2011 SE TX/SW LA Weather: Nice weather next several days

[Tireman4]

Light rain in Humble....

[vbhoutex]

Light rain in Humble....

and in the Spring Branch area. Actually had to use the wipers for about a minute!!

[SaskatchewanScreamer]

Droughts should not be dismissed as annoying and boring. They are serious. They contribute to famine, thirst, disease, wildfires, migration, and even war.

I don't think in this day and age a Texas drought is serious because the effects wont be widespread. You may walk outside and curse the sun and pray for rain but chances are its just because you like that type of weather better. Whatever resources are lacking will just be allocated from a different area, so famine and thirst are not really an issue. Some small towns will have trouble, but big cities like Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas (where a majority of the Texas population lives) will get by with no problem. Farmers will see this drought as a life changing event..and tubing companies will see this as the best year on the books. Farmers may move out but thats hardly a significant portion of the Texas population so a dwindling Texas population isn't a concern. Disease, thirst, and famine is not an issue where I come from. We have the Edwards Aquifer and theres always the dollar menu at McDonalds or the Super HEB down the street. They say this drought, as far as temperatures and precipitation goes, is worse than it was in the 1950's. That may be the case, but the effects were felt much more back then. Most food markets had empty shelves, and people really did die of thirst.

I don't know what you call billions of dollars in agricultural damage and farmers being forced to sell their herds and shut down their operations if you don't call it catastrophic. Literally millions of trees are dying in our forests and many lakes are at 1/2 of capacity or less. That does not make for good tubing or boating or any type of water recreation where rivers and/or lakes are not spring fed. That in turn affects local businesses. Since a lot of the beef this nation consumes comes from Texas, the effects of the drought will be felt well away from the borders of Texas as meat prices rise and rise as the drought continues. Recovery from this drought, which isn't only in Texas will take years, not one or two good rainstorms. Forage for the cattle will have to regrow, rivers and lakes take time to refill, etc. This drought is also affecting other states like Oklahoma and Kansas. I know about Kansas on a personal level since the farm we lease out has already lost its' corn crop to drought. I could go on and on about the effects, but I think I have made my point. You are welcome to your opinion, fact based or not, but imo you don't know what you are talking about making a post such as the above about the drought.

“If you ate today, thank a farmer.”
*****************************************

Tireman you are wishing too hard (Ol' Jack is listening)

Weather Forecast: Moose Jaw, S

alerts

Frost warning for City of Moose Jaw

Current Weather Sun. Sep 4, 2011, 0:00 CST Moose Jaw Cs
Moose Jaw, SK NA

43°F



* Feels Like : -
* Wind : W 6m/h
* Sunrise : 6:19
* Sunset : 19:42

* Relative Humidity : 93%
* Pressure : 1,026.00 mb
* Visibility : -
* Ceiling : -

[Shoshana]

At this point any change is good- day after day of the same hot misery has gotten old the last 90 days or so- I do think I can tolerate the heat alot better than the cold- This year I am putting a request for Autostart on my car for Christmas- Just incase we have a repeat next summer or extreme winter- you know what if we have a repeat of the summer I am coming to Canada- I don't think I could tolerate it- The Japanese Boxwood bushes have done really well despite the drought- China Berry and Hackberry trees will survive a nuclear blast I fear- The one good side is alot fewer flies, snakes and mosquitos-downside those nasty waterbugs are really getting aggressive at trying to get inside

There are hackberry and mulberry trees on the other side of our fence. They're lookin pretty sorry. I'm keeping an eye on them because when they come down they make a big mess. They're already dropping leaves and limbs.

Our boxwood is doing ok too but we've lost one of our Indian Hawthornes. The winged elms seem to be ok.

[horselattitudesfarm]

What are the Effects of Drought?
http://environment.about.com/od/environ ... ffects.htm

Droughts should not be dismissed as annoying and boring. They are serious. They contribute to famine, thirst, disease, wildfires, migration, and even war.

So true. Droughts kill more people than all other types of weather phenomena combined....many times over.

[vbhoutex]

Yesterday was a welcome respite from the heat!!! It appears that the backbone of the heat wave may have been broken as no temps above the lower 90s for highs are forecast for this coming week. Thinking about pulling out the woolies if this 'cold wave" continues. Now on to breaking the drought.

