Frost on your car but the temperature is above freezing. How can that be?

 I received several emails and a comment today from folks who were puzzled by frost on their cars when the air temperature was above freezing.  For example, a commenter (Grigsby) left this observation:

I live in North Seattle, and this morning, I checked Weather Underground, and the stations all around me said that the temperature was hovering around 40 F. Yet I go out to my car, and there's ice on the windshield.

I also live in north Seattle and noticed frost on the roofs of nearby homes.  A plot of the minimum surface air temperatures around Seattle confirmed temperatures only dropped to 34-38F in north Seattle and the air temperature at my home never got below 35F

So what is going on?   Can frost occur on an object whose temperature is above freezing?   No way.  The answer to this question can save your life by the way.

The Explanation

First a shocker.  Official surface air temperatures are not measured at the surface.  Rather, the standard is for thermometers to be placed 2-meters (roughly 6.5 feet) above the surface.  Even most folks with home thermometers put the sensor a few feet above the ground.

Why is this important?  Because on nights with low winds and relatively clear skies, the temperature at the surface and in the air a few feet above can be very different, with the ground much colder.

Winds last night were very weak, in fact, many locations reported calm conditions (calm indicated by circles on the weather map).  Here is a plot of the temperatures and winds at 5 AM Tuesday.   Nearly no winds.  Low winds means there isn't much turbulence or mixing in the lower atmosphere.

The night was nearly clear, with only some thing cirrus, something shown by the infrared satellite image at 5 AM below.

With clear skies, the earth is able to effectively emit infrared radiation to space (see below).   The atmosphere is not as good in emitting infrared radiation, so the earth cools down much faster.  Clouds mess this up, since they emit infrared radiation down to the ground, greatly lessening the cooling.

Thus, on such clear nights we often develop surface-based inversions, with temperature increasing with height in the lower atmosphere.  In fact, during calm, clear nights it is not unusual for the ground (or rooftops) to be 2-6 F cooler than the air at 6 ft.  If winds are weak, the warmer air above is not mixed down to the surface.

Trust me, I have measured this myself with a high-accuracy thermometer.  My neighbors were wondering what I was doing out there, but everyone knows that meteorologists are a bit eccentric.

So with 2-m temperatures in the mid-30s, it was not hard for the ground and other surfaces to get to freezing, allowing the formation of frost.

How can this factoid save your life?  Easy.   If local weather observations are in the mid-30s and it is relatively clear out, you better worry about ice on the roadway when you drive.   Car thermometers are mounted several feet above the ground and thus can provide readings warmer than ground surface.  So if your car thermometer reads 33-35F, you should slow down and be ready for ice, particularly in the early morning.

Keep in mind that the number one weather killer in Washington State is not floods, tornadoes or wind, but ice on the roadways.  WSDOT  has made huge strides in preventing roadway icing as has Seattle DOT (SDOT).   But they can't by everywhere and caution is always wise. 

_______________________

How will Northwest Weather Change Under Global Warming?  Help Us Determine the Local Impacts of Climate Change

Society needs to know the regional impacts of climate change and several of us at the UW are trying to provide this information with state-of-the-art high resolution climate modeling.  With Federal funding unavailable, we are experimenting with a community funding to build this effort.  If you want more information or are interested in helping, please go here.  The full link is: http://ift.tt/2nltDeR    All contributions to the UW are tax deductible.

from Cliff Mass Weather Blog http://ift.tt/2o4RUqP

Frost on your car but the temperature is above freezing. How can that be?

 I received several emails and a comment today from folks who were puzzled by frost on their cars when the air temperature was above freezing.  For example, a commenter (Grigsby) left this observation:

I live in North Seattle, and this morning, I checked Weather Underground, and the stations all around me said that the temperature was hovering around 40 F. Yet I go out to my car, and there's ice on the windshield.

I also live in north Seattle and noticed frost on the roofs of nearby homes.  A plot of the minimum surface air temperatures around Seattle confirmed temperatures only dropped to 34-38F in north Seattle and the air temperature at my home never got below 35F

So what is going on?   Can frost occur on an object whose temperature is above freezing?   No way.  The answer to this question can save your life by the way.

The Explanation

First a shocker.  Official surface air temperatures are not measured at the surface.  Rather, the standard is for thermometers to be placed 2-meters (roughly 6.5 feet) above the surface.  Even most folks with home thermometers put the sensor a few feet above the ground.

Why is this important?  Because on nights with low winds and relatively clear skies, the temperature at the surface and in the air a few feet above can be very different, with the ground much colder.

