Panel Discussion About Connecticut's Historic Tornadoes Highlights Debut of New Twisters Movie at Greenwood Features Theater in Bethel

I was thrilled and honored to be one of four panelists discussing Connecticut's historic tornadoes prior to the debut of the new Twisters movie at Greenwood Features movie theater in Bethel last night.

Meteorologist Jack Drake of the Connecticut Weather Center in Danbury orchestrated and hosted the event, which included a meet-and-greet, question-and-answer session, tornado-themed cocktails, and door prizes.

Also on the panel was meteorologist Sam Sagnella and Dan Clark, the first selectman of Bethel. Each of the panelists answered a few questions and spun stories about his experiences with tornadoes, locally, regionally, and nationally.

"Paul, what a joy it was to formally and finally meet you this evening," said Mr. Sagnella. "I will remember this experience forever, and it was an honor to share the 'stage' with you tonight. Well done, and this was super fun."

"I will echo Sam's sentiments," added Mr. Drake, who grew up in Redding and was an avid News 12 Connecticut viewer. "Really honored to share the stage with someone I grew up watching on News 12. Fantastic stories."

Bethel First Selectman Mr. Clark also lived in Redding and reminisced about watching News 12 Connecticut for many years.

Paul

Full "Buck" Moon Happens This Sunday Morning

The Full Buck Moon occurs this Sunday, July 21, at 6:17 a.m. EDT. Named for the Summer regrowth of deer and elk antlers shed in the Winter, this month’s Full Moon is also called the Thunder Moon, Hay Moon, Mead Moon, and the Rose Moon. 

July is normally the month when the new antlers of buck deer rush out of their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. It was also often called the Full Thunder Moon since thunderstorms are common during this time of the year. 

Full Moon names date back to Native Americans in what is now the Northern and Eastern United States. The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring Full Moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. There was some variation in the Moon names but, in general, the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior. 

A Full Moon rises at about the same time the Sun is setting. The Full Moon will rise later and set earlier this time of the year. In addition, the Full Moon will appear lower in the sky since it won’t be visible nearly as long as during the mid-Winter nights. The Moon will be visible for about nine hours and 45 minutes. 

Conversely, six months from now in January when the amount of daylight is at a minimum, the Full Wolf Moon will appear higher in the sky and be visible for about 17-and-half-hours. That’s over eight hours longer than this time of the year! 

Paul

A Flood Watch is in Effect for Fairfield County Through Early Saturday Evening

A Flood Watch will be in effect for Fairfield County from Friday at 12 p.m. through Saturday at 6 p.m. EDT: https://t.co/O2QDWd8ZOu pic.twitter.com/WMRd9BRo0b

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorekWICC) July 12, 2024

Paul

June Was Drier and Warmer Than Normal Across Southwestern Connecticut

The Bridgeport climate station recorded 3.50" of precipitation in June, which is 0.27" below normal. There were six days with at least one-tenth of an inch of rain and three days with at least one-half inch. pic.twitter.com/UQamV1PHzg

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorekWICC) July 2, 2024

The average temperature for June at the Bridgeport climate station was 72.6° F, which is three degrees warmer-than-normal. The range was 91° (June 21) and 57° (June 11 & 12). Every month this year has been warmer-than-normal. pic.twitter.com/iTGjmRkbzG

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorekWICC) July 2, 2024

Paul