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You are here: Home / Archives for Climate Change / How about that weather?

How about that weather?

Thursday Morning (the 13th) Open Thread: Blood Moon Rising

by Anne Laurie|  March 13, 20257:27 am| 241 Comments

This post is in: How about that weather?, Open Threads, Space, Trump-Musk

The Blood Moon, a total lunar eclipse happens this week.
We will be treated to over one hour of the moon turning RED.
The totality of the lunar eclipse will begin around 1:26 AM & end around 2:31 AM CDT early Friday morning & overall the eclipse will occur between 10:57 PM Thursday & 5 AM CDT Friday

[image or embed]

— Susan DuBose (@houseofbast777.bsky.social) March 10, 2025 at 7:17 AM

The “Blood Moon” is, of course, a totally predictable and not-all-that-uncommon astrophysical occurrence, and it would be silly to assign a larger sociopolitical meaning to this or any other such event. But we’re pattern-making animals, so it’s kinda fun!

Next Friday, March 14, skywatchers are in for a dramatic treat: a total lunar eclipse combined with a blood moon.
Here’s how—and when—to watch it in your area.

[image or embed]

— WIRED (@wired.com) March 8, 2025 at 7:01 PM

Wired, backstopping its excellent recent political coverage — “How to See the Total Lunar Eclipse and Blood Moon This Month”:

… During a lunar eclipse, Earth blocks the light from the sun that normally illuminates the moon. On the night of March 13 and the early morning of the 14th, the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, called the umbra, will cover the moon during its brightest phase. Partial lunar eclipses are relatively common—but those like this that coincide with a full moon are a relative rarity. On average, each region of Earth has the chance to view a total lunar eclipse only once every 2.5 years…

The moon appears red during a lunar eclipse because of how the sun’s light interacts with Earth’s atmosphere. Visible sunlight appears white, but is actually made up of combination of lights of different colors and frequencies, which can be defracted or scattered depending on how much of the atmosphere they have to travel through. It is for this reason that the sky appears blue when the sun is high in the sky but is often red at sunset, when the sun is low and its light is traveling longer distances through the atmosphere.

When sunlight hits Earth’s atmosphere during a lunar eclipse, light frequencies toward the blue end of the visible spectrum are scattered outward, away from Earth’s umbra, but those with longer wavelengths, toward the red part of the spectrum, are bent inward and cast onto the moon…

To observe the spectacle, astronomers recommend staying away from large cities with high levels of light pollution. They also recommend going to high places without visual barriers such as buildings or trees. “Try binoculars or a telescope for a better view. If you want to take a photo, use a camera on a tripod with exposures of at least several seconds,” NASA suggests.

The Washington Post says that “The eclipse begins at 11:57 p.m. Eastern, starts an hour-long totality at 2:26 a.m. and ends at 6 a.m.”

show full post on front page

Unfortunately for those of us in the Northeast, weather forecasters (and my arthritic joints) predict less-than-stellar viewing conditions around here:
Thursday the 13th Morning Open Thread: Blood Moon Rising

======

Speaking of predictable, yet rather more horrifying, events…

Something I've been chatting with someone about in DMs is I think worth bringing up quickly: Regardless of what happens with this CR, this GOP trifecta is quite possibly the most inept legislative governing body I've ever seen.

— Schnorkles O'Bork (@schnorkles.bsky.social) March 12, 2025 at 2:48 PM

In previous administrations, trifectas have led to multiple legislative priorities being finalized within the first fifty days. Even in 2017, the GOP was ~*doing stuff*~.
Now? They can barely pass a CR! Not a budget, a CR!

— Schnorkles O'Bork (@schnorkles.bsky.social) March 12, 2025 at 2:48 PM

Think to yourself: What win does the Trump administration actually have right now? What can it actually point at?
Nothing. Absolutely nothing. No legislation, no real big executive wins (even in immigration or deportations!). Just a bunch of dudes stripping the walls for parts.