Winds last night were very weak, in fact, many locations reported calm conditions (calm indicated by circles on the weather map).  Here is a plot of the temperatures and winds at 5 AM Tuesday.   Nearly no winds.  Low winds means there isn't much turbulence or mixing in the lower atmosphere.

The night was nearly clear, with only some thing cirrus, something shown by the infrared satellite image at 5 AM below.

With clear skies, the earth is able to effectively emit infrared radiation to space (see below).   The atmosphere is not as good in emitting infrared radiation, so the earth cools down much faster.  Clouds mess this up, since they emit infrared radiation down to the ground, greatly lessening the cooling.

Thus, on such clear nights we often develop surface-based inversions, with temperature increasing with height in the lower atmosphere.  In fact, during calm, clear nights it is not unusual for the ground (or rooftops) to be 2-6 F cooler than the air at 6 ft.  If winds are weak, the warmer air above is not mixed down to the surface.

Trust me, I have measured this myself with a high-accuracy thermometer.  My neighbors were wondering what I was doing out there, but everyone knows that meteorologists are a bit eccentric.

So with 2-m temperatures in the mid-30s, it was not hard for the ground and other surfaces to get to freezing, allowing the formation of frost.

How can this factoid save your life?  Easy.   If local weather observations are in the mid-30s and it is relatively clear out, you better worry about ice on the roadway when you drive.   Car thermometers are mounted several feet above the ground and thus can provide readings warmer than ground surface.  So if your car thermometer reads 33-35F, you should slow down and be ready for ice, particularly in the early morning.

Keep in mind that the number one weather killer in Washington State is not floods, tornadoes or wind, but ice on the roadways.  WSDOT  has made huge strides in preventing roadway icing as has Seattle DOT (SDOT).   But they can't by everywhere and caution is always wise. 

_______________________

How will Northwest Weather Change Under Global Warming?  Help Us Determine the Local Impacts of Climate Change

Society needs to know the regional impacts of climate change and several of us at the UW are trying to provide this information with state-of-the-art high resolution climate modeling.  With Federal funding unavailable, we are experimenting with a community funding to build this effort.  If you want more information or are interested in helping, please go here.  The full link is: http://ift.tt/2nltDeR    All contributions to the UW are tax deductible.

from Cliff Mass Weather Blog http://ift.tt/2o4RUqP

Top 5 Needs to Buy Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Do you know the problems related to installing vinyl flooring? Are they easy to install and handle? One most likely assumes plain, drab and uninteresting like you view the photos of that plastic flooring of days gone by.

Innovation has boosted for many years and the vinyl flooring these days is much from drab. Thanks to developments in production and layout, it has been replaced with extra resilient, deluxe vinyl flooring that has promptly become in vogue. Daebak Floor has a large collection of vinyl flooring. You can also check the same on their website.

Below are 5 large reasons to take into consideration deluxe vinyl flooring whatever room in the home you are thinking of refurbishing

1. Large range Of Styles and Colours: It is the second layer of plastic flooring that makes it so gorgeous and versatile.

Resilient vinyl flooring is so versatile because it is now made to imitate the look of so many natural substrates. Rock, floor tile, timber, linoleum, block and even marble are just some of the options offered. A wide range of colours, patterns, and textures develop endless possibilities. No matter what your style or budget choice, there are many options to choose from. Daebak Floor are one of the largest sellers of vinyl flooring.

2. Easy To Clean.

Plastic floorings today are normally marketed as "no wax" floors. Such surface areas are less complicated to clean because the floor beams without waxing. A wet mop is all that is usually should keep it clean. The leading wear layer will also be highly immune to staining and scratching.

It is essential to keep in mind that these "no-wax" floors will ultimately shed their lustre gradually. Suppliers suggest that the flooring is buffed or recoated with the "no-wax" material over the surface where the lustre has reduced. It is always best to use the maker's suggested coating product as there are different formulas on the market.

3. Durable, Put on Immune

• Printed Vinyl Flooring.
• Includes 3-4 Layers.
• Use layer (top).
• Printed pattern.
• Cushioning layer (optional).
• Base layer.

4. Comfy Underfoot.

If you are going to install your flooring in areas where you will be doing a great deal of walking or standing, such as in the kitchen, a style that comprises a lessened support will likely be more comfortable.