[Nikki]

This is a serious question, so please don't think I am wish-casting or whining, but is the chances of Texas getting something tropical through here dwindling now? I am just curious as to what our chances are for something soon...I know weather is weather, and hard to predict, I was just wondering, since if I am understanding the talking right, our winter will be dry too...something has to give, these wild fires are horrible (and yes I know we aren't the only ones dealing with them), they just had another one pop in the area I went to high school in....scary thought...my heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to everyone dealing with fires and Lee.

[Ptarmigan]

I don't think in this day and age a Texas drought is serious because the effects wont be widespread. You may walk outside and curse the sun and pray for rain but chances are its just because you like that type of weather better. Whatever resources are lacking will just be allocated from a different area, so famine and thirst are not really an issue. Some small towns will have trouble, but big cities like Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas (where a majority of the Texas population lives) will get by with no problem. Farmers will see this drought as a life changing event..and tubing companies will see this as the best year on the books. Farmers may move out but thats hardly a significant portion of the Texas population so a dwindling Texas population isn't a concern. Disease, thirst, and famine is not an issue where I come from. We have the Edwards Aquifer and theres always the dollar menu at McDonalds or the Super HEB down the street. They say this drought, as far as temperatures and precipitation goes, is worse than it was in the 1950's. That may be the case, but the effects were felt much more back then. Most food markets had empty shelves, and people really did die of thirst.

Farmers and ranchers are struggling and it is a large part of the economy in Texas. It causing billions of dollars in damage. As for famine and disease, well there is more West Nile Virus being found in mosquitoes. Also, many areas are doing water rationing. Droughts are not a Texas thing. It happens everywhere. As for tubing companies seeing 2011 as the best year, I am not sure. Historically, droughts and heat waves kill more people than any other weather events and they are really underestimated.

[South Texas Storms]

From this morning's Houston National Weather Service morning discussion: "DID YOU KNOW THAT THE NWS HAS NOT ISSUED A FLASH FLOOD
WATCH OR FLASH FLOOD WARNING SINCE SEPT 7 2010? IT HAS BEEN A VERY
DRY 12 MONTHS." All I got to say is wow. This drought makes me very depressed. I really hope it ends soon.

[vbhoutex]

This is a serious question, so please don't think I am wish-casting or whining, but is the chances of Texas getting something tropical through here dwindling now? I am just curious as to what our chances are for something soon...I know weather is weather, and hard to predict, I was just wondering, since if I am understanding the talking right, our winter will be dry too...something has to give, these wild fires are horrible (and yes I know we aren't the only ones dealing with them), they just had another one pop in the area I went to high school in....scary thought...my heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to everyone dealing with fires and Lee.

There is no way to know for sure. Some models are showing another TC in the GOM later this week, or were last time I saw any models. So I guess there is a possibility. Unfortunately I think that possibility is low as those models were also showing another mid Gulf coast landfall.
Generally, even though we are coming up on the peak of season, it does start becoming less likely that Texas will have a tropical system come ashore. Of course we all know that Hurricane Ike hit us on September 13, 2008 so I guess some would use that as an argument the other way. I do think climo though shows that TX hits are less likely from here on out. With the incoming cool front it definitely makes it less likely for this week I would think. JMHO

[Nikki]

There is no way to know for sure. Some models are showing another TC in the GOM later this week, or were last time I saw any models. So I guess there is a possibility. Unfortunately I think that possibility is low as those models were also showing another mid Gulf coast landfall.
Generally, even though we are coming up on the peak of season, it does start becoming less likely that Texas will have a tropical system come ashore. Of course we all know that Hurricane Ike hit us on September 13, 2008 so I guess some would use that as an argument the other way. I do think climo though shows that TX hits are less likely from here on out. With the incoming cool front it definitely makes it less likely for this week I would think. JMHO[/quote]


Thank you VB...not exactly what I wanted to hear, but thank you for being forward and truthful! I was hoping for the sake of the fires we would get some rain very soon! I am not trying to wish~cast anything bad on us coastal folks at all!

[Janie2006]

If you all would prefer to have any other kind of tropical disturbance you're more than welcome to it. I'd rather not partake of anymore this season.

[South Texas Storms]

Ummm is that even a question? YES PLEASE!

[setxsunshine]

If you all would prefer to have any other kind of tropical disturbance you're more than welcome to it. I'd rather not partake of anymore this season.

We would prefer to not HAVE to wish for a tropical disturbance to relieve this drought.

I don't know anyone who wishes for a tropical storm...in a usual year, that is. But, as you can see from this forum, many people are WISHING for SOMETHING, even a tropical storm. It's that bad in Texas, the whole state of Texas. And many people who are wishing for a storm have recently been through Rita and Ike. Like I said, it's that bad.

