Wednesday, June 15, 2011

monsoon lite... (pm.15.jun.11)>

today has been like two totally distinct, separate days.  this morning it was mostly sunny and warm (the high reached 79F/26.1C just before noon), but clouds literally exploded during the noon hour, and occasional moderate to heavy showers occurred on and off between 12:30 and 3:30pm, along with some thunder.  i recorded 0.59" (1.5cm) of rain just below the mountaineering center at the top of mcleod ganj.

although the IMD (india meteorological department) has only declared "official" monsoon conditions over parts of southern and eastern india, we are definitely getting in on the action here on the south-facing slopes of the himalayan front ranges. [check MONSOON WATCH tab above for the latest info]  the humidity today topped 70% for a while, and as a general rule of thumb, consistent humidity readings of 80% and above indicate the certain arrival of the monsoon season.  that means we are precariously close.  monsoon conditions tend to develop more quickly along the mountains than down on the plains... for example, it was a sunny day in dehra dun, chandigarh and delhi.

during the coming few days we'll continue to see the moisture surge and retreat along the dhauladars and other front ranges of the himalayas... so expect periods of warm sunshine (mainly in the AM), then periods of clouds, some fog, and bursts of heavy showers (mainly afternoon and evening).  the days of quick-drying of laundry have pretty much come to an end :-(

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: partly to mostly cloudy skies, with a period or two of showers.
low: 20C (68F)

THURSDAY: a mix of clouds and sun.  rather humid, with a couple of thundershowers, mainly in the PM.
high: 26C (78F)

FRIDAY: partly sunny.  muggy, with a shower or thundershower during the afternoon.
high: 26C (78F)

SATURDAY: partly sunny and muggy.  an afternoon thunderstorm possible.
high: 26C (79F)

SUNDAY: humid with hazy sun and clouds.  risk of a couple of thundershowers, mainly in the PM.
high: 26C (79F)

MONDAY: partly to mostly cloudy and humid, with a few thundershowers around.
high: 25 (77F)