RED FLAG WARNING TODAY!

We have our first RED FLAG WARNING of the season today! 

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM
EDT THIS EVENING FOR ELEVATED FIRE WEATHER POTENTIAL FOR WESTERN
AND CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS....

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN TAUNTON HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING FOR RELATIVELY HUMIDITY VALUES AS LOW AS 20 PERCENT AND
WIND GUSTS APPROACHING 25 MILES PER HOUR...WHICH IS IN EFFECT
FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING. THE FIRE
WEATHER WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* AFFECTED AREA...WESTERN AND CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS...PARTICULARLY
  AREAS OF HIGHER TERRAIN.

* WINDS...SOUTHWEST 10 TO 15 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 25 MPH.

* TIMING...WINDS WILL BECOME MOST GUSTY BETWEEN 3 PM AND 7 PM
  MONDAY.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AS LOW AS 24 PERCENT.

* TEMPERATURES...HIGHS IN THE UPPER 70S TO LOWER 80S.

This means EXTREME caution around flames outdoors, even those as small as a cigarette. 

We also will see a high pollen count, so our condolences to those who are suffering. Good news for the plants, though!

Today's forecast is sunny with a high near 80!  If you're not an allergy sufferer, it's a GORGEOUS day outside.

At 7:30 am, it is 59.5 degrees and rising.
The humidity is 46% and falling (that's part of what feeds the fire warning).
The barometer is 30.03 and steady under clear blue skies
We currently are seeing no measurable wind at the Lodge.
Both stream channels are open and running. 

RED FLAG WARNING

Note that the National Weather Service has issued a RED FLAG WARNING for Central Massachusetts. Due to high winds and very dry conditions, the danger of fire spreading is extreme.

Red flag still up

The red flag warning (see below) is still posted. The only hope of escaping that is for the rain that is forecasted for this evening to amount to something.

At 9 am, it is 58.3 degrees and rising
38% humidity and steady
30.36 inches of mercury
Stream stands at 4.4 inches

We really could use some help tonight with the tent platform if you're free!

Another Red Flag Fire Warning

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN TAUNTON HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 PM EDT
THIS EVENING. THE FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

THIS WARNING INCLUDES SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE... MUCH OF WESTERN AND
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS AND NORTHERN CONNECTICUT.

VERY LITTLE RAIN HAS FALLEN ACROSS SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND OVER THE
PAST WEEK. SOUTHERLY WINDS WILL INCREASE RAPIDLY BETWEEN NOON AND 2
PM IN THE CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY. THEREAFTER...THE INCREASING WIND
WILL SPREAD INTO THE WORCESTER HILLS AND SOUTH CENTRAL NEW HAMPSHIRE
BETWEEN 3 PM AND 6 PM.

Lovely Weather

76.8 and rising degrees F
41 and steady % Humidity
30.06 and steady inches of mercury
0.00 for the Rain
4+11 for the Stream Level
At 9:00
RED FLAG FIRE DANGER it might go as high as 90!

And now for the less dramatic part of our report

At 9 am , it is 53.2 degrees and rising; it may top 70 today!
38% humidity and falling (and there, plus wind, is the fire danger)
Barometer is at 30.15 inches and steady
Stream is at 4.6 inches
Fire danger, you can read about below.

BEAUTIFUL DAY! Just leave your flames at home!

Red Flag Warning in Effect!

UPDATE: From noon to 8pm today, a red flag fire warning is in effect. The lack of rain for the past four days (last observed rain at the Lodge was a trace 5 days ago at 0.08"), plus (updated to strong) winds, (and updated to include lightning strike possibilities this evening/night) add up to a potential for fire.

At 9 am, it is 63 degrees and rising.
55% humidity
Barometer holding steady at 29.91 inches of mercury.
We did some more rock raking yesterday and hope to have the whole driveway in shape this week.
The squirrels and birds are busy this morning.

As of 3:36 p.m., it is 77.2 degrees and falling.
37% humidity and steady.
Barometer falling to 29.80" of mercury.

As of 7:18 p.m., it is 68.9 degrees F and falling.
52% humidity and steady.
Barometer presently stable at 29.77" of mercury.

Something as yet and heretofore unobserved here at the Lodge:
Someone used and locked up to the bikerack installed some three years ago this afternoon!
May it be but the first of many such observances.