Today Marks 43rd Anniversary of Apollo 11 Moon Landing

Some dates naturally carry more significance than others. Birthdays and anniversaries come to mind instantly. One such "anniversary" happened 43 years ago today. Those of you old enough to remember Sunday, July 20, 1969, no doubt can recall watching Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong descending the steps of the lunar module’s ladder and setting foot on the Moon for the first time. I was mesmerized by what I saw that night on the black-and-white Zenith television set in our living room.

Apollo 11, the fifth human spaceflight of the Apollo program, launched from the Kennedy Space Center four days earlier. As a young child of 10, watching Armstrong walk on the lunar surface was probably the most significant news event of my youth. I can still remember the late Walter Cronkite on CBS television describing the landing, and the bundle of nerves I felt for myself and the Apollo astronauts, Commander Neil Armstrong, Lunar Module Pilot Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, and Command Module Pilot Michael Collins.

I was fascinated by the space program in the 1960s. Naturally, I couldn’t wait for the landing of Apollo on the Moon. As I recall, while on the far side of the Moon, the lunar module, called the Eagle, separated from the Command Module, named Columbia. Collins remained alone in Columbia, while Armstrong and Aldrin used Eagle’s descent engine to right themselves and descend to the lunar surface. The wait seemed interminable for this youngster, who couldn’t believe that we would actually see LIVE images from the Moon later that night.

I kept asking questions of my Mom and Dad all day and evening. “What will it look like on television?” “When will the astronauts climb out of the Eagle?” “How are we able to see it if they’re so far away?” They couldn’t answer most of my questions since this had never happened before. I still couldn’t believe what we were about to see. I’m sure it’s what ultimately piqued my interest in astronomy, subsequent space missions, and Science in general. This is what it looked like 43 years ago today.



Our family gathered in the living room in front of the small TV set with rabbit ears and watched as Cronkite prepared us for the first step on the Moon. Just over six-and-a half hours after Apollo 11 landed on the Moon at 4:17 p.m., we sat in silence and awe as Armstrong made his descent to the Moon’s surface at 10:56 p.m. and spoke his famous words: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

I don't know if there will be any mention of it on any newscasts today. Three years ago, however, it was a different story as it marked the 40th anniversary of that unforgettable day. Incredibly, more than half the people living in the United States today weren’t even born when Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. It was arguably the most historic event of the 20th century. I, for one, am glad I saw it LIVE, and I will never forget it for the rest of my life!

Paul

Second Official Heat Wave of the Season Broken

The second official heat wave across southwestern Connecticut since June 1 is over, but not before a record high temperature was established Wednesday afternoon at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford. The mercury hit 95 degrees yesterday at 1:42 p.m., officially tying the previous mark which was established in 2006. Consider the normal high temperature for this time of the year is 83 degrees.

A strong cold front approached the region early yesterday afternoon, triggering a round of showers and thunderstorms just before 3 o'clock. Viewer Ralph Fato of Norwalk sent this unique photo to me. He wrote, "I took this picture before the line (of storms) came through and matched it with the satellite and radar photo at the time." This is unique. The radar clearly shows the approaching storms to the Northwest, and the photo shows the darkening clouds in advance of the storms. Click the photo to see a larger version.

We've had high temperatures of at least 90 degrees six times or one-third of July. The latest heat wave featured high temperatures of 91, 93, and 95 degrees Monday through Wednesday, respectively. Since June 1, we've had 10 90+ degree days at the airport which, more often than not is cooler than inland communities due to a mild sea breeze this time of the year. The average temperature thus far this month is 79.6 degrees, which is a healthy 5.8 degrees above normal. Take a look at the following graph provided by Ralph Fato.

A closer look at the weather record book reveals that we just barely missed two more official heat waves by just one degree each time. We missed a heat wave June 20 (92), June 21 (96), and June 22 (89) by one degree, and another potential heat wave was nixed by only one degree July 5 (91), July 6 (89), and July 7 (93). The first heat wave happened June 29 (91), June 30 (92), and July 1 (92).

Although cooler and less humid air has arrived this morning, we're not out of the woods as far as precipitation is concerned. The frontal boundary which pushed through the region has stalled just to our South, and that may trigger a shower or two this afternoon. We'll be on the northern edge of a wave of low pressure later tonight and tomorrow, and that will bring occasional rain and much cooler air. Tomorrow's high will only reach the low-to-mid 70s. A nicer weekend is ahead, however.

