Tom Montalbano

Morning all, Yes Lottie, myself and my Wife have noticed how breezy it's been, during our walks. Even though it hasn't been that warm, with UV levels pretty high, I've still managed to catch the Sun. I've made sure that I've been wearing my straw Panama Hat, to protect my balding pate, and you don't want your pate getting burnt, it doesn't taste very nice, and won't spread properly on bread or crackers!! Just a couple of postscripts to my War and Peace post, of Yesterday Evening. My comment about Ian Currie being like an absent minded Professor was reflected in his admission that he didn't intend to phone, myself. He had inadvertently written my Mobile number down against the name of an Electrician, that he was trying to contact. Ian has my contact details, as I'm on his mailing list, for his Quarterly Magazine, Weather Eye. He'd got my details mixed up, with this Electrician. I told Mr. Currie, there was no way I could help him with an electrical problem, as my Wife will confirm, I'm totally hopeless with any D-I-Y problems. Regarding the mid-September 1968 flooding, below are some images, of the worst affected areas: - Guildford Town Centre. An aerial view of Guildford Town Centre. Guildford High Street. Godalming. Leatherhead Football Ground. Below, a link to more information about the mid-September 1968 floods, Philip Eden: September 1968 Floods - London cut off | weatheronline.co.uk Regards, Tom.

Evening all, Hope I find yourselves and your Families, well. What a glorious spell of Weather we've had recently. Being one of DAMI's Heat Hater's Club, it could hardly have been better. Max. Temps in the low 20's C, Sunny Spells interspersed with a bit of Cloud, and a cooling breeze. We really have been BLESSED [by the] WEATHER. Apologies for taking your Avatar name in vain, Malcolm. As I stated the other Day, my Wife has introduced a healthy regime of diet and exercise, for the both of us. Was disappointed last Tuesday to have to cancel our planned walk, from Chinbrook Meadows, a large Open Space/Park back to our home. Neither myself or my Wife are able to drive, especially as we both have ongoing health problems. We had planned to take a Minicab to the Park but our local Cab firm, decided to place an extra £5 Tariff, on the Fare. The distance is around 1 & a half Miles, and thought that was profiteering to the extreme, and didn't want to pay that exorbitant amount. Surely these Cab firms made enough money, out of the increased demand for Cabs during the recent Rail Strikes? Therefore, as the Weather continued to be equally favourable, we decided to go Yesterday Chinbrook Meadows is a Park both myself and my Wife, although we were unknown to each other at that time, visited fairly frequently when we were Youngsters, back in the Day. CHINBROOK MEADOWS The Park traverses the London Boroughs of Bromley and Lewisham. The great majority of the Park, is located N.E. of a Railway Embankment, that carries Trains from London to the Kent/Sussex Coast, via Grove Park, Orpington, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge. The smaller portion of the Park, is located to the S.W., of this Railway Embankment. The two parts of the Park, are connected by a Tunnel. The River Quaggy crosses both sections of the Park, and is a Tributary of the River Ravensbourne, which has its source close to Bromley's, Princess Royal University Hospital, towards the South of the Borough of Bromley. Below, are a few images that my Wife took in Chinbrook Meadows Yesterday. Apologies, Colette is no David Bailey but she tried, bless her. 1]. - 2.] - 3.] 1.] - Looking S,E., down across Chinbrook Meadows. 2] - A plaque commemorating a Peace Garden opened by Bishop Desmond Tutu, in July 2009. Bishop Tutu lived in the area, in the early 1970's. 3.] - The River Quaggy looking more like a Stream, and badly in need of some Rain. The following images, are remainders to Yours Truly of significant Weather events, that took place in the 1960's. 4] - This image is looking N.E., in the smaller section of Chinbrook Meadows. There used to be a 5 a Side Football Pitch here. where I played for my local Martin's Newsagents, who I did a Paper Round for, in the mid/late 1960's. It was during one such Match, that I looked to the Skies to see Clouds, that looked like Great Bears. Perhaps I had witnessed Altocumulus Castellanus, growing into Cumulonimbi. All I know is that by Midnight, all hell broke loose, and my Brontophobia began in earnest. I'd always thought my Brontophobia had been caused by my very strict, half German Father. who was looking after me that Night, whilst my Italian Mother was in a local Maternity Unit, about to give birth, to my Younger Sister. But in more recent Years, I realised that fear of Lightning/Thunder had been implanted in me by my very superstitious Mother, who on seeing Lightning, would make the Sign of the Cross, and call on Santa Barbara, who is the Patron Saint of Lightning and Storms in general, in Italy. Therefore as a young Lad, a grew up with an intense fear of Lightning/Thunder, due to Mum's reaction and I could never appreciate the awesome power of a majestic Cumulonimbus Cloud. But fortunately in the last few Years, my Brontophobia has improved. Both Mum and Dad are pictured in my Avatar Photo, at their Wedding in my Mother's home Town of Caserta, near Naples in April 1947. 5.] - You must be wondering, why on earth has Tom posted up an image of a Lamppost? All will be revealed!! As a result of the Weather associated with the Synoptics, depicted on the left, our Region was plagued by a Weekend of prolonged and heavy Thundery Rain. I visited Chinbrook Meadows on the following Monday, after the Rivers Ravensbourne and Quaggy had broken their Banks and caused extensive flooding in S.E. London and other locations, in our Region. The areas worst hit were Crawley, East Grinstead, Horley, Lewisham, Petersfield, Redhill, Tilbury, Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge . The Flood-Water in Chinbrook Meadows was as deep as that Lamppost, pictured in image 5, after the River Quaggy had broken its banks. I have never witnessed flooding like that, and am unlikely to again. 6.] - Flooding in Marvels Lane, close to Chinbrook Meadows in September 1968. More information regarding the River Quaggy and Chinbrook Meadows, in the links below. River Quaggy - Wikipedia Chinbrook Meadows - Wikipedia After our trip down Memory Lane, myself and my Wife walked a further Mile and a half back home to Lee, thoroughly tired and looking forward to Lunch. But Nurse Colette's new Health regime, is paying dividends thankfully. We have both lost 10 Lbs, in 4 Weeks. We're hoping to get a lot more exercise Walks in, combined with a much more healthy diet. Just before I retired to bed Yesterday Evening my Mobile rang and I could see that local S.E. Meteorologist Ian Currie, was the caller. Mr. Currie comes across, as an absent minded Professor but is always giving of his time and a chat with Ian is likely to be full of Weather Stats, and personal anecdotes of his own Weather experiences, and Yesterday Evening was no exception. Before I put the Phone down, I managed to contribute a few words to the conversation. Once Mr. Currie starts talking about the Weather, you just have to shut up and listen, I did manage to ask him a couple of things. Firstly how he and his Wife, were. Ian is now into his 70's, and although both he and his Wife had Covid-19 last October, fortunately in both their cases , it was a mild illness. Mr. Currie asked me to again thank those handful of Members in our Region that took him up on his very generous Book offer. I won't name those Members concerned but you know, who you are. I couldn't let him go, without asking him for hos thoughts on the Weather for July, in our Region. Ian expects the mainly dry Weather to continue, with temperatures gradually rising as we go through July, and eventually likely to reach the Hot Category. Look away now, Dami and all my fellow Heat Haters!! Regards, Tom.

