Friday, September 17, 2010

friday evening (17sep)>

**there were 1000 visits to the mcleodganj weathergeek during the past 31 days, and that rolling monthly total has been rising steadily. i started this blog just for fun, because i've been obsessed with the weather, no matter where i've lived (from minnesota to kansas tornado alley to hawaii to northern india), since i was 11 years old.  thanks to all who've enjoyed following this crazy indian himalayan weather along with me... and thanks to all of you who have contacted me through email and facebook!  i hope it's been interesting and maybe sometimes helpful...**

the sun is trying very hard to peek through the clouds and fog this evening... after our second rainless day in a row.  our observers near the temple noted that the humidity dropped below 80% this morning for the first time since july 14th!  the high temperature in upper mcleod ganj reached 21C/70F.

you may have noticed that the ferns and the moss are now turning yellow... in response to the gradually decreasing humidity, and the diminishing hours of foggy conditions.  once again, it is very tempting to think that we are finished with the monsoon... but there is a very good chance that we'll experience another surge of deep tropical moisture before the season is officially declared OVER.  satellite pics this evening show widespread cloudiness and shower/thundershower activity to our southeast... from near shimla and kinnaur into uttar anchal and nepal.  that's how close the monsoon is lurking.  at the same time, there is an upper level distrurbance dropping southeast into kashmir, bringing a large area of rain and thunderstorms with it.  these factors point to an increasing chance of rain as we head through the weekend... with deep tropical moisture surging in once again, and lasting into next week. 

the bottom line... although we've had some strong signs of a dying monsoon recently, do not expect a quick transition to sunny and crisp fall days right away.  this transition will take another week to 10 days!

FRIDAY NIGHT: clouds and fog this evening, with a slight chance of a brief shower.  becoming mostly clear after sunset.
low: 16C (60F)

SATURDAY: a good amount of morning sun, followed by clouds and fog.  better chance of a thundershower or two during the afternoon/evening hours.
high: 22C (71F)

SUNDAY: partly to mostly cloudy skies with a good chance of a few periods of showers or thunderstorms.
high: 21C (70F)

MONDAY: mostly cloudy skies.  foggy, with a few showers or storms likely.
high: 21C (69F)

TUESDAY: a mix of clouds, fog, and a bit of sun.  scattered showers and thunderstorms.
high: 21C (69F)

WEDNESDAY: still a mixture of clouds, fog and sun.  good chance of a few thundershowers.
high: 20C (68F)