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Quite a portrait

Posted at 8:26 AM on October 9, 2008 by Craig Edwards (2 Comments)

It may not be peak in the metro, but Mother Nature sure has decorated the landscape with more than a splash of brillant color in the past couple of days.

Sure hope you have time to take this in. Autumn is frequently noted as the favorite season for Minnesotans.

DNR Fall color map

Rainfall may be generous the next five days. More likely to occur in the northern part of the state.

Five-day rainfall potential


CE
naturesmessenger.com

Comments (2)

This Friday morning at around 8:45, I witnessed something unusual in the clouds above Minneapolis for which I would love an explanation.

The undersides of the clouds appeared to have taken on a dramatic wave pattern. It was striking enough that my boss had noticed and told me that I needed to hurry outside to see it.

What conditions may have caused this pattern?

Posted by Erin | October 10, 2008 8:58 AM

Great observation Erin. I too noticed the cloud pattern. At one point it had the appearance of a jet contrail, only it was clearly a cloud formation.

I checked the website of the Aviation Weather Center and they indicated aircraft reported moderate turbulence in the vicinity of the International Airport at the time.

My guess is tht there is considerable wind shear, both in the vertical and horizontal. Strong low level east to southeast winds, of 30 knots just above the surface with winds turning to the south and west at higher altitudes. What an awesome sight!

I appreciate a person who watches the skies. A lot can be learned from observing the clouds.
Craig Edwards

Posted by Craig Edwards | October 10, 2008 10:46 AM

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