— Schnorkles O'Bork (@schnorkles.bsky.social) March 12, 2025 at 2:48 PM

Thursday Morning (the 13th) Open Thread: Blood Moon RisingPost + Comments (241)

The Gulf (Open Thread)

by Betty Cracker|  January 22, 20251:36 pm| 77 Comments

This post is in: Climate Change, Domestic Politics, How about that weather?, Open Threads, Republican Stupidity

Here’s a news report from yesterday about the substantial snowfall in the Florida Panhandle. Great googly moogly!

It didn’t snow where I am, but the white stuff wasn’t all that far north of my location. I haven’t seen snow in decades and briefly considered driving up to gawk.

But then I remembered I don’t know how to drive in snow, and neither do lots of other people who would be on the road. So I thought “fuck that!” and stayed home with a hot mug of Irish coffee. Good call!

In a press release, our contemptible wretch of a governor used the occasion of the unusual weather to pucker up and kiss ass by referring to the body of water on the west side of the state in the manner demanded by Emperor Tang:

WHEREAS, an area of low pressure moving across the Gulf of America, interacting with Arctic air, will bring widespread impactful winter weather to North Florida beginning Tuesday, January 21, 2025…”

God, it’s all so stupid and embarrassing, and you can’t escape by ignoring the news. Even the fucking weather bulletins are subject to the Sharpie treatment.

The Florida Politics site set out to gauge public sentiment on changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America by asking some residents of Cedar Key what they think. Here are a couple of samples:

Cedar Key, a quaint fishing town in Levy County, is a cluster of islands that extend about three miles into the Gulf of Mexico from Florida’s mainland. One resident for more than a decade, 78-year-old Air Force retiree Thomas McKee, said he sees no reason for changing the name.

“Donald Trump is just blowing his horn again,” he said.

McKee, who isn’t registered with a political party, said he thinks many residents will continue to use the Gulf’s original name, which dates at least to the late 1600s. “It’s been too long the Gulf of Mexico to be all of a sudden known as the Gulf of America,” he said.

Amy Henderson, a Cedar Key resident and registered Republican who owns a gift shop and hotel overlooking the Gulf, was initially surprised by Trump’s proposal. Her first thought, however, was practical: “I would have to change a lot of T-shirt designs.”

But, she added, “Anything that shows pride for America, I am 100% for.”

The national pride angle sure doesn’t resonate for me. I’ve never been more embarrassed to be an American.

Anyhoo, my favorite comment from the surveyed Cedar Key residents came from the town’s mayor:

For Cedar Key’s Mayor, Sue Colson, the name change is a distraction from the country’s aftermath of natural disasters — including three major hurricanes recently that hit her town in a span of just 13 months. She offered a different moniker for the Gulf instead, an homage to a popular seafood harvested in the shallow waters nearby.

“I prefer it to be the Gulf of Clam,” she said. “I’m serious. If we’re going to do it, then everybody’s going to call it what they want.”

It makes sense from the mayor’s perspective. Apart from tourism, Cedar Key is known for its clams.

It wasn’t nicknamed “Clamalot,” when my ancestors arrived in Cedar Key about 180 years ago, but after they cut down most of the trees to sell to pencil factories and hurricanes washed away the rest and fishing fleets were destroyed by storms and then by gill net bans, the town settled on clam cultivation.

So “Gulf of Clam” — why not? Like the mayor said, we get to call it what we want.

Most people who live on it just call it “the Gulf.” That’s appropriate too, and not just in the geographical sense. “Gulf” can also mean an abyss or seemingly bottomless chasm, and I kind of feel like we’re in that right now.

Open thread!

The Gulf (Open Thread)Post + Comments (77)

Coffee Is Good (Open Thread)

by Betty Cracker|  January 8, 20254:38 pm| 33 Comments

This post is in: Birdwatching, How about that weather?, Open Threads

Cup of coffee with a swamp as background

It’s all relative, but the weather sucks here this week. Highs are in the 50s and lows in the 30s. That might sound balmy if you’re in Rochester.

