The Ice Age Cometh! Forget Global Warming!

[Ca.]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1831159985453363222

https://twitter.com/x/status/1831240088195363110

The first flakes mixed with rain are in sight at Pic du Midi 2800m 0.5 degrees. The first of the weather autumn!

A short time later

https://twitter.com/x/status/1831330446954627308

0 degrees at 2800m and there are the real first snowflakes alone of the season at the Pic du Midi

https://twitter.com/x/status/1831341787937636401

Port de la Bonaigua 2072, raining at only 8ºC

https://twitter.com/x/status/1830976874937553096

 

[treesparrow]

Up to 10 Feet of Snowfall Forecast for Parts of the European Alps - SnowBrains

From Friday, September 13, to Sunday, September 15, meteorologists are forecasting up to three meters (10 feet) of snowfall for the Northeastern Alps. It is possible that between 300-400 millimeters of precipitation could fall on the weekend, and the snowline is expected to drop as low as 1,000...

snowbrains.com

Up to 10 Feet of Snowfall Forecast for Parts of the European Alps​

Models vary but the precipitation could possibly hit southern Germany or northern Italy the hardest. | Image: kachelmannwetter.com via Wetterwarnungen Suerdtirol Instagram

From Friday, September 13, to Sunday, September 15, meteorologists are forecasting up to three meters (10 feet) of snowfall for the Northeastern Alps. It is possible that between 300-400 millimeters of precipitation could fall on the weekend, and the snowline is expected to drop as low as 1,000 meters (3,280 feet). The strongest precipitation is expected in the Northeastern Alps and parts of Eastern Europe, including Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, Poland, and Austria. The weather system could stretch all the way to Lithuania and Latvia. Meteorologists are warning of flash floods, fallen trees, and landslides. Precipitation is expected to start on Thursday evening.

A significant low is moving from northern Italy, which is carrying a lot of humidity north towards Austria. On the west side of the low, cool air from northern Europe is tapped and pressed against the north side of the Alps. This results in heavy precipitation, so-called stagnant precipitation. This is combined with a drop in temperatures driven by Arctic air being pushed from the North. Meteorologist Pieter Groenemejer called the predictions “potentially disastrous.”

The weather models vary, with some predicting the heaviest snowfall for Tyrol in Austria and Trentino and South Tyrol in Italy, while others see the worst of the storms in southern Germany or even Czechia. As the weekend moves closer, the predictability of the models will increase, and we will update our readers accordingly. OpenSnow is currently forecasting up to 67 inches of snowfall for Austrian ski resorts. While the forecast sounds exciting to snow lovers, it can be extremely dangerous as most trees still carry foliage, posing a risk of collapsing. This huge amount of snow in such a short period will likely cause avalanches and potentially mudslides as the ground has not had time to freeze sufficiently. If you are in the regions in question, avoid any unnecessary travel and make sure to avoid wooded areas.

Dangerous flooding could occur across parts of Austria and Czechia. | Image: Pieter Groenemejer Twitter (X)

 

[treesparrow]

Day 2 of the summer snowstorm in the European Alps - at least 30 inches of snow thus far

More images are coming from European ski resorts in the northeastern Alps as the low-pressure system is moving across the European Alps. While so far only about 50-75 centimeters (20-30 inches) have fallen so far, the brunt of the snowstorm is...

www.sott.net

© @UnwetterFreaks XObertauern saw 60cm of snow.
More images are coming from European ski resorts in the northeastern Alps as the low-pressure system is moving across the European Alps. While so far only about 50-75 centimeters (20-30 inches) have fallen so far, the brunt of the snowstorm is yet to come. The next 24 hours are expected to be quite dramatic as 200mm of precipitation is forecast in some regions and 400mm over the next 48 hours.

It is expected that this will come down as snow above 1,000 meters (3,280 feet). Massive snow breakage, avalanches, and mudslides are to be expected in those regions. Remote mountain villages could be cut off for several days from the outside world and basic infrastructure, such as transportation, power, etc., is also under threat. Lower areas are anticipated to be at risk of flashfloods. Local authorities are expecting a century flood for regions in Eastern Europe.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1834563180963516895

© KachelmannwetterThe forecast for the next 24 hours is for up to 1 meter (3 feet) of snowfall.
It is currently raining particularly heavily on the northern side of the Alps, from the Allgäu, Tyrol, Salzburger Land, and Upper Austria, and precipitation is expected to increase even more in the next few hours. Snowfall has been reported all the way down to 620 meters (2,034 feet). Road conditions are winter conditions in most alpine areas on the northside of the Alps, due to heavy snowfall and snow breakage (breaking of branches and falling trees through the snowfall).

Due to the abundant rains, the soils have softened, so the roots of the trees have less support in the ground. In addition to the fact that trees are still carrying full foliage, they are therefore fall over more easily. During the course of Saturday, the precipitation is forecast to move east towards Slovakia and Czechia. There is a big risk of flashfloods, mudslides, and landslides for lower areas. In addition, stormy winds can reach gusts of up to 80-100 km/h (50-62 mp/h).

