The Layman's Weather Guide according to Pogonips
Second Edition
by
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Precipitation is classified according to the form it is in when it reaches the ground. Precipitation is either rain, snow, sleet and hail which can only occur if there are clouds in the sky. We need the presence of tiny foreign particles about which the moisture can condense. These particles may be dirt or even tiny ice crystals. These particles are the necessary nuclei for droplets to form around. The process of raindrop growth is referred to as coalescence; the act of uniting and growing together.
The type of precipitation that reaches the ground depends on the process that occurs within the cloud. Temperature will determine whether precipitation will occur. Air is heated by the ground and rises and cools which causes water vapor to condense around those microscopic particles. The temperature of the air between the cloud and the ground is the deciding factor. Shorter clouds in warmer air yield drizzle and the billowing clouds allow the drops to get bigger.
Remember, all clouds are rain and all rain is also snow.
Absolute humidity is a measure of the volume of water in a specific amount of air at the current temperature. Absolute humidity changes exponentially with temperature, so we use the phrase, Relative humidity. The amount of water vapor in the air (at the current temperature) as a percentage of the amount to reach saturation is Relative Humidity. Saturated = 100% so 75% is three-quarters of its capacity.
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About the Book
The weather by Pogonips will answer questions about the weather and give you realistic tips on how to make your own weather guess. Despite the fact we focus on the central Oregon coast, our weather tips and facts will serve you well wherever you are in the world.
You do not need to read Pogonips from front to back like a novel in order for it to make sense. The sections are discreet and inclusive so you can open it up wherever you choose. Pogonips will provide you a pleasant and informative read.
When you have a weather related question you will easily find it answered in an understandable way regardless of how technical the concept may be. This book is a good educational tool at any level of experience and knowledge.
We think the most valuable parts of the book are the parts that help you interpret data and set up your own weather station. Combined with these sections we recommend the information on how to estimate events like wind speed, even though you are not at your weather station.
By reading this book you might get hooked as we did on fun weather indicators like weather rocks or the Vermont weather stick.
Our hope is that by reading Pogonips you will join us in the fun of being a weather watcher and start your own weather records. Who knows, locals in your area may call you for your weather guess when they plan outdoor weddings or a barbecue.
About the Author
Wally got into weather stuff when working at the radio station and wanting more material for his own program. His background is electronic engineering and cost controls/estimating/finance as well as contract management. The engineering background emphasizes why so in forecasting weather it was natural to ask why the weather does 'that'. Sheridan was there and the rest is history as they have been at this for over seven years. Publishing a monthly weather information article in the newspaper was another enjoyable task.
Wally is a graduate of University of Washington and City University with a Masters in Managerial Organization and Leadership. He is a retiree of The Boeing Company after 35 years of service working in fields ranging from missile testing to training employees in OSHA and EPA requirements.
Sheridan D. Jones Ph.D. is a retired educator who moved to the Lincoln City Roads End area and built his retirement home. The house is designed with a weather tower that provides his complete weather station and full view of the ocean north and south along the coast.
As a volunteer Emergency planner/coordinator for Lincoln City, his knowledge of weather plays a part in all planning. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides Sheridan with severe weather spotter training and relies on him for spotter reports. Sheridan keeps daily weather records for and reports to KATU TV Channel 2, both local newspapers, and KBCH radio. Sheridan provides the local AM radio station (KBCH 1400) with weather forecasts and statistics each week as well as his providing a front page forecast in the local weekly newspaper (The News Guard). He still has time for weather lectures explaining forecasting, emergency preparedness, and recording of weather events. Dr. Jones teaches doing your forecasts by observations and how to use sophisticated instruments.