But I have to jump in the water Friday, so I’m kinda miffed about it. At least the springs will be warm and the manatees plentiful. I’ll try to get pics. In the meantime, coffee and lots of it.

***

The eagle pair returned this morning. They wheeled over the river, their dark bodies and contrasting white heads and tails stark against the blue sky.

One eagle carried vegetation to the other in a tall tree on the bank opposite our place, where they’re apparently building a nest.

Eagle in a tree.

Above is one of the crappy pics I took yesterday. I’m so hoping they stick around and raise some eaglets. The tree is distant, but I have a pretty good spotting scope.

***

I’ve been occupying myself with lots of small projects. So far, I re-tiled a backsplash, re-caulked two sinks, touched up paint and organized two closets.

Bill is working much harder than I am downstairs, where he is replacing the drywall that he ripped out after the flood. (In the Mildew State, ya gotta take care of demo right away or mold will engulf the building and its inhabitants.)

I think we deserve an evening at the pub after all this. I hope y’all are having a peaceful day and staying safe. If you’re a Californian, consider checking in below in the thread for that purpose.

Open thread!

Coffee Is Good (Open Thread)Post + Comments (33)

Cloud Shouting (Open Thread)

by Betty Cracker|  November 12, 20242:29 pm| 88 Comments

This post is in: Climate Change, How about that weather?, Open Threads


[Optional soundtrack for the post]

So 2024 has completely changed my relationship with the weather. I used to believe I would make a good Seattle resident because I love rain so much. Gray, cloudy days don’t depress me at all. As long as I can loll around indoors, they make me feel snug and cozy.

Now, after the biblical deluge that temporarily flooded us out of our home, I look askance at clouds. We’ve had mostly bright, sunny days during our displacement, but today was cloudy, and it rained a little bit.

I was pissed at the rain! Fuck off, clouds!

Open thread!

Cloud Shouting (Open Thread)Post + Comments (88)

Hell or High Water

by Betty Cracker|  October 18, 20242:08 pm| 89 Comments

This post is in: Climate Change, How about that weather?, Open Threads

Flooded riverbank

Well, fuck. Hurricanes Helene and Milton got us after all, even though we thought we’d dodged a couple of bullets with minimal damage. We’re now in a major flood and will have to go live someplace else for a while. Fuckity fuck FUCK!

The river has been rising slowly but steadily due to heavy rainfall at the headwaters during the storms. Now half our yard is underwater, and there are a few inches downstairs. The river is predicted to crest in a couple of weeks or so at a foot or possibly two higher than it is at present.

We’ll be fine, and we don’t need a damn thing except a suitable short-term perch. I’m evaluating options on that. We live in a stilt house, so the living area will stay high and dry. The downstairs is an enclosed game room with storage, etc., and we’ve had time to get the important stuff out.

It’s just a gigantic pain in the ass, is all. Another unpleasant disruption in a year that already sucked great big green gator balls.

Also, I credit the peace and surrounding natural beauty of this place for keeping me interested in life during a hard time. So I don’t want to fucking leave.

But the dogs need a non-liquid yard in which to do their business, Bill needs a hassle-free way to get to work at OMFG o’clock in the morning, etc. It would be impractical to stay, so I’m trying to look at it as an unscheduled adventure.

Anyhoo, just wanted to let y’all know what’s going on. To end on a grace note, I can report one positive effect: I’m too goddamn preoccupied by this shitshow to fret about the election!

Volunteer work is a wrap, and we voted, so we’ve done what we could. As with the river, what will be will be.

Open thread!

Hell or High WaterPost + Comments (89)

Thursday Evening Open Thread: Cleaning Up After Milton

by Anne Laurie|  October 10, 20248:19 pm| 117 Comments

This post is in: How about that weather?, Open Threads, Proud to Be A Democrat

Here's the entire full press conference with President Biden about Hurricane Milton relief efforts in Florida.

Dark Brandon dropped the mic at the end!

Epic!