Evening all, Hope I find yourselves and your Families, well. Well, what a wonderful World to wake up to, Today. My Wife has recently instigated a health drive for both of us, combining a strict diet and exercise. As we have both adhered to this new regime, we we were pleased to note at this Morning's weigh-in, we'd both lost 9 lbs, in 4 Weeks. My Wife is convinced that we will both eventually contract Covid-19, in one of it's various guises but wants to make sure that we are both in the best physical shape, should we do so. We both have quite serious underlying health conditions. I'm still in recovery, after suffering a near fatal Stroke back in Sept. 2015, and my Wife has the extremely painful Arthritic form of Psoriasis, and she is showing signs of developing an associated condition, the very exotic sounding Ankylosing Spondylitis, which is anything but exotic. My Wife spends a lot of the Day, with some sort of joint pain, and if she ventures out she has to with the aid of a walking stick. Since returning home from Hospital in Feb. 2016, my weight has ballooned. Unlike some Men during the Pandemic, who have been afflicted by Lockdown Beard, my trouble has been another L.B., that being Lockdown Belly. I am just short of 6 foot, and my Wife informs me that my weight dropped to 12 Stone in Hospital, when I came out of a Coma, and was being fed through a tube. Colette tells me I looked very gaunt and ill. Well, I was just starting to recover from a near fatal Stroke, Dearie!!! We have started to try and get out, and walk our way to fitness, allied to a healthy diet. In an attempt to make our walks interesting, we've been doing a lot of research on Google Maps. I'm sure some Members who live in a London Borough, may not be aware of some of the very pleasant Open Spaces/Parks that are within reasonable walking distance of them. On Sunday, my Wife Colette and myself completed a 2 Mile circular walk , which took in Horn Park to our East. Horn Park is one of three Parks, attached to Eltham Palace and traverses the London Boroughs of Bromley, Greenwich and Lewisham. Having checked Today's Forecast ans as I'm now a fully paid up Member of our own Dami's, "Heat Haters Club 2022", felt that max. temps in the low 20C, accompanied by sunny spells and a cooling breeze, would be very "usable" Weather, and so it proved. So Today, we struck out for Manor House Gardens, a little over a Mile from our front door in Lee and just North of the South Circular [A205]. We left at 9.45, waiting for those nasty little humans spreading their Covid-19 particles, to be ensconced in their Schools, and arrived at our destination, around 10.15. We found a much needed bench, sat and watched some play on an adjacent Tennis Court. Although I'm quite dissenting at times, still consent to wear a Face Mask, which my Wife insists that we wear. And hearing that Covid-19 infection rates are on the rise again, I don't blame her!! A lot of the journey was completed with Mask around chin but when an inconsiderate person approached, we pulled the barriers up around our noses and mouths, again. Despite my Wife's worsening condition, she is also my Carer. Nurse Colette thought it would be sensible to "kill two birds, with one stone", as I needed my B.P. medication picked up from the Pharmacy, at the nearby Sainsbury store. Waiting for Nurse Colette to disappear from sight, I jumped up Andy [Little Britain] like - and had a couple of Sets of Tennis. I lie, it was just one Set. Double lie, I didn't play Tennis at all and sat patiently and waited for Nurse Colette, to return. After about 25 minutes, my Wife came hobbling back. We then walked passed a very picturesque Lake, with a Water Fountain and attendant Geese and Swans, and then made our way to the Park's Cafe. But "horror of horrors", we happened upon a Primary School's Sports Day, which meant pulling up the drawbridge Face Masks, again. The Cafe looked to have quite a decent Menu, with some light snacks and a variety of cakes but we satisfied ourselves, with a skinny Cappuccino. Once we've lost a little more weight, we've promised ourselves a treat, at this well stocked Cafe. We then made our way home, as the cloud that had developed, cleared. The rest of the walk was conducted in bright sunshine, and we even managed to avoid any Showers, that had been Forecast for this area. I then retraced the route that we walked on Google Maps, to check the distance we had walked. With her diversion to the local Sainsburys, my Wife's distance came in at 3.8 Miles, and mine was 3.2 Miles. How anybody could find temps in the low 20's C, dry with sunny spells and a slight breeze, unacceptable, is beyond me?? I'm sure it will get quite a bit warmer than this at some point, during the rest of Summer. But I would be very happy to see Today's Weather repeated, throughout the rest of Summer!! Below, is a short Youtube clip of Manor House Gardens, Lewisham: Nurse Colette and myself have "earmarked" Sunday, for another one of these "health kick" walks to another local Open Space/Park. This one being to Chinbrook Meadows, in the Borough of our birth, Bromley, which borders the Borough of Lewisham and within a comfortable walking distance, of 1 & 1/2 Miles. These "Lungs of London", really are a hidden gem,make for a pleasant visit and a very acceptable way of getting healthy. The added bonus being, you don't need to spend a lot of money to enjoy yourselves. Myself and 'er indoors are planning to make these walks, a regular feature of our fitness campaign. And the "Weather for the Week ahead" with Louise Lear, looks very usable for our Region, for the most part: Weather for the Week Ahead - BBC Weather Regards, Tom.

