. TrentonThunder 5:11 PM GMT on April 24, 2011
Turning out to be a sunny and extremely warm day for the southeastern corner of PA and central and southern NJ. At 1pm I'm sunny 80F, 63D, 81F heat index. Clouds approaching from the west may hold temperatures from reaching their maximum potential around Philly-Trenton, but I could see the Pine Barrens of south-central Jersey taking a shot at 90F. Member Since: December 17, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 796

20. wunderstorm87 5:20 PM GMT on April 24, 2011
Happy Easter everyone! Another major severe weather/tornado outbreak will occur this week across the eastern half of the country. It just seems like the same areas are getting hit over and over again with these outbreaks. However, this severe weather will impact areas to the north more than the previous systems. Other than the chance of thunderstorms, this week looks like the best we've seen in a long time. Member Since: August 5, 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 588

21. Zachary Labe 10:25 PM GMT on April 24, 2011
Weak storm moved through here with .19in of rain. Member Since: December 14, 2007 Posts: 253 Comments: 14314

22. TrentonThunder 12:03 AM GMT on April 25, 2011
I had a low of 60F and high of 84F, steamy dewpoint high of 69F. Don't think it ever hit 90F in South Jersey today. Highest station I could find was 86F in Lakehurst NJ at the northern fringe of the Barrens. Temps hit a plateau there early this afternoon under full sun. Member Since: December 17, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 796

23. Zachary Labe 12:55 AM GMT on April 25, 2011
Quoting TrentonThunder: I had a low of 60F and high of 84F, steamy dewpoint high of 69F. Don't think it ever hit 90F in South Jersey today. Highest station I could find was 86F in Lakehurst NJ at the northern fringe of the Barrens. Steamy night here too with 96% humidity and in the mid 60s after a high of 80F! Member Since: December 14, 2007 Posts: 253 Comments: 14314

24. TheRasberryPatch 1:36 AM GMT on April 25, 2011
that weak storm for you, Blizz was a bit stronger. Some lightning and thunder and a few heavy downpours. 0.60" of rain this afternoon. The afternoon was so nice until about 4 or so when the rain began. it is very steamy. I am looking forward to seeing your gardens. At least i can look at one. I don't know when i will get to get mine going. My potatoes should have been in the ground for at least a week. I was really hoping for some spring vegetables and having them sometime in May. Member Since: January 26, 2007 Posts: 72 Comments: 5645

25. Zachary Labe 12:50 PM GMT on April 25, 2011
Several chances of strong to severe thunderstorms for our area including today, tomorrow, but especially Wednesday. I may issue a blog if I have time later on the possible major outbreak Wednesday. Stay tuned! Member Since: December 14, 2007 Posts: 253 Comments: 14314

26. TheRasberryPatch 1:20 PM GMT on April 25, 2011
Quoting Blizzard92: Several chances of strong to severe thunderstorms for our area including today, tomorrow, but especially Wednesday. I may issue a blog if I have time later on the possible major outbreak Wednesday. Stay tuned! just what we need more rain. I looked back on this month and at most we have had for the whole month was 2 straight days without rain. since March 1 I have almost 13" of rain. That is 1/3 of the yearly totals Member Since: January 26, 2007 Posts: 72 Comments: 5645

27. Zachary Labe 1:54 PM GMT on April 25, 2011
Quoting TheRasberryPatch: just what we need more rain. I looked back on this month and at most we have had for the whole month was 2 straight days without rain. since March 1 I have almost 13" of rain. That is 1/3 of the yearly totals Another 0.08in of rain at KMDT will make it the wettest April ever on record for Harrisburg, PA! Pretty impressive! Member Since: December 14, 2007 Posts: 253 Comments: 14314

28. TheRasberryPatch 2:02 PM GMT on April 25, 2011
Quoting Blizzard92: Another 0.08in of rain at KMDT will make it the wettest April ever on record for Harrisburg, PA! Pretty impressive! looking at the radar that could happen very soon. i've been getting light rain the past hour Member Since: January 26, 2007 Posts: 72 Comments: 5645

29. Zachary Labe 2:32 PM GMT on April 25, 2011
Quoting TheRasberryPatch: looking at the radar that could happen very soon. i've been getting light rain the past hour Once this light band of rain moves through, it is going to get quite warm and humid! 80-82F with high dewpoint probably! Member Since: December 14, 2007 Posts: 253 Comments: 14314

30. TheF1Man 2:36 PM GMT on April 25, 2011
Blizz or anyone, when is this pattern going to end? I read an interesting blog by NYCvort about the changing of the AO/PNA/MJO and a few others although I don't know what any of it means. Member Since: February 23, 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 571

31. Zachary Labe 2:41 PM GMT on April 25, 2011
Quoting TheF1Man: Blizz or anyone, when is this pattern going to end? I read an interesting blog by NYCvort about the changing of the AO/PNA/MJO and a few others although I don't know what any of it means. This active Pacific jet storm track looks to continue after a quick dry spell late this week and through the weekend. But the NAO will be dropping and this will favor troughing over the eastern United States into early May. I think parts of May will be seasonably chilly and below normal temperature wise with the rainy pattern continuing. Member Since: December 14, 2007 Posts: 253 Comments: 14314

32. PhillySnow 4:09 PM GMT on April 25, 2011
Quoting Blizzard92: Several chances of strong to severe thunderstorms for our area including today, tomorrow, but especially Wednesday. I may issue a blog if I have time later on the possible major outbreak Wednesday. Stay tuned! Thanks, Blizz! I'd love to hear when we can expect this rainy pattern to end. At least we've got some warmth now. :) Member Since: December 18, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 795