Paul

Severe Weather Potential for Wednesday

The second of three consecutive hot and humid days is sending many southwestern Connecticut families to lakes, beaches, and close to the air conditioners this afternoon. Today will most likely be the hottest day of the week after the mercury reached 91 degrees at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford Monday afternoon. The normal high temperature for this time of the year is 83 degrees, and the record high is 95 set in 1953.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has issued an Air Quality Alert, which will remain in effect through 11 o'clock tonight. A southwest flow of air is bringing tropical moisture, high humidity, and hot surface temperatures to the region. This will create a favorable environment for ozone levels to exceed the threshold for 'unhealthy for sensitive groups.'

However, our weather picture is about to change in a big way. A cold front will approach from the North tomorrow afternoon, bringing the potential for strong-to-severe thunderstorms to the region. The forecast surface map below shows the cold front just to the North and West of southwestern Connecticut at 8 o'clock Wednesday evening. There is concern for the possibility of vivid lightning, heavy rain, small hail, and gusty winds. 

The atmosphere will be saturated. Working in our favor, though, are winds less than 50 knots in the upper atmosphere and the influence of the maritime air ahead of the front. Keep an eye to the sky tomorrow afternoon. Not surprisingly, the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has placed our region in a slight threat for strong convection during the day tomorrow.

The silver lining behind the front will be much more comfortable and seasonable weather by the end of the week and the weekend. One of the computer models is hinting at some moisture making its way toward Southern New England Friday, but we're playing optimist in the weathercenter and expecting a large dome of high pressure to keep us bright and dry through Sunday.

Paul

Moderate-to-Severe Drought Across Region

It's that time of the year again when lawns turn brown, gardens are drying out, and we desperately need rain. It seems like every Summer we experience a prolonged period of hot, dry weather, and this year is no exception. We've only had one day with measured rain this month, and that happened on Independence Day when less than a third-of-an-inch (0.29") fell across the region.

As each day passes, our yearly rainfall deficit grows. We've received nearly a foot-and-a-half (17.82") of precipitation since January 1, which is nearly five inches below the normal value of 22.64" through July 12. In fact, there have been just two days with measured rain dating back to June 26. Last year, however, was a completely different story. We had over 30 inches in the rain gauge, highlighted by over a half-foot of rain in June.

Take a look at the comparison between this year's and last year's monthly rainfall totals. The data is taken from weather observations at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford:

Month              2011                      2012                Normal

January                 4.75"                       2.98"                   3.73"

February               4.36"                       1.58"                   2.92"

March                   3.61"                       1.04"                   4.15"

April                     4.63"                        2.97"                  3.99"

May                      5.61"                       4.57"                   4.03"
June                     6.54"                       4.39"                   3.57"

July                       2.00"                       0.29"                   3.77"

You'll notice that last year's totals were higher every month, and there was only one month (March) which featured below-normal rainfall. More than a half-foot of rain fell in June, and nearly a half-foot was recorded in May. This year, however, only May and June have delivered above-normal rainfall. This month has been especially dry, and it comes when the Sun's rays are strongest and the average daytime temperatures are at their warmest. A quick glance at the latest Drought Severity Index map shows that we are experiencing moderate-to-severe drought conditions.

Some rain is in the forecast, however, as the heat and humidity build by the end of the weekend. A frontal boundary will trigger showers and thunderstorms Saturday night into Sunday morning, and another round of showers and thunderstorms can be expected later Sunday. Daytime highs will reach into the 80s over the weekend, while nighttime lows hold close to 70 degrees. We'll bake and broil Monday through Wednesday before a powerful cold front brings the potential for strong storms to the region by Wednesday. We do need the rain!

Paul

Active Atlantic Tropical Season & Cold, Snowy Winter in the Cards?

There are many variables and factors to consider when making a long-range forecast as it pertains to seasonal weather and tropical activity. One of the more important factors to consider is the North Atlantic Oscillation, which is a large-scale fluctuation in atmospheric pressure between the subtropical high pressure system located near the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean and the sub-polar low pressure system near Iceland.