[Nikki]

If you all would prefer to have any other kind of tropical disturbance you're more than welcome to it. I'd rather not partake of anymore this season.

We would prefer to not HAVE to wish for a tropical disturbance to relieve this drought.

I don't know anyone who wishes for a tropical storm...in a usual year, that is. But, as you can see from this forum, many people are WISHING for SOMETHING, even a tropical storm. It's that bad in Texas, the whole state of Texas. And many people who are wishing for a storm have recently been through Rita and Ike. Like I said, it's that bad.

I agree and I went through Ike! I am willing to go through a tropical disturbance just so we can get some beneficial rain...crazy?!?! I suppose to most it is, but to me it's a sacrifice I am willing to make!

[surfer_dude]

Droughts should not be dismissed as annoying and boring. They are serious. They contribute to famine, thirst, disease, wildfires, migration, and even war.

I don't think in this day and age a Texas drought is serious because the effects wont be widespread. You may walk outside and curse the sun and pray for rain but chances are its just because you like that type of weather better. Whatever resources are lacking will just be allocated from a different area, so famine and thirst are not really an issue. Some small towns will have trouble, but big cities like Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas (where a majority of the Texas population lives) will get by with no problem. Farmers will see this drought as a life changing event..and tubing companies will see this as the best year on the books. Farmers may move out but thats hardly a significant portion of the Texas population so a dwindling Texas population isn't a concern. Disease, thirst, and famine is not an issue where I come from. We have the Edwards Aquifer and theres always the dollar menu at McDonalds or the Super HEB down the street. They say this drought, as far as temperatures and precipitation goes, is worse than it was in the 1950's. That may be the case, but the effects were felt much more back then. Most food markets had empty shelves, and people really did die of thirst.

I don't know what you call billions of dollars in agricultural damage and farmers being forced to sell their herds and shut down their operations if you don't call it catastrophic. Literally millions of trees are dying in our forests and many lakes are at 1/2 of capacity or less. That does not make for good tubing or boating or any type of water recreation where rivers and/or lakes are not spring fed. That in turn affects local businesses. Since a lot of the beef this nation consumes comes from Texas, the effects of the drought will be felt well away from the borders of Texas as meat prices rise and rise as the drought continues. Recovery from this drought, which isn't only in Texas will take years, not one or two good rainstorms. Forage for the cattle will have to regrow, rivers and lakes take time to refill, etc. This drought is also affecting other states like Oklahoma and Kansas. I know about Kansas on a personal level since the farm we lease out has already lost its' corn crop to drought. I could go on and on about the effects, but I think I have made my point. You are welcome to your opinion, fact based or not, but imo you don't know what you are talking about making a post such as the above about the drought.

Farmers can't always expect to have great weather. They should know what happened in the 1950's and that it could happen again, which is did. The effects on the environment which you mention--loss of tree life, low river levels, etc.--is nothing to whine about since nature is just running its course. Who knows, when this drought ends (lets say around fall 2012), Texas may see record rainfall. Notice you only talk about implications on the environment and the economy, do you have any concern for people who die from heat stroke? I never wished for this drought but there are people on this board who wish a hurricane in the same vein as Ike would strike Texas to get us out of this drought- a storm that killed 200 people and demolished entire city blocks, because they're unhappy with the way nature is running its course. You're right, thats crazy!!!

[jasons2k]

From Jeff Lindner:

Horrible Fire Weather Conditions for today.

Red Flag Warnings are in effect until 1000pm tonight

Yesterday, 56 large fires developed burning 30,000 acres with 2 fatalities.

Weather Discussion:
Winds are already gusty this morning and will only worsen as the pressure gradient between Lee and the cold front which swept off the coast last evening creates winds of 20-35mph this afternoon. A very dry air mass with dewpoints in the 40’s will spread southward and cover the entire region by late morning. This will drive afternoon RH to less than 15% across the entire region. Dry/dead fuels will support explosive fire growth.

As seen yesterday, fires that develop will be fast moving and nearly unstoppable. Very dangerous crown fires are likely in pine and cedar areas resulting in fast forward spread (similar to the Bastrop fire). Fire lines will be breached by downstream spot fires in the strong winds along with crowning overrunning fire lines. Ground crews were unable to hold fire lines on Sunday with multiple breaches of their fire breaks.

Have a fire plan if a fire approaches your location. If told to evacuate do so immediately, it will save your life!