5. Much less Complicated Installation.

Although a professional is constantly suggested for instalment, the procedure could be much less complicated than other types of flooring because you can typically mount the new flooring right over the existing one. This can conserve you loan and time in the long term because you may not have to pay someone to remove the old flooring prior to installing the new one.

Additionally, with tile, timber and even laminate flooring, your contractor could need to do a large amount of messy cutting to fit the pieces together. With roll-type vinyl, this mess is minimized which could conserve you cash and clean up time in the future.

from Home Design Ideas | Interior Design Ideas And Architcture http://ift.tt/2ohKdjD

How to use the best Modern Lightings for making your personal space attractive

There is always a debate as to what makes any space unique, the answer may vary but the use of correct lighting cannot be underrated. The Modern lighting make use of the years of experience and creativity to keep up of the needs and demands of the current market. The interiors of any place come to light literary with the use of the correct lighting. The modern lighting have been in the business of ensuring that the place comes up with a unique outcome. Every space calls for a specific interior which would come to life with the use of special lights. The Modern Lightning ensures that the rooms or the space are attractive and aseptically appealing.

What make any space aesthetically appealing?

To make a house a home it should definitely have appropriate lightning. The various things that are added to a space to make it comfortable can be broadly categorized as:-

• Style: Every corner of a house or a building has a different need. The designs and the fittings thus should be done in a way that it provides what it is desired to. The random light in every nook and corner just defies the whole purpose. The lights in every room should complement the interiors of the room and makes it comfortable. The study for example should be bright as oppose to the bedroom that can be dim and cozy.
• Designs:- Now the choices that one can make between LED, Bulbs, Lamps etc should be made in complement to the preferences. Some people love a well light stairway and some prefer a decently light highlighted one. All these are personal preferences that are fulfilled by the Modern Place Lighting.
• Office space: - The requirement of office spaces is different from that of a house. The Office spaces along with a creative environment also should ensure that replicated spaces are created so as to ensure that there is similar environment provided to all. Along with this many office are looking for creating special recreational areas which should be different and comfortable so that the break feels worthwhile.

The needs may be different but the requirements are all fulfilled by Modern Lightning and their creative and reliable service providers.

from Home Design Ideas | Interior Design Ideas And Architcture http://ift.tt/2pkLCDx

Top 5 Needs to Buy Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Do you know the problems related to installing vinyl flooring? Are they easy to install and handle? One most likely assumes plain, drab and uninteresting like you view the photos of that plastic flooring of days gone by.

Innovation has boosted for many years and the vinyl flooring these days is much from drab. Thanks to developments in production and layout, it has been replaced with extra resilient, deluxe vinyl flooring that has promptly become in vogue. Daebak Floor has a large collection of vinyl flooring. You can also check the same on their website.

Below are 5 large reasons to take into consideration deluxe vinyl flooring whatever room in the home you are thinking of refurbishing

1. Large range Of Styles and Colours: It is the second layer of plastic flooring that makes it so gorgeous and versatile.

Resilient vinyl flooring is so versatile because it is now made to imitate the look of so many natural substrates. Rock, floor tile, timber, linoleum, block and even marble are just some of the options offered. A wide range of colours, patterns, and textures develop endless possibilities. No matter what your style or budget choice, there are many options to choose from. Daebak Floor are one of the largest sellers of vinyl flooring.

2. Easy To Clean.

Plastic floorings today are normally marketed as "no wax" floors. Such surface areas are less complicated to clean because the floor beams without waxing. A wet mop is all that is usually should keep it clean. The leading wear layer will also be highly immune to staining and scratching.

It is essential to keep in mind that these "no-wax" floors will ultimately shed their lustre gradually. Suppliers suggest that the flooring is buffed or recoated with the "no-wax" material over the surface where the lustre has reduced. It is always best to use the maker's suggested coating product as there are different formulas on the market.

3. Durable, Put on Immune

• Printed Vinyl Flooring.
• Includes 3-4 Layers.
• Use layer (top).
• Printed pattern.
• Cushioning layer (optional).
• Base layer.

4. Comfy Underfoot.

If you are going to install your flooring in areas where you will be doing a great deal of walking or standing, such as in the kitchen, a style that comprises a lessened support will likely be more comfortable.

5. Much less Complicated Installation.

Although a professional is constantly suggested for instalment, the procedure could be much less complicated than other types of flooring because you can typically mount the new flooring right over the existing one. This can conserve you loan and time in the long term because you may not have to pay someone to remove the old flooring prior to installing the new one.