Just seen this Dami. Please count me in. Used to post a lot on the Model Thread but refuse to anymore, where heat/humidity was described on one occasion as a Quote. "A Win/Win situation, for everybody" but when I pointed out, it's simply not the case when you live in a S.E. London property, with it's Doll's House size Bedrooms, that sometimes requires 2 pedestal fans running throughout the Night, to manage any sort of shut-eye. When I objected to that comment, I was told not to "guilt trip", the Thread?? Yet all I was doing, was putting an opposing view. We don't dare run those fans now, with the current cost of Electricity. I am now claiming my State Pension and my tolerance of heat/humidity has lessened, especially after experiencing a Stroke, in Sept. 2015. I must admit, I suppose it's the same in Winter, when a Member objects to cold, wintry Weather. They are likely to be given short shrift, by the masses. I concede of course that this is a Weather Forum, where extremes of Weather are more than often, wished for. Having just seen the "Weather for the Week ahead", temperatures no higher than the mid-20's C for London, is ideal for Yours Truly. I don't know about Glastonbury but that's music to my ears, Tomasz: Weather for the Week Ahead - BBC Weather Regards, Tom.

Morning all, Hope I find yourselves and your Families, well. Don't know about Rail Strike talks collapsing, the Roads are collapsing 7 miles East of here, in Bexleyheath: Huge Bexleyheath sinkhole spanning residential street swallows motorbike | ITV News London I see ITV's Weather girl Laura Tobin is reporting from a favourite location of mine, at Shoreham in Kent. First became acquainted with Shoreham, when I went on a Geography Field Trip with my Secondary School, down the Darent Valley [Eynsford, Shoreham, Otford]. Just had a little drop of rain, and I see the whole of our Region is under a Thunderstorm Warning, from 10 A.M. until Midnight: UK weather warnings - Met Office Stay safe and take care everyone, and Leeanne [SNOW RAVEN], mind that sinkhole in Bexleyheath!! Regards, Tom.

Yes, H.H. I was told by that Counsellor before I cancelled my Counselling sessions, that I need to break the cognitive behaviour of viewing every Forecast of impending Thundery Weather but that's easier said than done, when a Phobia is so ingrained. As I stated, the Brontophobia was unwittingly implanted in me by my superstitious Italian Mother [stage left], with her making the sign of the cross, every time she saw Lightning or heard Thunder. Speaking of Mum, just taking a break from watching her National Team, attempting to teach "voi Inglese", another Footballing lesson. While I'm waiting for the 2nd half to begin, thought I would comment on the latest ECM Model run and MeteoGroups latest "Weather for the Week Ahead, Forecast. Below, are the 500/850 charts for next Saturday, which for the past few Days, looked as if some hot Weather, was coming. Again I've used the zoomed in U.K. Charts on Wetterzentrale, as the detail is easier to make out: 500hPa ECM 12z Sat. 18th June 850hPa ECM 12z Sat. 18th June To my mind, ECM seemed to have backed off the intense heat scenario, as Forecast 850's are now around 13c/14c, for our Region. Using the +10c rule, for equating surface temperatures, this would give highs of 23c/24c, rather than the 32c, of this Morning's 00z Run. If that comes to fruition, I'm sure heat hating DAMI and Yours Truly, will be breathing a sigh of relief. Below, is a link to MeteoGroup's, "Weather for the Week Ahead", courtesy of Louise Lear: Weather for the Week Ahead - BBC Weather Regards, Tom. ??

Morning all, Yes, it looks like some very warm, possibly hot Weather is on the way for our Region, as we go through next Week. The ECM 00Z 850hPa chart for next Saturday [18th], is still showing a "phew, what a scorcher" scenario, for our Region. I've used the U.K. chart, to make it easier to read. Below, is that chart: 850hPa ECM 00z Sat. 18th June By that time, our Nights will be getting very steamy[steady on, Matron!!]. As I've stated before on here, our House has tiny Bedrooms and that run of a couple of very warm Summers, meant that we had to run cooling fans, throughout the Day and Night. With the rising cost of Electricity, this isn't going to be possible this Summer. Think I will be joining Dami's, "Heat Haters" Thread. Below, is a link to a Post made by a Paul Barber, way back in December 2003, explaining the relationship between 850hPa temperatures, and those at the surface. Obviously, the ECM forecast Chart above is what is expected at Midnight, next Saturday: Guide To.....Charts - 850hPa and temps - The netweather guides... - Netweather Community Weather Forum As Pau B.l explains, you can't extrapolate the adding 10c rule, to Nighttime temperatures [hope not anyway]. But as you can see from the ECM chart above, by this time, the whole of our Region is bathed in 850 temperatures of between 21.5c and 22,5c. Therefore, on the basis of Paul B.s rule we could expect surface temperatures to equate to around 32c [90f], by Noon and no doubt rising further as we go further, into the Afternoon. Ouch!! We can expect to see that ECM 00z chart used by Tomasz Schafernaker, or whoever is on duty at MeteoGroup, when the latest Weather for the Week ahead Forecast is released, later this Afternoon. Regards, Tom.

Much thanks for those kind words, Luke. Steady on Luke, otherwise my head won't fit through my doorways!! I'm just becoming Ancient and have witnessed a lot of Weather, through the Years. @Eagle Eye, as I stated earlier, I love your enthusiasm for your favourite Weather type. It does look like this current very pleasant spell of Weather is set to continue, with temperatures continuing to climb and at the moment look like getting into the high 20c's by next Weekend. As we know, the BBC no longer have a contract with the METO but use MeteoGroup, and evidently their "Weather for the Week Ahead" forecasts, are based on the ECM 00z, run. As far as I'm aware, that still holds true. Below, is a link to the latest MeteoGroup Forecast, for the Week ahead, courtesy of Tomasz Schafernaker, released at 16.40. Tom seems to have lost his lockdown Beatnik look now and looks a bit smarter now. Perhaps the Beeb, requested this? Joking Tomasz: Weather for the Week Ahead - BBC Weather Regarding my interest in Horse Racing, it certainly looks like a very pleasant Week up and coming, at the Royal Ascot Festival [14th/18th], and our Region, in general.. Below is the Forecast Chart for 12z Sat. 18th June, from the ECM 00z Run. Let's see what the ECM 12Z Run, comes up with. It's still rolling out, at the moment. Regards, Tom.