Texas Forest Service Notes on Sunday’s Fires:

BASTROP COUNTY COMPLEX, Bastrop County. 14,000 acres, no containment. Heavy airtankers and single-engine airtankers assisted on this fire that started in the Lost Pines area just northeast of Bastrop. The fire has moved unchecked for at least 16 miles to the south and has jumped the Colorado River twice. The Circle D, K.C. Estates, Pine Forest, Colovista and Tahitian Village subdivision have been evacuated. Firefighters are trying to hold the fire at FM 2571. Reports indicate possibly 300 homes have been destroyed. 1000’s of fire fighters have been working this fire overnight.

STEINER RANCH, Travis County. 150 acres, no containment. The fire started just north of the Steiner Ranch subdivision. More than 1,000 homes are under mandatory evacuation in Steiner Ranch. At least 25 homes are reported lost. A Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System strike team responded.

HENDERSON #495, Henderson County. 5,000 acres, unknown containment. Three homes were saved.

#491, Limestone County. 3,000 acres, unknown containment. Six homes were saved and one was lost on this fire 20 miles east of Waco.

DELHI, Caldwell County. 1,000 acres, unknown containment. Twenty homes were saved and six were lost on this fire east of Lockhart.

BAILEY, Colorado County. 1,000 acres, unknown containment. This fast-moving fire threatened 40 homes near Columbus. Blackhawks, single-engine airtankers, and a heavy airtanker assisted.

MOORE, Smith County. 927 acres, 5 percent contained. Ten homes were evacuated and five were lost on this fire burning on the Smith/Gregg County line. Two civilian fatalities were reported.

#545, Upshur County. 500 acres, unknown containment. One hundred homes were saved; none lost. The fire is burning East of Gilmer.

LUTHERHILL, Fayette County. 400 acres, unknown containment. The community of Ruttersville was evacuated.

BONBIEW RANCH, Van Zandt County. 350 acres, unknown containment. Twenty homes were saved southeast of Canton.

CLEMANIS, Upshur County. 400 acres, 85 percent contained. Twenty homes were saved.

#543, Gregg County. 300 acres, unknown containment. Numerous homes were saved, none lost.

#538, Harrison County. 200 acres, contained. One hundred fifty homes were evacuated in a trailer park east of Longview.

#502, Nacogdoches County. 200 acres, unknown containment. More than a dozen homes have been evacuated, but none lost.

#841, Houston County. 200 acres, unknown containment. Fifteen homes were threatened east of Crockett.

PLEASANT GREEN ROAD, Gregg County. 150 acres, contained. Numerous homes evacuated and saved south of Longview.

KENNEDY ROAD, Rusk County. 150 acres, unknown containment. Numerous homes threatened, one lost.

HODDE, Travis County. 325 acres, contained. Two hundred homes were evacuated and saved east of Pflugerville. No homes reported lost.

PETTYTOWN, Caldwell County. 200 acres, 90 percent contained. Twenty homes were saved east of Lockhart.

OLD MAGNOLIA, Gregg County. 100 acres, unknown containment. No homes threatened. Two fuel tanks exploded.

SOUTH SULPHER, Hunt County. 100 acres, 70 percent contained. Five homes were threatened and two were destroyed.

#839, Leon County. 100 acres, unknown containment. Fifteen homes are reported lost.

Texas Fire Locator Map and Smoke Plume Generation:

http://www.wunderground.com/wundermap/? ... fk=0&ski=0

[Sanibel]

Maybe Lee bumped against Texas hard enough to break the pattern.

[Mathias]

It seems more like Lee has enhanced the pattern, than broken it, imo.

[vbhoutex]

Farmers can't always expect to have great weather. They should know what happened in the 1950's and that it could happen again, which is did. The effects on the environment which you mention--loss of tree life, low river levels, etc.--is nothing to whine about since nature is just running its course. Who knows, when this drought ends (lets say around fall 2012), Texas may see record rainfall. Notice you only talk about implications on the environment and the economy, do you have any concern for people who die from heat stroke? I never wished for this drought but there are people on this board who wish a hurricane in the same vein as Ike would strike Texas to get us out of this drought- a storm that killed 200 people and demolished entire city blocks, because they're unhappy with the way nature is running its course. You're right, thats crazy!!!

I find that question quite offensive!! If you knew anything about me you wouldn't even ask such a stupid question!! My son works outside all the time and to say the least I am quite concerned about the heats effects on him and anyone else. Past that I have nothing further to say to someone like you.