Extreme Southwestern Connecticut Remains in a "Moderate Drought"

Extreme southwestern Connecticut remains in a "moderate" drought, according to the latest Drought Monitor Index released Thursday, August 25, 2022. pic.twitter.com/Nq1nzP2jmp

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorek) August 25, 2022

Restrictions on Water Use Are Increasing Across Connecticut

Although parts of eastern Connecticut received significant rain Monday and Tuesday, southwestern Connecticut was able to muster little --- if any --- rainfall. In fact, the Bridgeport climate station at Sikorksy Memorial Airport in Stratford recorded only three-hundredths of an inch of rain Monday.

As a result, the monthly rain total through August 22 is still less than one inch (0.81"), and August is the seventh month out of eight this year with below-normal precipitation at Bridgeport.

Restrictions on water use have increased across Connecticut. Here is the latest information, courtesy of Connecticut News Junkie: 

https://ctnewsjunkie.com/2022/08/23/water-use-restrictions-popping-up-around-connecticut-as-drought-conditions-worsen/.

"We desperately need rain," is a refrain we've heard all-too-frequently across southwestern Connecticut this Summer.

Paul

"Moderate Drought" Continues for Southwestern Connecticut

Southwestern Connecticut is officially in a "moderate drought," according to the latest Drought Monitor Index, released last Thursday, August 18, 2022. We desperately need rain.

However, there is hope this week. About an inch-and-a-half of rain is expected across southwestern Connecticut through Thursday evening, according to the latest precipitation forecast issued by the National Weather Service.

The precipitation statistics for August and for the calendar year at the Bridgeport climate station are quite alarming:

During the first three weeks of August at the Bridgeport climate station there have been just four days with measured rain. However, that includes one day with only one-hundredth of an inch. Southwestern Connecticut remains in a "moderate drought." pic.twitter.com/Zps0Hpd1WS

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorek) August 21, 2022

With the exception of February, every month this year at the Bridgeport climate station has featured below-normal precipitation. The annual preciptation total (21.32") is more than a half-foot below normal (27.86"). pic.twitter.com/UyTksL8EMU

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorek) August 21, 2022

Paul

My Letter to the Lake Hills Association Regarding the Proposed Roundup and Killing of Canada Geese

Good morning.

I am a lifetime resident of Lake Hills, having lived in Fairfield for all of my nearly-64 years.

It has come to my attention that several neighbors are proposing a “round-up” and killing of Canada geese due to the nuisance and inconvenience they create.

Lethal roundups are ineffective and unacceptable, and there are other methods to control the goose population.

To the best of my knowledge, there haven’t been any health issues or sickness due to the geese, and I have lived here since 1958. This is simply a case of a few neighbors being “inconvenienced.”

According to the Humane Society of the United States, “In some communities, Canada geese are rounded up and killed because people find them to be a nuisance, particularly when goose droppings accumulate. This is wrong. It is not ethical to kill wild birds merely because their mess bothers us or we find them a nuisance, and it’s not necessary to kill geese to resolve conflicts.”

As a Fairfield professional educator who works closely with the Mill River Wetlands Committee each month throughout the school year, my students learn about river and lake habitats and ecosystems. We are “stewards” of the environment and learn the key and critical piece played by each living organism.

As you may know, I am a former 25-year local television and radio meteorologist who continues to maintain a database of environmental and meteorological daily records for the Mill River along Brookside Drive. My Earth Science students and I take seven monthly water quality tests at the river for the MRWC. I respect and value all life forms. 

We should not kill Canada geese simply because of their “inconvenience.” This should not even be an “issue.” They have always been a part of the fabric of our Lake Hills community.

Please see the following website: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/problem-canada-goose-round-ups

I would be happy to speak with you concerning this matter.

Thank you for your time and courtesy.

Sincerely,

Mr. Paul Piorek

Fairfield, CT

Tips for Exercising in Heat and Humidity of July

It sure is hot and humid outside this afternoon. In fact, the air temperature is in the mid 80s with a dew point close to 70 degrees, making it feel downright tropical.

Naturally, use caution if you're going to be outside for any length of time when the weather is brutally hot. If you enjoy a daily workout outside during the Summer, you have to use common sense, too. 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 common sense. 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. As for today, keep an eye to the smky late this afternoon and this evening for possible string to severe thunderstorms as a front approaches from the west. 

Paul

Lawn Care Tips During Hot and Dry July Weather

How is your lawn doing? My lawn is beginning to feel the effects of the strong July sunshine and hot weather this month. Only two of the last 17 days (June 27 and July 5) featured any measured rain across southwestern Connecticut, resulting in less than one inch (0.96") of precipitation.

The brown spots and dried-out grass are becoming more widespread on my lawn. Many people are using their sprinklers to water their lawns. Have you ever wondered when is the best time to water the lawn? According to allaboutlawns.com, the best time to turn on your sprinkler is about 5 o'clock in the morning. Why? "Early morning watering is best due to the lack of evaporation that takes place, low winds that can blow you lawn dry, high humidity, and morning dew that adds to the moisture. 

"Early morning watering helps to prevent lawn diseases that can be caused by watering at night because it gives your lawn time to dry by night fall. Obviously, this can be best accomplished with a sprinkler system, unless you just can't sleep, especially during the Summer months." 

Here's another tip. Try watering a day before you plan on mowing your lawn if you dislike the browning that forms on the tips of the grass afterwards. This will allow your lawn to recover from the cutting and help it to look nicer as a result. Did you know that during the hottest Summer months, the surface of your closely cropped lawn can easily climb two dozen degrees above the outdoor air temperature? Heat is a killer. 

So is moisture loss, which occurs when the lawn is cut too frequently during high temperatures. Heat-stressed, dry lawns are extremely susceptible to insects, spotting, weeds, and root disease as they try to heal from literally being scalped. Many of my neighbors hire lawn cutters who appear at the same time every week to mow the lawns, whether they need it or not. 

According to allaboutlawns.com, it's important to realize that mowing actually creates a routine lawn injury. You can minimize the damage by using sharp blades and mowing in cooler morning or evening hours, but only when the lawn is dry. In the Summer months, you may have to mow more frequently, but always mow at a higher cut. If you're cutting more than 1/3 of the total height of the grass, you're scalping it. 

Take care when mowing your lawn this Summer. Properly mowed lawns retain moisture, fostering deeper root growth, and the healthy blades of grass produce more of the nutrients necessary for your lawn to thrive in difficult conditions. So, even in the driest and warmest time of the year, it is possible to keep your lawn watered regularly and cut when needed.

Paul