We have had several days of thunderstorms, some severe and some previously severe and also general thunderstorms. So far I have taken advanatge of about 3 active days. I have photos from July 8th of Lightning at night and then Last tuesdays storms. No lightning from the severe storms but I did manage to get some structure photos. I am still hoping and counting on Night time thunderstorms so I can add to the lightning section of the Photo Gallery. This year has actually been quite pathetic in many ways. The lack of storms is obvious. The Higher terrain has been taking all of the action leaving me to start planning on a trip to Ashton or even further north to have a chance at some good storms since the Valley really isnt getting much. The other pathetic situation was the frustrating late start to spring and even summer. My garden has been suffering all year. My corn rotted in the ground, potatoes never really got started and beans and zuchinni barely just getting there act together. Yes its hot now, but we needed this much much sooner. Theres a lot of frustration when it comes to poor gardening conditions and a lack of wet weather or thunderstorms if you will. Yes the Monsoon is very active, but the 4 corner high just cant position itself to constantly allow for Moisture to push this far or west. our weather gets active when a shortwave moves thru and sucks that Moisture up. The problem is that these shortwaves are either too far north or they come thru and all we get is wind. I do have the feeling that Our weather will eventually get active, but now that we are at the end of July I promise you that October will come soo fast that before we know it Winter will be in full swing again. Winter is one long season to go without gardening, mowing and Yard Maintenance. I swear I have that “lack of sun” depression during winter. But enough about complaining about a season thats still months away. I want some Night time thunderstorms, I also want some more Slight risk’s from the SPC and Severe Watches and storms that have awesome structure and constant CG bolts. I crave a good storm to settle my nerves and get my Camera humming again, a storm that scares me because I am Outside in the middle of nowhere with lightning striking just yards away with explosions that sound like 500pound bombs. That crackle of burning air that raises your hair and even makes ya jump 100 feet cause you werent expecting it. The smell of wet asphalt, the sight of Swelling Cumulous, that slight breeze and obvious sense that a storm is brewing. That quick second that you ask yourself, “should I go get cover or try to get that one bolt of a lifetime” even while knowing your risking your life. I crave all of that and this year has yet to satisfy my urge. With gas prices do I want to spend the money to drive to the storm or save the money for a new camera. The millions of questions I have for myself. Well, what is to be expected this coming week? I really dont know. Models show slight chances for thunderstorms and the NWS has nothing mentioned for the valleys except for heat and wind. Last Tuesday was actually a suprise and I hope there are more and more suprises. Crossing my fingers for now.
Here are 2 of my latest Photos. Enjoy…..
Have A Great Week……….
-gerrit