June Drought
Here are a couple more great graphics from the Northeast Regional Climate Center on the dry June we just wrapped up in the Northeast. The regional drought continues and will worsen even after some late week storms. We need significant rain and we need it soon, and for a prolonged period…but that is not in the forecast. As you can see in the table the precipitation stayed to our south causing record and tragic flooding in places like West Virginia. We need more balance, climate!
Read MoreDrought Worsening
Hey, did you happen to notice how dry it has been? Because our drought is steadily worsening as well. The Northeast is dry and far more dry than earlier this spring, the beginning of the year, the start of the last water year after a dry summer of 2015, and this date one year ago. We also do not have a lot of water in the forecast. Let’s hope for some clouds and some rain, please! We need more than a thunderstorm or two, and a few well-placed lows saturating the region would certainly be welcome. Extremes hurt much of the life in our environment, and climate change increasing our...
Read MoreSlaty Skimmer
This Slaty Skimmer (Libellula incesta) is not hanging out in the desert, though it may look like that from this photo. Much of the region is running a strong rainfall deficit from the past few months with many areas abnormally dry and some in the midst of moderate drought. This combined with higher than average temperatures and aggressive destruction of vegetation in areas around ponds like this one (I promise there is a pond out of sight in this photo with actual water) can make what was a favorable area for insects and thus birds and other wildlife far less attractive and beneficial. Water...
Read MoreField Farm & Forest
Here we have field, farm and forest all in one shot on a hot but beautiful August afternoon. This green scene has changed dramatically already with the recent drought in parts of the Northeast wilting plants and turning some leaves to brown or yellow this September. Perhaps the last few days of rainfall will help. Nevertheless, fall foliage may be earlier this year and a little different than usual.
Read MoreAmerican Coot (Fulica americana) in the rain
This American Coot (Fulica americana) was photographed earlier this week, not trying to dodge any of the drops while displaying its waterproof winter coat. We have had to wear our waterproof jackets frequently lately as much of the Northeast has been targeted with a lot more rain than snow. We currently have a couple of unseasonably warm and sunny days on tap which at least provide a great excuse to get outdoors to enjoy the winter wonders of nature with family and friends. By this time next week the temperature will have dropped and we may be thinking about snow to start off 2015. We all...
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