The surface pressure drives surface winds and Wintertime storms from West-to-East across the North Atlantic, ultimately affecting weather and climate from New England to Western Europe, as far eastward as central Siberia and the Eastern Mediterranean, and southward to Africa. In case you're wondering, we broke the record for the deepest negative NAO for the month of June since 1950. The negative phase of the NAO increases sea surface temperature due to decreased evaporational cooling. This chart was provided by Ralph Fato. Take a look:

So, why is this important? When the NAO Index is in its negative phase, the Tropical Atlantic and Gulf Coast have an increased number of strong hurricanes, northern Europe is drier, and Mediterranean countries have increased precipitation. When the NAO is positive phase, the northeastern United States sees an increase in temperature and a decrease in snow days, the central U. S. has increased precipitation, the North Sea has an increase in storms, and Northern Europe has warmer temperatures and increased precipitation.

The negative NAO typically enhances tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic due to weaker trade winds, while a positive NAO typically suppresses tropical cyclone activity due to stronger than normal trade winds that prevent the disturbance from attaining a well-defined center. The positive NAO correlates with above average Mean Sea Level Pressure (MSLP), which is unfavorable for tropical cyclogenesis. A negative NAO correlates with below average MSLP, which enhances tropical cyclogenesis.

As far as the long-range forecast is concerned, the negative NAO index phase results in fewer and weaker Winter storms crossing on a more West-to-East pathway. They bring moist air into the Mediterranean and cold air to northern Europe. The East Coast of the United States experiences more cold air outbreaks and snowy weather conditions.

As for the long-term, will there be more tropical activity in the Atlantic this season? Are we in for a Winter similar to the one two years ago? The NAO suggests we may very well be. As for the short-term forecast, another sunny and warm day is ahead with afternoon temperatures in the mid-to-upper 80s. Tonight will be mostly clear and mild with lows in the 60s. The weekend will become quite warm and more humid with showers and thunderstorms Sunday. Daytime highs will reach well into the 80s.

 Paul

Use Caution When Exercising Outdoors in Summer Heat

This has been an especially warm July. Thus far this month, the average temperature in southwestern Connecticut is 79.1 degrees, which is a whopping 5.6 degrees above normal. Daytime high temperatures are expected to climb into the 80s the rest of the week and may reach 90 degrees by the weekend. If you spend any amount of time outside exercising during the Summer, use common sense.

The first rule of thumb, naturally, is to avoid any strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day. That's generally between 11 o'clock in the morning through 3 o'clock in the afternoon when the Sun's rays are the hottest. The early morning and evening hours are the best time to exercise outside. Obviously, you'll want to avoid any outdoor exercise when there is an Air Quality Alert or the air pollution is especially high.

When you exercise in the Summer heat you need to protect your body from overheating. Be sure to take precautions for a safe summer workout. Exercising outdoors in the Summer heat can be dangerous, or even fatal, to your health if you don’t use good judgment. Of course, the logical alternative is to work out indoors in cool temperatures. But if you must exercise in the heat, here are some guidelines, courtesy of suite101.com.

Although keeping hydrated is important regardless of the temperature, it’s even more crucial in the hot Summer months. Besides drinking a basic requirement (at least six eight-ounce glasses) of water daily, include sports drinks both before and after a workout. Staying hydrated is especially critical if you plan to exercise for an extended period. Runners should always carry a water pack. Failing to do so could put you in jeopardy of circulatory failure.

As for clothing, wear light fabrics such as synthetics and silks that don’t retain heat, as well as release moisture from your body for good airflow. As for colors, select clothes with light colors, avoiding darks. Select fabrics that "breathe," allowing moisture to be released from your body. Not only do hats shield your skin from the sun, but they also shield the sun from heating up the blood vessels lining your scalp. When wearing a hat in the heat, occasionally take it off to let the heat escape.

If your choice of exercise is a sport such as tennis, be sure to take short, frequent breaks. By doing so, you allow your body parts that are working hard to rest, reducing your odds of injury. Also, pay close attention to your body. For example, if you’re in the middle of a run and your body tells you to rest, then take a break.

When you feel the least bit faint or nauseous --- which could be red lights for heat exhaustion --- stop exercising. Failure to not rest in the shade and hydrate until you recover could result in a heat stroke or even worse conditions. If you work out for more than an hour, be sure to have some carbohydrates handy to eat because carbs are quickly metabolized in the heat. Some sports drinks also contain carbs.

Use precaution and common sense when exercising in the water. A pool or lake may cool you off on a hot Summer day. But you can still get dehydrated and overheated. If you’re planning a rigorous water workout, check the water temperature (75 to 78 degrees Farenheit is ideal). A pool temperature higher than 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius) is too hot and not suitable for a workout. Take breaks, drinking sufficient water to make sure you stay hydrated.

Paul