Hi E.E., Thanks for those kind words. You remind me so much of myself, when I was in my late Teens and my passion for Snow, really began but it wasn't until I joined Netweather that I really understand the occurrence,likelihood, of a Snow Streamer and the factors that need to come together to initiate, these events. Those old enough to remember, may recall a BBC Forecast chart suggesting the likelihood of heavy and prolonged Snow Showers, all points S.E. of a line, drawn from The Wash, down to the Isle of Wight. I lived in Bromley [Kent/S.E.London border], and well within that designated forecast area but couldn't for the live of me understand why my location saw a few fleeting shallow cumulus and long sunny spells, whilst away to the S.E. further down into Kent, there thick bluey/grey Snow bearing clouds and remained that way, all Day. When I became a Member of NW, I realised I'd been witnessing a N.E. Snow Streamer, and by the time the flow had reached my location, the air had become too dry to hold moisture, having a land track from the Norfolk/Suffolk coast and S.W., towards my area. It soon became apparent to me that my location was best served by an E.N.E. flow, to witness some decent Snow Showers and resultant accumulation. I have to thank NW for that, and studying Radar images. Interesting to note E.E., that you initially had a fear of Thunder. My Brontophobia began in June 1966. Below is an extract of a post I put on the "Worst T/Storm experienced" Thread: "My Italian Mother unwittingly implanted the Phobia in me, when I was a young lad. At the first sign of lightning, Mum would make the "sign of the cross" and invoke, Santa Barbara (the Patron Saint of Lightning and Storms in general, in S.Italy). So, as a young lad in the 1960's I grew up thinking that Lightning and Thunder were very bad things, and to be feared, The first time that my Phobia became apparent, was during a violent, thundery episode in June 1966. I think it occurred, overnight Friday/Saturday. It was around 3 Months short of my 11th Birthday. I can vividly remember having a Games lesson at my Primary School. An isolated Shower developed overhead and the rain, felt warm on the skin. I can remember playing Football in our local Park, later that Evening and remarking at the strange Cloud structures, that were developing. It could well have been Altocumulus Castellanus, approaching. Around Midnight, a violent t/storm erupted overhead, at my home between Bromley and Grove Park (S.E.London/Kent border). The Lightning was virtually continuous, at one point, with frequent "gunshot" thunder. The t/storm was still rumbling around, at 6 AM. Our Local Newspaper, the Bromley and Kentish Times, reported that 3 t/storms converged on Bromley that Night, suggestive of an M.C.S. I wouldn't have been surprised. My Italian Mother was in a local Maternity Hospital, giving birth to my younger Sister, who arrived a few Days later. I was left in the care of my half-German Father, who was totally unsympathetic towards his Son's fears, He called me a "Sissy" and refused to close the curtains and put the House lights on. So, my Brontophobia was well and truly born!! Unfortunately, my Phobia got worse and worse, even a session of counselling, couldn't cure it!!" As I stated earlier, having a near scrape with death and losing my son back in late Feb. 2021, has somewhat put the Brontophobia, into perspective but the phobia is still bubbling away, just under the surface. I was making some headway with the Counselling, until the Counsellor decided to reveal some personal information to the Receptionist at my G.P,'s Surgery, where the counselling was taking place. That completely blew my faith in Counselling, and I terminated the Sessions straight away. One thing she did try to do, was break my cognitive behaviour, when Thunder was forecast. This meant avoiding Weather Forecasts, when Thunder was forecast. Sometimes the anticipatory fear, is worse than the T/Storm, itself. The Counsellor suggested that my Phobia was probably caused by my implanting my other worries onto something more tangible, such as Lightning/Thunder. Regards, Tom.

