(This week's) climate change: rain like Florida
By Neil Munshi, Globe Correspondent
No, Bostonians, you haven't stumbled into Florida. The weather has just
felt that way in the past week or so, when almost daily bursts of
thunderstorms have interrupted otherwise tranquil, if humid, afternoons.
A pool of cold air hovering over south-central Canada, coupled with a hot
and humid air mass over southern New England, have combined to create
the turbulent weather, said Charlie Foley, a National Weather Service
meteorologist in Taunton. A cold pocket above that humid air mass made the storms more severe, said his colleague, Rebecca Gould.
“It’s fair to say we had basically a tropical air mass in place,” Foley
said. “It’s not unusual to have thunderstorm activity in late-June or July,
but to have the frequency we’ve had the last week to 10 days is.” He added
that the storms have been hit and miss, so some cities and towns have had
only occasional downpours.
Wednesday afternoon, Foley said, Somerville was hit by one-inch hail, unusual for the region. And Braintree recorded 62-mile-per-hour winds. Heavy rain caused some urban flooding, Foley said.
A strong cold front should move through the region Thursday night, and if
it keeps moving out to sea, the holiday weekend should be relatively
tranquil, with cooler temperatures expected, Foley said. If it stalls over
southeastern Massachusetts, however, residents could be in for more
Floridian weather.
Readers, has it felt like Florida to you? Did you have an urge for an early-bird dinner? Have your say on this tropical weather in our comments section below.
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i ate at 3 today
Yes, it has felt just like Florida the past few days. Of course I live in Boca Raton where it feels like Florida all winter long.
The clouds have been absolutely gorgeous!
Today's wild storm produced some stunning effects in the skies.
OY! :)
We are doomed. The arctic caps are melting, and we are having Caribbean weather in Boston. What's next? The "new" backbay will look like Venice.
As a former Bostonian living in Florida, I can say that is what the summer months are like. Everyday around 2pm the clouds build and thunderstorms erupt. It kills our business (restuarant) during this time of year. The early birds stay home and order delivery (they still won't cook)
It feels more like climate change due to global warming. Get used to it humans this may become the norm as we continue to treat our Earth like a trash can...
I was born in Florida and spent my first 25 years there, so this weather has seemed very familiar. I also gained a great respect for lightning. I had friends who were struck. I know enough to stay clear of trees and other tall objects when lightning is in the area, and avoid large open spaces like fields or parking lots. If possible, seek protection inside a building. Florida has the highest number of lightning deaths and injuries, so when Florida weather hits, act like a Floridian.
Who really believes the=at the climate is not changing before our eyes? Changes that once occured over hundreds, thousands, and even longer periods are occuring over the course of years. Whether it's from depleted ozone and other high atmospheric causes, or densely urbanized areas, "you don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows", right Jeff Jacoby?
I used to go to florida all the time
Hopefully the hurricane attraction to Florida (& trailer camps) won't become part of the changing weather pattern for New England.
If Al Gore had been elected, this never would have happened.
I blame the liberal media for this hysteria.
Jeff Jacoby wouldn't be able to find Florida on a map unless Louffahboy pointed to it.
I feel the need to wear a wide white patent leather belt, matching shoes and a straw hat.
Well if this is caused by Global Warming, then it has my full support! In fact, I'll even go out and buy an SUV. Unfortunately, we couldn't be that lucky. This is New England and we are doomed to 9 months of winter beginning mid September and ending in mid June. As far as I'm concerned, Global warming can't happen fast enough!
When reading this article I was wondering how long it would take for someone to make an idiotic comment relating the recent weather to global warming. And I was right of course, and it was only the 7th comment, way to go joe!
Yes how shocking and unbelievable, we have tropical air masses that reach Mass. in (gasp!), SUMMER! Who would have thought such a thing was possible in late June and early July?! Warm tmperatures, thunderstorms...wow I never would have expected such a thing in Mass. in the summer, truly unprecedented!
While I do believe that anthropogenic activitiies are changing the climate, I think people are over-reacting to the weather pattern we've been stuck in.
The pattern will be changing soon - probably next week - and by August we'll be lameting how dry the weather has been. Trust me, I'd rather deal with after t-storms than go through a drought like the one California is experiencing. New England, count your blessings, for heaven's sake!
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
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