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/BYWJGIpKUS

— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) October 10, 2024

HOLY SHIT 😂#GetALifeMan pic.twitter.com/uMzk2wWr2D

— Eleven Films (@ElevenFilms) October 10, 2024

Earlier, Our Very Serious Media…

Reporter: Have you considered calling Trump and telling him to stop?

Biden: pic.twitter.com/0FKKPzeNfT

— Acyn (@Acyn) October 9, 2024

After learning more and more about how dumb everyone is we probably have to do this or people won’t think it’s happening https://t.co/uwZcfYs8uO

— 🥥🍦Centrist Madness🍦🥥 (@CentristMadness) October 10, 2024

Very few people hate ‘gubmint tyranny’ the day after the disaster…

show full post on front page

*PRAISE* from Tampa Mayor @JaneCastor:

"I CAN'T say enough about FEMA and the federal government's part in the response…I just got a text early this morning from Administrator Criswell asking 'how did you do – what do you need?' So THANK YOU to the federal government." pic.twitter.com/pXyHLydRqw

— Herbie Ziskend (@HerbieZiskend46) October 10, 2024

Suddenly he doesn't have dementia when a red state is drowning. https://t.co/3uxFjSwvme

— Shadow Of The Nerdtree (@agraybee) October 10, 2024

A GOP congresswoman from Florida is publicly saying that Biden is taking her calls about hurricane relief but Mike Johnson is not https://t.co/e5oqEzVEoa

— Swann Marcus (@SwannMarcus89) October 10, 2024

Remember: Sharing is Caring!

The real reason the GOP hates FEMA is simple

it goes to Reagan's "Most Terrifying Words – ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help."

FEMA is from the government and does help

when people at their lowest see FEMA resources they realize the truth that GOP hates

— z3dster𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸 (@z3dster) October 10, 2024

A working government helping to explain social services and accessibility to citizens in need is the photographic equivalent of nails on a chalkboard for the JD Vance types

Because when they say "I’m from the government and I’m here to help." people are glad they are there pic.twitter.com/Z2R90g2B06

— z3dster𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸𝅸 (@z3dster) October 10, 2024

ETA:

It is vile to lie to people about this, he is going to keep people from seeking and receiving the help they need from the federal government, which is quite capable of providing it at the moment https://t.co/uWOqmqkQZB

— vituperativeerb (@vituperativeerb) October 9, 2024

Thursday Evening Open Thread: Cleaning Up After MiltonPost + Comments (117)

Wednesday Evening Open Thread: Category Three Is Quite Bad Enough

by Anne Laurie|  October 9, 20246:23 pm| 114 Comments

This post is in: How about that weather?, Open Threads, Proud to Be A Democrat, social media

President Biden warns of the potential devastating impacts of Hurricane Milton.

"Currently, Milton is a Category 3… but no one should be confused. It's still expected to be one of the most and worst destructive hurricanes to hit Florida in over a century." pic.twitter.com/odwzaNI3ok

— MSNBC (@MSNBC) October 9, 2024

The @WhiteHouse is launching a Reddit account. The goal: keeping the public informed on Hurricane Helen/Milton response, recovery & preparedness.

They will also be sharing info on state-based sub-Reddits, & larger sub-Reddits like r/politics, where they can correct misinfo

— Elizabeth Landers (@ElizLanders) October 8, 2024

Hurricane Milton weakens to a Category 3 Hurricane from Category 5 earlier today.

Similarly, Hurricane Katrina also peaked as a Category 5 before making landfall as a Category 3. pic.twitter.com/mSNEYs2sBB

— NewsWire (@NewsWire_US) October 9, 2024

Vice President Harris calls into @weatherchannel: “Sadly, there are some folks who during a moment of a crisis will be very predatory and start jacking up prices… To anybody who's thinking about jacking up those prices, know that we are monitoring. There will be a consequence… pic.twitter.com/hzczL3tVST

— Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) October 9, 2024

Mood reset!

Category 3 purricane.. pic.twitter.com/3rjDw7mBaG

— Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) October 8, 2024

Wednesday Evening Open Thread: Category Three Is Quite Bad EnoughPost + Comments (114)

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