Morning all, Hope I find yourselves and your Families, well. I hope this won't be too embarrassing for Malcolm [BLESSED WEATHER] but I want to thank him publicly on these pages, for mediating in a problem that I experienced with another Moderator, a few Evenings ago. I received the following very kind message from Malcom, yesterday Morning: "Hi Tom, I hope you and the family are well. I'll get straight to the point of my writing to you. Paul has made me aware that you have had an issue with one of the other moderators and as a result have decided to leave the forum. Could I please ask you to reconsider this. Paul and myself consider you a valued member of the forum and over the years your contributions have added much interest and enjoyment for other members. We very much would like you to stay with us. I'll leave you to continue corresponding with Paul on the matter, but if there's anything I can do, please shout. Best wishes, Malcolm." Thank you Malcom for your mediation, it proved to be the deciding factor in Yours Truly wanting to continue my 17+ Years Membership, of Netweather. I've derived a lot of pleasure from posting on or Regional Thread, and we and we are very lucky to have such fair minded and thoughtful Modedrators/Forum Hosts such as Malcolm, Lauren and Captain Shortwave, apologies if I've forgotten any other names. I became a NW Member back in January 2005 and enjoyed sharing my anecdotes of Snow Chasing down to "LottieLand" [Capel/Folkestone}, and a few Years later was kindly granted my own Thread by Forum Host, Angela [who had some Latin Avatar name], to "host" the ill fated Snow Depth Cup. It would've had to been called the South East Regional Snowflake Cup!! Never mind about Snow Depth, hands up who saw a Snowflake during the Winter, in our Region. I know we didn't, here in S.E.London. Should have paid attention to Lassie's O.F.I. [October Fog Index]. I think I ought to apologise for my Sammy Snowman Christmas Pantomime, which seems to have jinxed our Snow chances, this past Winter. Much thanks to Paul/Malcolm for kindly granting me a separate Thread to host that bit of Tomfoolery. I never did manage to sum that item up. I left it open ended, thinking we would get a late visit, from the white stuff. After speaking to my Wife and taking into account Malcolm and Paul's kind words, I reached the conclusion that to end my NW Membership would be pointless, after spending such an enjoyable 17+ Years on the Forum. I'm not sure the exact Year that Paul launched NW but I remember booking an hour slot at the main Library of my home Town in Bromley, Kent, before I had my own Computer, to read the latest musings on a fabulous Weather Forum, I'd stumbled across. It would've probably been during the Winter of 2003?? I think I'm right in saying that quite a few NW Members were posting on the BBC's Snow Watch. I can remember Steve Murr posting on there. I enjoyed being able to share some Snowy images with you all, posted with the kind permission of Ian Currie. Also a handful of S.E. Members, I'm glad to say, took advantage of Mr. Currie's very generous offer to our Region's Members. I won't name them but you know, who you are. Although I come from the other end of the spectrum, regarding a liking of Lightning/Thunder, to one of our newest Members, EAGLE EYE but enjoy reading E.E.'s enthusiasm, regarding the T word. Regarding my Brontophobia, I actually managed to lie down upstairs during a couple of Lightning'Thunder events, a few Weeks ago. Having a fear of Dinosaurs, is not a great look but fortunately we don't get many Brontosauri [is that the correct plural form?], in this part of the Borough of Lewisham. I think having survived a near fatal Stroke and experiencing the passing away of my Son Antony, in late February last Year, has put my Brontophobia, into perspective. It doesn't get much more scary or traumatic than those two events. Speaking of my Son, I will never forget the kind messages of condolence and goodwill, I received from South East Regional Members, when I heard the very distressing news that my Son had lost a 17 Year battle, with Huntingdon's Disease. The above point, brings me eventually back to the original point of this post. Why should I give up my Membership of a Forum, where I have derived so much enjoyment and given so much appreciation, and emotional support. Finally ventured outdoors in "anger", for the first time Yesterday Morning, since February 26th, 2020. I have been out five times since then but on each occasion it was for CV/Flu/Pneumonia jabs. It was in late Feb/early March that myself and my Wife are convinced that we contracted the Coronavirus, during the first wave of the Pandemic. Myself and my Wife Colette must have seemed a very strange pair, yesterday Morning. Yours Truly with my unsteady gait and my Wife with her walking stick, to help with her worsening Arthritic condition, with both of us wearing Face Masks. Colette bless her, is still ultra cautious regarding Covid-19 and still routinely disinfects everything that enters our property. Dettol and Zoflora shares have rocketed, courtesy of my Wife during the Pandemic. Our walk should have only taken 15 minutes, and not the 45 minutes it did and boy was I tired when I got home, had a quick lunch and then retired to bed for a couple of hours, for my obligatory Afternoon nap. But I need to build my stamina back up again, after such a long "hibernation". Getting outside to enjoy the good Weather, is better than being stuck inside, suffering from "Cabin Fever". Right, enough of my ramblings, Nurse Colette is waiting to supervise a shave for Yours Truly. The lockdown beard/Piltdown Man/Missing Link look, isn't very fetching on me!! Regards, Tom.

Morning all, Hope I find yourselves and your Families, well. Long time no post but just wanted to relate my own experience, of last Night's event. Some of you will be aware that I come from the other end of the Lightning/Thunder spectrum than most on the S.E. Regional Forum, in that I still have Brontophobic tendencies. My Phobia had improved after suffering a near fatal Stroke in Sept. 2015 and having suffered the trauma of my Son Antony passing away in Feb. 2021,, these events seemed to have put my Brontophobia into perspective for me. In other words, what could be worse, than experiencing both of those very stressful situations? Last Night's T/Storm finally ended a nigh on 3 Year drought, for a decent Thunder event in my part of London, especially as it was a Nighttime event. I recall my chats with local Meteorologist Ian Currie, regarding those very warm Summers of a few Years ago. The general Public are under the misconception that heat equals Thunder. As Mr Currie stated at the time, "It can be as hot as hell but if there's no trigger in the Atmosphere, it simply won't Thunder", and so it proved in those very warm/hot Summers, of a few Years ago. Last Night there was definitely a trigger, in the Atmosphere. As I've mentioned on this Thread before, I have noticed over recent Years that Thundery breakdowns/Plumes, seem to occur with a steering flow, from around S.S.W., and I like to employ the Cherbourg Peninsula test, regarding French imported T/Storms. On a S.S.W. steering flow, T/Storms initiating East of the Cherbourg Peninsula have tended to transfer N.N.E, and just affect the extreme East of our Region, the infamous "Kent Clipper" variety, missing my location and drifting harmlessly into the North Sea/Belgium/Holland. But last Night's T/Storm seemed to have initiated slap bang over the Cherbourg Peninsula, itself. I must admit, when I saw the following "screen grab" of Sferics recorded over the Cherbourg Peninsula and Central English Channel [posted by Jamie M of Herne Bay] pointing N,N.E., and seemingly making a "beeline" for London, I thought my recent luck, was about to run out: But when this monster of a T/Storm finally reached my location either side of Midnight, it was very elevated and there wan't much Thunder to be heard, and as I don't go out of my way to stare at incoming Cumulonimbus clouds, I hardly saw any Lightning. Once I was convinced that the T/Storm was moving away Eastwards, I finally made my way upstairs to my Bedroom. Since my Brontophobia began, back in the late 1960's, I've always tried to avoid the top floor of a building, in case it gets struck by Lightning. For someone who has had an interest in Meteorology for all those Years, it's been a great regret of mine that I could never admire the full majesty of a Cumulonimbus cloud, in all its glory. But due to the elevated and remote nature of last Night's pyrotechnics and accompanying Thunder, this Brontophobe's nerves aren't shot to pieces, and at the same time some of the Brontophiles around our Region, have had a decent light show. Regards, Tom.

