The Middle House (aka one of our storage sheds). We’ve had a relatively easy winter so far with higher than average temperatures and next to no snow. Both of those concern me. It’s hard to tell whether they’re part of the climate crisis, La Nina, or because of both. But I believe that less snow we have the more likely we’ll experience an extended drought this summer.
For the past five years, we've been off-grid now we've noticed that the summers are hotter and a lot of people we know run dry constantly since then.
We even had to get a new septic field after engineers had tested our ground and approved one system, only to find out that the tested ground was only so dry and it was a totally different thing when fall and some rain came.
Maybe all the clear-cutting and the, therefore, missing "filter" of the forest means that the water in the ground can evaporate faster?!
And if it comes to wintery conditions....well, we've learned that we definitely don't rely on the forecast. Just are always prepared not having to leave if the weather does look kind of unpredictable. Also taking into consideration that we know that we're in a rural area and it sometimes takes the plows 2-3 days to get the main road cleared.
Also, every time we do find someone in the ditch (which happens a lot), they're out there because the just had to get some milk (speaking of being prepared) and the cars...yeah, I know winter tires are expensive, but, if you live rurally, all year tires just don't cut it! Then, no shovel, or a bag of sand or even a blanket (to stay warm in case you're stranded) in the trunk and often being in such a rush that they don't clear the iced-up windows....well, what a surprise you land in the ditch! But these are just some thoughts "no the side".
I hear you on the tires. I have studded tires on my car, and was out today...but, they're less than great tires. Even with the studs, I was still sliding around on our back road, so ended up creeping along at 30 km. Part of the problem is, when I bought my car three years ago we had no idea we've be off-grid. I still have four years left on it, so as much as I'd love to have a truck or an all-wheel drive vehicle I have to stick with my current car, which is much better suited to Halifax than here.
Oh it's the Climate Crisis alright. Sorry but we are past just calling it climate change.
Yes, there will be drought, but there will also be floods. It's extreme weather. We need the snow cover in Winter for our plants to survive next growing season. Some of our tree species are starting to fail to adapt to everything brought to them from global warming.
When someone says to me "Nice weather, eh?".....I tell them how nature works & they get it. But I tell them. Takes about 15 minutes tops.
To be fair, 3 of the 4 major weather models did see this snowstorm coming, as early as last Tuesday, and 2 of the 4 forecast 20-30 cm for the Bridgewater/Lunenburg area. The problem was that the main model that Environment Canada and the Weather Network uses didn’t come in line with the others until late Thursday. These small Alberta Clipper storms have always been difficult to pinpoint. HRM got 15-20 cm, Stewiacke got 0, Springfield got 52 cm!
CBC or the Weather Network failed to call this one properly. And their record generally over the past year has been uniformly poor when it comes to weather prediction.
You could write a whole story about weather forecasting. First, don’t look at The Weather Network app if you need the best forecast available. The forecast models are generally improving, but most people don’t want probability forecasts (ie 70% chance of mix and sun and clouds and 30% chance of 15+ cm of snow), or different forecasts based on what each of the different models show. Weather forecasting is fascinating when you look at the models that all of the weather forecasters use to build a forecast.
Whatever didn't come in line with whatever almost got me killed on the road on Friday....& there was a 5 car pile up in front of me....but my appt was changed from 2 pm to 2:10....hmmmm.
Glad you got through that safely! We drove to Lunenburg this afternoon, and the back roads have yet to be plowed. It was a bit anxiety-inducing to say the least
Sure is pretty !
For the past five years, we've been off-grid now we've noticed that the summers are hotter and a lot of people we know run dry constantly since then.
We even had to get a new septic field after engineers had tested our ground and approved one system, only to find out that the tested ground was only so dry and it was a totally different thing when fall and some rain came.
Maybe all the clear-cutting and the, therefore, missing "filter" of the forest means that the water in the ground can evaporate faster?!
And if it comes to wintery conditions....well, we've learned that we definitely don't rely on the forecast. Just are always prepared not having to leave if the weather does look kind of unpredictable. Also taking into consideration that we know that we're in a rural area and it sometimes takes the plows 2-3 days to get the main road cleared.
Also, every time we do find someone in the ditch (which happens a lot), they're out there because the just had to get some milk (speaking of being prepared) and the cars...yeah, I know winter tires are expensive, but, if you live rurally, all year tires just don't cut it! Then, no shovel, or a bag of sand or even a blanket (to stay warm in case you're stranded) in the trunk and often being in such a rush that they don't clear the iced-up windows....well, what a surprise you land in the ditch! But these are just some thoughts "no the side".
I hear you on the tires. I have studded tires on my car, and was out today...but, they're less than great tires. Even with the studs, I was still sliding around on our back road, so ended up creeping along at 30 km. Part of the problem is, when I bought my car three years ago we had no idea we've be off-grid. I still have four years left on it, so as much as I'd love to have a truck or an all-wheel drive vehicle I have to stick with my current car, which is much better suited to Halifax than here.
Oh it's the Climate Crisis alright. Sorry but we are past just calling it climate change.
Yes, there will be drought, but there will also be floods. It's extreme weather. We need the snow cover in Winter for our plants to survive next growing season. Some of our tree species are starting to fail to adapt to everything brought to them from global warming.
When someone says to me "Nice weather, eh?".....I tell them how nature works & they get it. But I tell them. Takes about 15 minutes tops.
How do you pull your water from the brook ?
We have a foot valve that draws the water to the house. It then goes through a UV system.
Very interesting
To be fair, 3 of the 4 major weather models did see this snowstorm coming, as early as last Tuesday, and 2 of the 4 forecast 20-30 cm for the Bridgewater/Lunenburg area. The problem was that the main model that Environment Canada and the Weather Network uses didn’t come in line with the others until late Thursday. These small Alberta Clipper storms have always been difficult to pinpoint. HRM got 15-20 cm, Stewiacke got 0, Springfield got 52 cm!
CBC or the Weather Network failed to call this one properly. And their record generally over the past year has been uniformly poor when it comes to weather prediction.
Check out Spotwx.com for a simple visualization of the different model forecasts for any specific location.
You could write a whole story about weather forecasting. First, don’t look at The Weather Network app if you need the best forecast available. The forecast models are generally improving, but most people don’t want probability forecasts (ie 70% chance of mix and sun and clouds and 30% chance of 15+ cm of snow), or different forecasts based on what each of the different models show. Weather forecasting is fascinating when you look at the models that all of the weather forecasters use to build a forecast.
& you think CBC radio could do this.
Whatever didn't come in line with whatever almost got me killed on the road on Friday....& there was a 5 car pile up in front of me....but my appt was changed from 2 pm to 2:10....hmmmm.
Glad you got through that safely! We drove to Lunenburg this afternoon, and the back roads have yet to be plowed. It was a bit anxiety-inducing to say the least
oh...I didnt get through. They turned us back. Exit 15. I shouldnt have even been on the road but my appt was to visit my Dad in the Seniors Home.