Additionally, with tile, timber and even laminate flooring, your contractor could need to do a large amount of messy cutting to fit the pieces together. With roll-type vinyl, this mess is minimized which could conserve you cash and clean up time in the future.

from Home Design Ideas | Interior Design Ideas And Architcture http://ift.tt/2ohKdjD

How to use the best Modern Lightings for making your personal space attractive

There is always a debate as to what makes any space unique, the answer may vary but the use of correct lighting cannot be underrated. The Modern lighting make use of the years of experience and creativity to keep up of the needs and demands of the current market. The interiors of any place come to light literary with the use of the correct lighting. The modern lighting have been in the business of ensuring that the place comes up with a unique outcome. Every space calls for a specific interior which would come to life with the use of special lights. The Modern Lightning ensures that the rooms or the space are attractive and aseptically appealing.

What make any space aesthetically appealing?

To make a house a home it should definitely have appropriate lightning. The various things that are added to a space to make it comfortable can be broadly categorized as:-

• Style: Every corner of a house or a building has a different need. The designs and the fittings thus should be done in a way that it provides what it is desired to. The random light in every nook and corner just defies the whole purpose. The lights in every room should complement the interiors of the room and makes it comfortable. The study for example should be bright as oppose to the bedroom that can be dim and cozy.
• Designs:- Now the choices that one can make between LED, Bulbs, Lamps etc should be made in complement to the preferences. Some people love a well light stairway and some prefer a decently light highlighted one. All these are personal preferences that are fulfilled by the Modern Place Lighting.
• Office space: - The requirement of office spaces is different from that of a house. The Office spaces along with a creative environment also should ensure that replicated spaces are created so as to ensure that there is similar environment provided to all. Along with this many office are looking for creating special recreational areas which should be different and comfortable so that the break feels worthwhile.

The needs may be different but the requirements are all fulfilled by Modern Lightning and their creative and reliable service providers.

from Home Design Ideas | Interior Design Ideas And Architcture http://ift.tt/2pkLCDx

New GOES Weather Satellite Imagery

The new GOES-16  weather satellite has been in orbit since November 16, 2016 and some of the imagery is available in real time.   It is marvelous.   The spatial resolution of the imagery is higher than the current operational weather satellites, but what  really is a game change is the frequency of observation,  with new images every 5 minutes versus every 15 minutes for the current operational systems.

Let me show you a few samples. Let's start with a visible image around 11 AM Sunday morning centered on the Pacific Northwest.   You can a north-south oriented frontal band off our coast and relatively clear skies over the Columbia Basin.  But over far eastern WA and northern Idaho there is a a nice example of lines of cloud streets, with regular spacing.

Here is a blow up of the cloud streets.  They occur when the atmosphere is relatively unstable at low levels with air rising in the clouds and sinking between them.  The wind direction is roughly parallel to the lines.

This feature, also known as convective rolls because of the nature of atmospheric circulation,  reflects an atmospheric instability that occurs when the lower atmosphere has a large change in both temperature and wind with height (see schematic below)

Courtesy of the UCAR COMET Program

How about a view of a Pacific cyclone? Here is a GOES-16 image of the Friday storm approaching Vancouver Island--you can clearly see the swirl of clouds with the low.

The day before, as the storm approached Oregon, the region was covered by trapped mountain wave clouds, again with lines of clouds and clear areas.  

But the mechanism of these clouds are completely different than the cloud streets, being associated with atmospheric waves forced by the mountains (see schematic below).  For mountain wave clouds, the winds near crest level are oriented perpendicular to the cloud lines.

Visible satellite imagery from weather satellites like GOES-16 show how the instability clouds over the ocean can rev up when then reach land and our terrain.  This is illustrated by the situation on Saturday (below).  The scattered weak showers over the Pacific deepen and expand over western Washington and Oregon, and then shrink as the descend the eastern slopes of the Cascades.

If you want to enjoy seeing GOES-16 images anywhere in the country (and for other wavelengths as well), check out the wonderful website created by the College of DuPage (found here).  Enjoy.

_______________________

How will Northwest Weather Change Under Global Warming?  Help Us Determine the Local Impacts of Climate Change

Society needs to know the regional impacts of climate change and several of us at the UW are trying to provide this information with state-of-the-art high resolution climate modeling.  With Federal funding unavailable, we are experimenting with a community funding to build this effort.  If you want more information or are interested in helping, please go here.  The full link is: http://ift.tt/2nltDeR    All contributions to the UW are tax deductible.

from Cliff Mass Weather Blog http://ift.tt/2nv88xc