Morning all, I hope I find yourselves and your Families, well. After experiencing a couple of very lively Showers, late Yesterday Afternoon, one with a couple of loud cracks of thunder, we had some very wet Weather, here in S.E. London. Myself and my Wife, sleep with our Bedroom window ajar, and around 4.30 A,M., my Wife was woken when she felt a few splashes of rain, on her face, On the subject of my Wife, I had to put her on the naughty step, this Morning. She is still disinfecting everything that comes into our House, Online Food deliveries, Post, etc., and self isolating the Post. My Wife was doing a bit of Spring cleaning Yesterday, and came across a package addressed to me, from local S.E. Meteorologists, Ian Currie. Last Year, Mr. Currie offered Members of the S.E. Region, a very generous offer on some of his County Weather Books, which a few of you kindly took up. When I opened the package, I was pleasantly surprised to find a copy of Mr Currie's Quarterly Magazine, Weather Eye and a copy of a book he Co-wrote called London's Hurricane, which recounts the Story of the October 1987 Windstorm, and it;s effect on the London area, in words and photographs. I would now like to post up a few of those images, from a personal point of view, in terms of where I lived, and live now. 1] - The culprit for the infamous, Michael Fish "Hurricane", that wasn't!! 2] - I was living in the Borough of Bromley, at the time of the 1987 Storm. This was the scene in the South of the Borough, at Biggin Hill Airport. 3] - This was the sort of devastation that those who were around at the time woke up to , on the Morning of Friday 16th October 1987. 4] - Irony of ironies!! Think it's the truck that needs a Surgeon, and not the tree. 5] - Don't think that this person's Red Mazda, is going anywhere soon. This photo was taken in Catford, not far from where I live now. 6] - This was the scene in Beckenham Place Park, on the border of the Boroughs of Bromley and Lewisham, and close to where I used to play Golf, with my now deceased Son, Antony. 7] - Finally, also just up the Road from where I live now, with my current Wife, A Royal Parks member, surveys the scene of devastation, in Greenwich Park. It was my Day off work on that Friday Morning and in the Afternoon, I clambered over the fallen trees in Crystal Palace Park, close to where I lived with my first Wife. I could have never imagined that I would witness such mayhem caused by wind, in the London area. My Wife has been suitably admonished for stuffing my package from Mr Currie, into a drawer that we never use. All images produced with the kind permission of Ian Currie, Co-Author of London's Hurricane, who I need to phone and thank for his very kind gift and apologise for not contacting him earlier, to give my thanks. Regards, Tom.

Without a doubt, Capel-le-Ferne, between Dover and Folkestone. High on the East Kent, North Downs, at 162 Metres [531 feet]. By far my favourite Snow Chase, venue. what is the height of Capel le Ferne, in Kent - Search (bing.com) Regards, Tom.

Yes BB1979, snowing here in Lee, S.E. London but too much N in the wind, for the Showers to have much "oomph", in them. Regards, Tom.

Morning all, Hope I find yourselves and your Families, well. Pinch, punch 1st Day of the Month, blah, blah, blah, and I see the Weather is playing an April Fool, on us. As I expected last Night, the extreme East of our Region, especially Kent, saw some Snowfall, particularly over the higher parts. It's a great shame these Synoptics didn't show their hand in late Feb/early March, I feel certain those same areas would have received a good "dumping", of the white stuff. At the moment, the temperature out in the Southern North Sea is around +9c and with the 850 Upper Air at around -9c, a differential of 18c, is giving rise, to some pretty beefy convection, on a classic N.E. Streamer. There's too much N. in the wind, for many [if any], of the Showers to make it to the London area. The long land track over East Anglia and Essex, drys the air out too much. We need to see a specific E.N.E. flow, to see a Thames Streamer set up, to benefit my "neck of the woods", and the Thames Corridor, in general. As I stated Yesterday Evening, the Weather Gods can be so cruel!! Regards, Tom.

Evening all, Hope I find yourselves and your Families, well The Weather Gods can be so cruel!! You wait all Winter, to post up the Dutch Radar, to track Wintry/Snow Showers, coming in from the North Sea, and on the 31st March, they decide to arrive. Evidently, London had some Snowflakes earlier but Yours Truly, managed to miss them!! Anyway, below is the latest from the Dutch Radar: Buienradar.nl - Buienradar.nl - Weer - Actuele neerslag, weerbericht, weersverwachting, sneeuwradar en satellietbeelden Plenty of Sneeuw to our N.E., over Germany and Holland. Also in those Showers over East Anglia, and over Kent. I thought our East Kent Ladies, Alexis and Lottie, would see a bit of Snow Today, as well as Eagle Eye. Looks like the highest parts of East Kent could see some more Sneeuw, in the next few hours. This was the Forecast for our Region an hour ago, from MeteoGroup and Matt Taylor: London - BBC Weather Any Bets on a White Easter? Now, that would be cruel. Regards, Tom.

Evening all, Hope I find yourselves and your Families, well. What a pathetic excuse of a Winter, that was!! Hands up who saw a single Snowflake. We certainly didn't, here in S.E. London. Which I'm sure was the case for many of you, throughout our Region. I think I need to pay more attention to LASSIE23's, O.F.I. [October Fog Index]. It certainly won hands down over Winter, this time around. Who has any stats,, on how many completely Snowless Winters, the London area has experienced? Anyone up for a White Easter? I blame Sammy Snowman, and his Countdown to Christmas!! I've let that item run through the whole of Winter, hoping to see some of the white stuff. I must stop hosting these items, as just as my ill fated S.E. Regional Snow Cup, from Years ago, it seems to have jinxed our Snow chances!! Regards, Tom.

Morning all, Long time, no post. Hope yourselves and your Families, are well. Can report heavy rain, lightning and thunder, here in S.E. London. Very appropriate mood, on this sombre Day, for Yours Truly. Exactly a Year ago this Morning, I heard the very distressing news that my Son Antony, had passed away during the overnight period, after losing a 17 Year battle, with Huntington's Disease, which he had sadly inherited from his Mother, my first Wife, It was just short of his 40th Birthday, when he passed away. Below, are images of Antony at my Wedding to his Mother, back in September 1981, at 6 Months old and in the role of our Pageboy. Also, one of Antony at about 4 Years Old, with his Sister Hayley, who was 18 Months, at the time: The last time myself and his Stepmother [my current Wife], were able to see Antony, was on New Year's Eve, 2019. Like thousands of people up and down the Country who were unable to spend time with their seriously ill loved ones , we followed the lockdown rules to the "letter of the law.", at other times we were shielding him, for fear of transporting the CoronaVirus, to his property. Antony had been given his first AstraZeneca jab, a few Weeks earlier. The G.P. that came out to confirm that Antony had passed away [still can't bring myself to saying the "D" word], said a Post Mortem wasn't necessary, as Antony almost certainly had suffered a rapid onset of Aspiration Pneumonia, caused by infesting food/liquid, into his lungs. It was a very similar fate, that befell his Mother, back in December 2008. Antony is now back in the arms, of his beautiful Mother, and must be looking down this Morning, on what a crazy World he has left behind!! Antony's Christmas Presents for 2020, still lie in the cupboard under our stairs. I simply don't have the heart, to throw them away. R.I.P. Antony, our little Sparrow with a broken wing. Regards, Tom.