It is recommended for residents to stay at home in the affected areas. Avoid unnecessary car journeys and don't enter basements, which could flood quickly. Residents and visitors should also prepare for possible power failures. Several mountain passes had to close unexpectedly. The Klausen Pass, Susten Pass, Furka Pass, Gotthard Pass, Oberalp Pass, Nufenen Pass, and Flüela Pass in Switzerland are closed due to snow. In Austria, the Silvretta-Hochalpen Pass and the Grossglockner-Hochalpen Pass are closed. Some of these passes have hotels and visitors have been left stranded in those high alpine locations. Holiday travellers are asked to avoid these areas.

PHOTOS

© Schilthorn-Piz Gloria InstagramSchilthorn, known from the James Bond movie “On her Majesty’s Secret Service” looked like it was December and not September.

© Ski Lodge Engelberg InstagramEngelberg in Switzerland is home to the famous rotating gondola.

© Carlo Budel InstagramThe peak cross at Marmolada, Italy.

© Mario GerlRoad chaos due to snow on the roads and cars with summer tires.

© Skischule AndermattNot all cows have been taken down from the Alpine pastures yet.

© Berchtesgaden FacebookWintery images from Bertchesgaden in Germany.

© Heimo Opers FacebookImpressions from Austria.

© Heimo Opers FacebookImpressions from Austria.

 

[Ca.]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1835931964617920601

https://twitter.com/x/status/1835946979291209789

https://twitter.com/x/status/1835858063489998862

The higher elevations along the northern and southern Sierra Nevada Mountains will receive a mild dusting of Neige above 10,000'

Reno, NV Weather Forecast Office

https://twitter.com/x/status/1835767551852433626

Probabilistic Snowfall Forecasts
The purpose of these experimental probabilistic snowfall products is to provide customers and partners a range of snowfall possibilities, in complement to existing NWS deterministic snowfall graphics, to better communicate forecast uncertainties during winter weather events. For more information visit this project's Product/Service Description Document, and please provide us your feedback here.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1835559132859920707

 

[Joe]

I think this is a growing hit for the Cs.

9 May 1998

Q: How does global warming cause glaciers?

A: Increases precipitation dramatically. Then moves the belt of great precipitation much farther north. This causes rapid buildup of ice sheets, followed by increasingly rapid and intense glacial rebound.

Why parts of the Sahara desert are turning green this month​

Parts of the Sahara desert are dramatically greener than usual, while the Atlantic hurricane season has been slower than expected. It turns out these two developments are both linked to an unexpected northward shift in storminess across Africa.

In North Africa, some of the driest places on Earth have seen five times their average September rainfall. Flooding has affected more than 4 million people in 14 countries, according to the U.N. World Food Program. Heavy rain and floods have killed or displaced thousands and disrupted farming activities in areas where there already isn’t enough food for the population.

A northward shift in the region of clouds and rain that circles Earth near the equator is responsible for the flooding and greening. In this area, called the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), Southern Hemisphere winds blowing from the southeast converge with Northern Hemisphere winds blowing from the northeast. The combination of converging winds, strong sun and warm ocean water leads to rising, moist air and constant clouds, showers and thunderstorms.

The movement of the ITCZ north and south of the equator during the year is primarily driven by the difference in temperature between the Northern and Southern hemispheres. It drifts toward the warmer hemisphere, which means it resides north of the equator during the Northern Hemisphere summer, usually reaching its northernmost point in August or September.

Scientists aren’t sure exactly why the ITCZ has wobbled so far north this year. It could be because of the near-record warmth in the North Atlantic Ocean, increasing the temperature difference between the Northern and Southern hemispheres

There could also be a connection to global warming heating the Northern Hemisphere more than the Southern Hemisphere. “The Northern Hemisphere, as there is more land than the Southern Hemisphere, tends to warm up more and hence it could push the ITCZ further north,” Pausata said in an email.

The northward shift in the ITCZ may also be contributing to the lack of Atlantic hurricane activity. Because tropical waves spawned by the ITCZ are exiting Africa into the Atlantic Ocean farther north than usual, they have been encountering cooler air and waters, which can limit the potential for development.

 

[treesparrow]

As the southern hemisphere turns into spring South Africa is hit with unusual, late and heavy snowfall.

Multiple roads closed as motorists are trapped by late heavy snowfall in South Africa - 2 dead from hypothermia, snowdrifts of 2 meters (UPDATED)

The N3 Toll Route has been closed from Estcourt in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands to Harrismith in the Free State due to heavy snowfall. This after the snowfall left motorists stranded in their vehicles and unable to move due to the thick snow on...

www.sott.net

Motorists have been stranded on snow-blocked roads in parts of KZN and the Free State.
The N3 Toll Route has been closed from Estcourt in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands to Harrismith in the Free State due to heavy snowfall.

This after the snowfall left motorists stranded in their vehicles and unable to move due to the thick snow on Friday evening.

