One can never be completely certain what Mother Nature will produce. As a weather nerd and wannabe meteorologist I will steadfastly defend the meteorological community while correcting anyone who unfairly besmirches it and believes we have “no idea” what the conditions will be on any given day. Advances in knowledge and technology have allowed us to predict hurricanes, snowstorms, and even tornado outbreaks well in advance to save countless lives. However, the process is not perfect, and small-scale features can be slightly off producing a massive shift in actual weather conditions (e.g. a historic blizzard predicted a week in advance unexpectedly shifting 50 miles within the last few hours can mean much less snow for some and much more for others with unhappy people). Thunderstorms are difficult to pin down in this way and their exact locations can only reliably be predicted in the very short-term.
We know when and where severe conditions may be likely in the regional sense, even down to counties, but resolving such chaotic features beyond that is extremely difficult. I took these photographs last night as thunderstorms moved through the area at sunset. These brilliantly bold and exceedingly vibrant colors were poured out all over the sky, turning from that orange and yellow to pink and purple as the sun dropped below the horizon. Such a perfect confluence of events giving life to exquisite natural art will never be able to be predicted, and that part of nature will always be marvelously mysterious.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
