Indonesia and Other Countries Visit Head in the Clouds Amherst

We have no way of explaining this, but yesterday and last week our blog, which consistently has way more viewers from the U.S. than other countries, actually had a significant spike in viewership from Indonesia. In fact, yesterday we had approximately 230 views, with 60% of those from Indonesia! Since we started at the end of October, we've had close to 12,000 views (79% from the U.S.; 3.3% from Germany; 1.7% from Russia; 1.6% from the U.K.; 1.4% from France; and 1.2% from Indonesia). After that comes Canada, Sweden, China and Poland - followed by a whole assortment of other countries. Which is pretty cool for a blog that focuses on Amherst life and weather!

Severe Thunderstorms Possible Today in Western MA

This is not going to come as any surprise to folks who have been outside this morning -  it's humid, sticky, and sunny, and all the conditions are percolating for some interesting weather this afternoon. 

About 30 minutes ago, the National Weather Service issued this "special weather statement" for our region today: "Scattered strong to possibly severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon. A cold front dropping south from Northern New England will become the focus for scattered thunderstorms to develop early this afternoon. Thunderstorms were already forming in southern New Hampshire late this morning. Additional storms will develop across Massachusetts, especially near the Mass Pike. Some storms may produce strong and possibly damaging wind gusts and hail in addition to lightning and heavy rainfall. If you have outdoor plans, have a safe place to go if thunderstorms approach, such as a vehicle or inside a home or building. Remember if you can hear thunder you are close enough to be struck by lightning."

Then Fire, Now Ice

After a few weeks of fire warning days, we now get a freeze warning. If you are like me and have seedlings outside in starter pots waiting to be planted, time to bring them inside (and if you've already planted them, keep your fingers crossed). Freeze warning for Hampshire County extends from 2 am to 9 am Tuesday (early morning hours).

Fire Advisory Across Region Today

Our region is currently under an advisory for elevated fire weather conditions - leaves and brush are dangerously dry and susceptible to ignition, we have low humidity, and afternoon NE winds are gusting to 15-20 mph. This is a trifecta in spreading open fires. Be aware of the dangers and take steps to prevent wildland fires from starting in the first place. The majority of wildland fires are a result of escape fires from open burnings by homeowners. All all open burning must have a permit, and in addition to obtaining a burn permit people should:
- clear the area around a pile of all flammable material
- never leave the fire unattended
- have a hose and tools like shovel or rake on hand
- burn only natural vegetative material
- call 911 immediately if things get out of control

Head in the Clouds Amherst Joins the Skywarn Spotter Ranks!

Cloud to Ground Lightning (but, NO, don't call to report lightning!)

Thrilled to report that I am now one of 290,000 official Skywarn Spotters across the country, granted such status by the National Weather Service. Not only is sounding the weather alarm tolerated, but it is required! The three-hour training last night in Greenfield was attended by some 50 people, from all across Western Massachusetts and even Connecticut. Emergency personnel, ham radio operators and (mostly) just weather enthusiasts all came together to learn the essentials about severe weather and when and what to report. In addition to getting my own Spotter ID number, I also brought home a treasure trove of weather-related materials, posters, magnets, Skywarn Spotter manual, etc. And I also now know a bunch of interesting weather facts, like the most deadly weather phenomena (do you know what tops the list?) and where to look for a possible tornado in a supercell. Oh, yeah, it was a fun night! To learn more about this program, visit their website here.

Will the Brood Cicadas Migration Reach Western Massachusetts?

Photo of periodical cicdas emerging (original can be found at
from UMass Agriculture and Landscape Program Website)

I'm not big into insects (okay, there's an understatement), and up until now, I've chosen mostly to ignore the teasers about the unique, every 17-year emergence across much of the U.S. East Coast of hundreds of millions of Brood II cicadas. But today, when the New York Times delivered up a lovely article on the topic entitled "Here Comes the Buzz," well, I really couldn't ignore it any longer. Fortunately, however - or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, we are unlikely to experience the big migration here in Western Massachusetts. (To my son in Pennsylvania, however, look out!) According to UMass Amherst entomologist Robert Childs (as reported by NPR), while Massachusetts and Connecticut used to on the edge of the periodical cicada's territory, development has disrupted their native habitats, leaving only one brood left in the region, on lower Cape Cod. 

I know I should feel sorry - even despondent  - about the habitat destruction that has driven the cicadas out of our area over time, but I'm actually quite relieved to learn that I'll be reading about it from a distance. I'm not proud of my reaction, but there you have it.

What about you? Are you sad or happy to miss "the buzz"?