Arrive Alive issued a warning to motorists to avoid Harrismith in the Free State and Howick in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

"In the interest of safety, all traffic is being stopped at Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal and the Harrismith South Interchange in the Free State. Where possible, vehicles are being turned around at strategic locations on the route."

https://twitter.com/x/status/1837351273244373386

Motorists have further been warned to avoid using alternative routes as conditions were hazardous

"It is highly recommended that road users immediately suspend travel to the areas as the roads will remain closed to traffic until driving conditions have improved and it is deemed safe for travel to resume," Arrive Alive said in statement.

Meanwhile, the Midlands EMS has deployed a support rescue unit to the N3 to assist with medical emergencies.

"We urge the public to avoid travelling on the roads, as they are extremely slippery and icy due to the snowfall," said Midlands EMS spokesperson, Roland Robertson.

"Rescuers are responding to numerous calls and are doing their best to reach everyone in need as quickly as possible."

These are the road closures:

- R74 (Harrismith to Bergville): Heavy snowfall on Oliviershoek Pass

- R74 Greytown/Colenso Road: Heavy snowfall at Santa Maria

- N3, Harrismith to Tugela Toll:

- R617, Kokstad to Underberg

- N2 Ingeli: Under close observation

- N3 Mooi-River: Under close observation

- Tugela Plaza

- R103

- N3 North at Midmar/Howick

AFP reports:

Unusually heavy snowfall caused major disruption on South Africa's roads Saturday with people still stranded at midday after spending the night stuck in their vehicles.

The key N3 highway linking Johannesburg and the east coast city of Durban was one of the worst affected and several portions were closed, with even detours impassible, officials said.

Emergency services were working to reach people in their vehicles but it was still not clear how many were affected and in what condition they were, N3 Toll Concession operations manager Thania Dhoogra told the ENCA broadcaster.

"Emergency services have been working flat out through the night. They have been attempting to reach as many roads users as they can," Dhoogra said.

Blankets and meals had been delivered to some stranded motorists, the government of the KwaZulu-Natal province said in a statement at midday.

Trucks had been parked on the side of the road since Friday, Road Traffic Management Corporation communications officer Simon Zwane told AFP. "Buses travelling between provinces have been stuck at petrol stations for around seven hours," he said.

Motorist Muhammad Goolam told the Newzroom Afrika channel that he had spent the night in his car with his children outside the town of Harrismith, around 270 kilometres (170 miles) southeast of Johannesburg.

"Over 13 hours, food supplies out, I don't see us managing to drive out of here without any assistant from emergency personnel," he said.

Some areas had seen up to two metres (six feet) of snowfall, the Arrive Alive road safety campaign said in a post on X.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=533240605848882

Update September 22

IOL reports:

At least two people died from hypothermia after they were trapped in the heavy snow on the N3 in KwaZulu-Natal over the weekend.

During a briefing on Sunday afternoon, KZN acting Premier Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa said while some motorists still remain trapped, many have been rescued.

This comes after road users spent two nights in their cars as they were unable to move due to the heavy snow.

 

[iamthatis]

I remembered two winters ago during a -20C cold snap, my truck had trouble starting. We don't often get super cold winters where I live, it's usually pretty dry and around 0C to -5C. I was unprepared for the -20C snap that year, and ended up needing to get a new battery after the winter was over. This year to prepare a bit more, I looked into options for those hard-start mornings.

One option is to get a battery booster to make sure there is enough juice to get things cranking. Another option is to get a battery blanket, which insulates the battery and prevents freezing and the associated loss of charge. You can get electric ones that heat the battery, or buy an unheated blankie for the battery. I figured it'd work well enough to just wrap the battery in some aluminum foil insulation like Reflectix (R21 rating), wrap the battery, tape it secure, and save some money.

But if it's super cold, the oil will be sluggish, and also the gas itself won't vaporize properly, and that's a whole different issue than battery power. This is dealt with up North by plugging in a block heater, and my truck is a Southern belle and didn't come with one. I looked into after-market block heaters, and there are a few options.

The most common is a frost plug, which is basically a small heater head that mounts to the engine block, and is powered via extension cord. Another is an oil pan heater - the frost plug doesn't heat all the oil sitting in the pan. The pan heater attaches to the bottom of the oil pan and heats from the bottom up.

The third option, and as I was told, the best option, is to get an in-line radiator hose heater. This is installed in the bottom radiator hose, and includes both a heater and a pump. It circulates heated 'coolant', warming up just about everything. It's also powered via extension cord. So I got one of those and will install it. Putting it in is pretty easy, too, just drain the radiator fluid, cut the bottom hose in a convenient place, insert the unit, clamp it in place, run the cord through the grill, and refill the radiator.

I'm guessing there are a lot of things Northern people do to make it comfortable that I didn't know about. Wearing animal skins instead of down or wool is another - skins or furs offer way better insulation. Anyways, just thought I'd mention the vehicle stuff in case anyone finds it useful as more intense cold starts to move South.