Obviously not as powerful as October 1987 or the 1990 Burns Day Storm but certainly a noteworthy event for an Inner London Borough, as here in Lewisham is. We've lost a section of our garden fence and the neighbours opposite, have lost their guttering. We would normally expect the Atlantic to be calming down, at this stage of the Winter but none of it this Year, with such a strong Polar Vortex, powering up the Jet Stream. Regards, Tom.

Totally agree with your assessment MWB, earlier in the Day, regarding the ranking of Eunice, as a notable wind event. 1st and by a long way, The "Hurricane", that never was. - 15th/16th October, 1987 2nd - Burns Day Storm - 24th/26th January, 1990. 3rd - Storm Eunice. At the time of the "Burns Day" Storm, I was working in Croydon, Surrey, and like ALEXISJ9 and D.V.R., came to know the Town, very well. The evolution of the "Burns Day" Storm, was pretty similar to how Eunice developed. Developing on the steep temperature gradient, out in Mid Atlantic, Croydon Town centre was a pretty "hairy" place, to be walking around, during the Afternoon of 26th January, 1990. There used to be a large Blockbusters, in Croydon Town Centre but the strength of the Burns Day Storm, blew the windows out. If memory serves, Croydon Town Centre had to be closed, at the height of the Storm. West Croydon Bus Garage had to be closed, when windows on Office blocks, overlooking the Bus Garage, blew out. Some scaffolding and a tarpaulin, above M & S, came loose and hung precariously over the North End, shopping precinct. Croydon became known to Yours Truly, as the "Windy City", its many high rise Office Blocks. such as B.T,'s Southern H.Q., and the Nestle building, greatly accentuated the strength of the wind, when it was blowing a hoolie!! 06z 24th January 1990 12z 25th January 1990 Today's strong winds did abate somewhat, around mid Afternoon but have become squally again, with the arrival of a pretty heavy shower. Regards, Tom.

Hi Leanne, Hope you're ok. Not quite but should start to ease down, come mid-Afternoon. Regards, Tom.

Morning all, Was very much the proverbial "calm before the storm", in S.E. London overnight. There wasn't a breath of wind, in the early hours. Then between 4 and 5 A.M., there was a rising of the wind, which had nothing to do with my Wife's cooking, last Night. I was woken by a combination of the above, the sound of early Morning traffic, on London's South Circular [A205], the Covid-19 Dawn Chorus, of Ambulances, at Lewisham Hospital, 2 Miles to our North West, and the tinkling of a neighbours wind chimes. Having seen the destruction caused by the October 1987 Wind Storm, even though London now has a Red Warning, I'm relieved that Storm Eunice, is in no way, going to cause the same amount of damage. Below, is the Synoptic Chart for the Morning of 16th October, 1987. It was my Day off, after the 1987 Storm [16th Oct], and in the Afternoon, I walked around Crystal Palace Park, which was local to me, at that time. I say walked, more like clambered over the myriad of fallen trees, that littered the paths, around the Park. A lot of trees were still in full leaf, and offered a greater target area, to the 80+ mph winds. Scenes, just like the ones below, were commonplace on that Day [Fri.16th October, 1987]. Thankfully and hopefully, we won't be seeing scenes as bad as the above, after Eunice has done her worst, and blown through. Regards, Tom.

NETWEATHER SOUTH EAST REGIONAL PANTOMIME COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS WITH SAMMY SNOWMAN [Sammy and Samantha get hitched, in Finland] EPILOGUE [Part 3] After that depressing view of the current situation, Sammy would like to end the Netweather South East Regional Pantomime, on a happier note. You may recall, Sammy foolishly ignored the advice of S.A.G.E. [Scientists Alert {Snow] Geeks Everywhere], and recklessly entered the M.A.D. [Moaners And Doubters] Thread, without wearing protective clothing, thereby exposing himself to the very contagious N.H.S. [Netwesather Hearsay Syndrome], mutated Virus, which had reached Pandemic proportions, in that part of the Forum. When Sammy's Fiancee - - SAMMY SNOWWOMAN found out about her Fiance;s stupidity, she gave Sammy - - the hairdryer treatment, for jeopardising their Wedding. Instead of taking a fruitless and pointless journey, back to Specsavers in Barnard Castle in Durham, to have his Anthracites tested, as they were fully booked up with Government advisors getting their eyesight checked, Sammy managed to find a Coalthalmologist,, in Levi, close to where Sammy and Samantha, were to be married on Christmas Day. Fortunately, the Coalthalmologist gave Sammy's Anthracites, a clean bill of health. After Sammy provided 3 L.F.T.'s [Lateral Freeze Testa], the Wedding was allowed to take place. Present at the Wedding were Sammy's Parents - - SOLOMON and SHARON, Sammy's very attractive, younger Sister - - SALLY, who acted as Chief Bridesmaid. As was stated earlier, Samantha's Parents were unable to travel over, due to fears about the N.H.S. Pandemic but a small Family service will be held back in England, in late January. Sammy's relatives took responsibility for the Catering duties, the food of course was supplied by Iceland, and naturally could be eaten frozen, as thawed out it, would give a Snowman, food poisoning. Below, is one of the Wedding photos of the Married couple, and very nicely turned out they were: The then married couple made they way on to the dance floor, for their first dance. Below, was the appropriate Song they chose, for the occasion: Sammy and Samantha returned to their refurbished Ice House - , at Snowdown, just North of Dover, a couple of Days ago and had to quickly dive into their marital bed, to escape the inclement Weather, not only for Snowmen but no doubt for the majority of the Netweather South East Regional Members. They have been enjoying their frozen nuptials, ever since. I'm sure it won't be long before we start to hear the pitter,patter of - - tiny Snowmen. Later Today, Sammy Snowman will return to roll the credits, on the Netweather South East Regional Pantomime. Regards, Sammy Snowman.