33. TheRasberryPatch 4:24 PM GMT on April 25, 2011
Quoting Blizzard92: This active Pacific jet storm track looks to continue after a quick dry spell late this week and through the weekend. But the NAO will be dropping and this will favor troughing over the eastern United States into early May. I think parts of May will be seasonably chilly and below normal temperature wise with the rainy pattern continuing. Looks like I may have to till my garden after a day or so of dry weather and deal with it being a bit wet. I guess we never know....maybe the NAO could change in a week Member Since: January 26, 2007 Posts: 72 Comments: 5645

34. anduril 7:03 PM GMT on April 25, 2011
Wow, Tornado warned storm between Clarion and DuBois Member Since: August 29, 2006 Posts: 0 Comments: 125

35. wunderstorm87 7:15 PM GMT on April 25, 2011
wow did KCCX just go down? Member Since: August 5, 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 588

36. wunderstorm87 7:40 PM GMT on April 25, 2011
After going 35 minutes without an image, KCCX is back up and is showing a supercell with a reflectivity of 73dbz. Member Since: August 5, 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 588

37. Zachary Labe 9:04 PM GMT on April 25, 2011
Planted my oregano, chives, shallots (late, yes I know) today. Up to 83F! Member Since: December 14, 2007 Posts: 253 Comments: 14314

38. Hoynieva 10:36 PM GMT on April 25, 2011
Temps have cooled drastically here as dense fog moved in. We were at 74 when I left work and by the time I arrived home it was 61. It's going to look like London around here with the moist onshore flow creating very low visibilities. I don't like the sound of a cool and rainy May...plants will be bumming this year. BTW, blizz, I'm no energy expert, haha, we just try to do our best for the only rock we have. Though I do think I'll be purchasing wind power this year to support the NYS wind power movement and then I can also feel good knowing that half my energy is sun based and the other half is wind. Member Since: January 20, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 1292

39. Zachary Labe 10:39 PM GMT on April 25, 2011
Quoting Hoynieva: Temps have cooled drastically here as dense fog moved in. We were at 74 when I left work and by the time I arrived home it was 61. It's going to look like London around here with the moist onshore flow creating very low visibilities. I don't like the sound of a cool and rainy May...plants will be bumming this year. BTW, blizz, I'm no energy expert, haha, we just try to do our best for the only rock we have. Though I do think I'll be purchasing wind power this year to support the NYS wind power movement and then I can also feel good knowing that half my energy is sun based and the other half is wind. Visible satellite really picking up on the fog bank towards Long Island... Member Since: December 14, 2007 Posts: 253 Comments: 14314

40. Hoynieva 10:43 PM GMT on April 25, 2011
TRP - That's a predicament you have there. Tilling such moist soil will of course cause compaction and often turn into what feels like concrete as you do it. The option you have, which you may not care for, is to put in the cool weather crops without tilling and hope that it dries out for warm weather crops in a couple of weeks. I know you're behind schedule already, but if it were me I'd probably just avoid tilling, add some top dressings and then plant. Member Since: January 20, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 1292

41. Hoynieva 10:44 PM GMT on April 25, 2011
Quoting Blizzard92: Visible satellite really picking up on the fog bank towards Long Island... Thanks, Blizz! I am definitely inside that cloud. Member Since: January 20, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 1292

42. TheRasberryPatch 12:46 AM GMT on April 26, 2011
Quoting Hoynieva: TRP - That's a predicament you have there. Tilling such moist soil will of course cause compaction and often turn into what feels like concrete as you do it. The option you have, which you may not care for, is to put in the cool weather crops without tilling and hope that it dries out for warm weather crops in a couple of weeks. I know you're behind schedule already, but if it were me I'd probably just avoid tilling, add some top dressings and then plant. That's a good idea. I really don't have any other option. My dilemma is that I like to be neat and tidy. It's just hard to envision my garden not setup correctly. I may just pass on most cool weather crops this year. Onions do well for me even when it is hot. It's my potatoes that will suffer. Not as much as the hot weather....those darn potato beetles. The later you plant the more seceptible my plants are for infestation. Member Since: January 26, 2007 Posts: 72 Comments: 5645

43. wunderstorm87 2:50 AM GMT on April 26, 2011
Very impressive supercells for northern PA today. This is from CTP's AFD: EARLIER ACTIVITY CONSISTED OF 2 STRONG SUPERCELLS PRODUCING LARGE HAIL. AT ONE POINT...A 65K FT TOP WAS OBSERVED BY RADAR OVER JEFFERSON AND ELK COUNTIES. RADAR REFLECTIVITY OVER 80 DBZ WAS MEASURED AND CONSERVATIVE ESTIMATES OF BASEBALL SIZED HAIL LIKELY OCCURRED WITH THIS CELL...HOWEVER IT TRACKED WEST OF KANE IN NO MANS LAND AND ONLY 7/8" HAIL WAS OBSERVED AROUND KANE. These storms are becoming more linear now and should weaken as the night goes on. More of the same can be expected the next couple days. Member Since: August 5, 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 588

44. Jamaicaweather 2:52 AM GMT on July 08, 2011
The Caribbean is getting active, it is the hurricane season. Watch our updates from Jamaica weather on http://jaweather.com Member Since: July 8, 2011 Posts: 0 Comments: 0

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Cornell University- Atmospheric Sciences Student; Central PA SKYWARN Storm Spotter; American Meteorological Society Member; PA CoCoRaHS Branch Member

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Linglestown, PA
Elevation:	520 ft
Temperature:	62.5 °F
Dew Point:	61.9 °F
Humidity:	98%
Wind:	Calm
Wind Gust:	0.0 mph
Updated: 9:48 PM EDT on May 23, 2013 Station History