A Open Thread Talking About Weather!

[Kit Papermouth]

I'll be okay with never seeing another one.

[DMW1960]

What’s that in the sky? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s a NOAA weather balloon! Balloons aren’t just for birthday parties; they help scientists learn about weather and climate all over the world.

Every day, NOAA’s National Weather Service launches large hydrogen or helium filled balloons from over 100 sites throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. As these balloons rise through the atmosphere, sensors on a small device, called a radiosonde (rā-dē-ō-ˌsänd), measure profiles of air pressure, temperature, relative humidity and winds from the Earth’s surface up to about 20 miles high in the sky. The sensors are linked to a battery powered radio transmitter, which sends the measurements to a ground-tracking receiver.

When the balloons are first released, they are about 5 feet wide, and they gradually expand as they rise due to the decrease in air pressure. When the balloon it high enough and the pressure low enough, it expands until it bursts. A small, orange colored parachute then slows the descent of the instrument to minimize the danger to anyone or anything on the ground. A typical weather balloon will stay aloft for an excess of two hours and can drift about 180 miles from where it was originally released. If the weather balloon enters a strong jet steam, it can travel at speeds exceeding 250 mph.

The National Weather Service uses the data collected by weather balloons to accurately assess and predict changes in the atmosphere. The data help forecasters identify and warn the public and pilots of severe weather, and helps verify satellite data and input for weather prediction models. NCDC maintains these data in the Center’s weather balloon data archive, and they provide valuable information for weather and climate change research.

Radiosondes and their attached flight equipment are perfectly safe to touch despite their sometimes making strange noises or giving off strange smells. Each radiosonde has its own addressed, postage-paid return mailbag. So, if you find a weather balloon or radiosonde, please return to sender. Returning radiosondes benefits the environment and saves taxpayer dollars by recycling the units for reuse.

Here is a link showing more information on what to do if you do find a weather balloon: Radiosonde Information Page

Here is a link showing a video of a Weather Balloon Launch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKDEw8zhmco

[DMW1960]

It sure doesn't look good for us for the next week!

Via: NOAA NWS Weather Prediction Center

This figure shows the total amounts of rain forecast for the country for the next seven days. It appears that the most active weather will occur from the central Plains through the Midwest into the Ohio Valley where more than 5 inches of rain could fall! Another area of heavy rain will be near the western Gulf coast where tropical moisture is expected to return. Check the WPC forecasts for further details.
WPC 5- and 7-Day Total Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts
WPC's Short Range Forecasts (Days 0.5 - 2.5) - Color
WPC Medium-Range Forecasts (Days 3-7)

[vic n]

DISlike!!

[south point]

ya I hate to see that, I'm leaving in a week for a camping trip to the current river...

[DMW1960]

Yeah I know its kind of late posting this but we all need to be aware of what those guys at the Weather Service are talking about.

NWS Flood Safety Home Page

What is the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service?

◾Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.


◾Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.


◾Flood Watch: Be Prepared:A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.


◾Flood Advisory: Be Aware: An Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

Be safe out there this coming weekend!

[crappies nightmare]

Watched weather forecast report for this coming middle of week and it does not look good as of now, I hope it changes but they said up to 4 inches of new rain coming to Missouri in close to same places recently hit.
anybody else know anymore info about this?
heading to Truman Thursday!