NETWEATHER SOUTH EAST REGIONAL PANTOMIME COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS WITH SAMMY SNOWMAN [Sammy and Samantha get hitched, in Finland] EPILOGUE [Part 2] So, where do we go from here?? Sammy would like to give his view on some 00z Forecast Model Runs at T240, very roughly the midpoint of Winter. Sammy will begin with the European Model, E.C.M. [Every Coldies [Night] 'Mare]. Is that a hint to findings, I wonder?? A large area of High Pressure, is centred close to N.W.France, with a central Pressure of around 1030> mbs. Another area of High Pressure is situated, S.E. of Newfoundland, also with a central Pressure of around 1030> mbs. Yet another area of High Pressure can be seen, in the far N.E, over Northern Russia, with a central Pressure of around 1035> mbs. Areas of Low Pressure dominate the North of the Chart, with many centres, stretching from the far N.E. of Canada, across Greenland, and South Eastwards, down to the Ukraine. The deepest of these being around 965 mbs, close to the North Coast of Norway. Temperatures at the 850hPa level, are around +4c, in the far N.E of the Region, and between +4c and +7cc, for the rest of the Region. 00z E.C.M.500 hPa [00z 14th Jan] 00z E.C.M.850 hPa [00z 14th Jan] Sammy will now take a look at the American Model, G.F.S. [Go Freeze Satan]. Very unusually at this range, it is remarkably similar, to the European Model, and there is no need for analysis. 00z G.F.S..500 hPa [00z 14th Jan] 00z G.F.S.850 hPa [00z 14th Jan] As happens on the M.A.D [Moaners And Doubters] Thread, when the situation is desperate, Sammy will call on the Canadian Model - #G.E.M. [Get Everyone Merry]. But guess what?? Horror of horrors, it's pretty much the same again!! 00z G.E.M..500 hPa [00z 14th Jan] 00z G.E.M.850 hPa [00z 14th Jan] Sammy is really getting desperate now, and decides to go the whole hog, and pleads with the American Long Range Model - C.F.S. [Coldies Fantasy Service] but can't believe his Coals!! 00z C.F.S.500 hPa [00z 14th Jan] 00z C,F.S..850 hPa [00z 14th Jan] Snowmen are very polite beings, and are not likely to use swear words but on this occasion, the air is blue but unfortunately not with cold but a whole heap of expletives. Sammy is on the point of giving up but lays the blame for this pathetic excuse of a Winter, firmly at the door of that BRR-Exit deal. The sudden clamping down of the free movement of Air Masses and Synoptic features, has in Sammy's mind, not only scuppered the chance of a White Christmas but could also ruin the chances of any Cold, Wintry Weather reaching the S.E, Region, during the heart of Winter!! You may recall, that as we entered Christmas Day, a very cold Air Mass was turned away by Border Controls, on the Norwegian Coast. Below, is the Christmas Day chart at 00z from, C.F.S.R. [Coldies Fantasy Synoptics, Really!!]. As you can see, some very cold air was waiting to travel South Westwards towards the U.K., only to be turned back at the Norwegian Coast, courtesy of BRR-Exit. 00z C.F.S.R.500 hPa [00z 25th Dec] Sammy and his Snowmen Union colleagues, have also been trying to hammer out a deal for a S.S.W. [Sudden Snowman Warming] but at one time looking promising, even these talks seem to be floundering now. In a short while, Sammy will return with Part 3 of the Netweather South East Regional Pantomime, Epilogue. Regards, Sammy Snowman

NETWEATHER SOUTH EAST REGIONAL PANTOMIME COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS WITH SAMMY SNOWMAN [Sammy and Samantha get hitched, in Finland] EPILOGUE [Part 1] Sammy would like to wish yourselves and your Families, a Very Happy New Year, and hope that despite the unseasonal Weather, you all enjoyed a Very Merry Christmas. He would also like to apologise for the late running of the Epilogue to the, Netweather South East Regional Pantomime. Like a lot of the Audience no doubt, since Boxing Day he has been under the [mild], Weather. As Sammy stated on Christmas Eve, once the Wedding Party [Sammy obviously means, "gathering"], dispersed, he has been involved in some very protracted and difficult talks, involving himself as Chief Negotiator for U.S.D.A.W. [Union of Snowmen Distributed Around the World], the E.U.S [European Union of Snowmen], who you may recall were split asunder, by the BRR-Exit deal. Also present at the talks, were Members of S.A.C.R.A [Snowlovers And Coldies Raise Awareness]. On the opposite side of the negotiating Table, were the powers that be at the American Forecast Model G.F.S. [Go Freeze Satan], and the European Models, E.C.M. [Every Coldies [night] 'Mare], and U.K.M.O. [U Know [it's] Meteorological Overkill]. The reason for such problematic discussions were the Forecast Models wanting to impose, draconian T0 Hour Contracts on Synoptic features and certain Air Masses, likely to deliver Cold and Wintry Weather, to the South East Region. What has really caused such consternation amongst the Snowmen Unions and Coldies alike, has been the very biased attention, given to the likes of - - BARBARA THE BARTLETT/EUNICE THE EURO SLUG, - JETHRO JETSTREAM – All American Boy [Aka,The Pest from the West], and - PURPLE VENOM – Polar Vortex [Aka Pernicious Victor/Purple Blob], Sammy argues that these individuals have been given lucrative Contracts, and copious amounts of Overtime. Whereas the likes of - - SCANDY MANDY, and - - BERDY [Siberian Anticyclone], havn't been sighted, so far this Winter. In a very cynical way, the Forecast Model Management pointed to Today's very feeble - - DWARF FROM THE NORTH [All too temporary, Arctic Blast], which quickly retreats in the face of - - Ritchie, the toppling Ridge. Just as cynically, they also pointed to the record Snowfall on the other side of the Northern Hemisphere in Japan, in a bid to placate the very angry Snowmen Unions and Coldies alike, but as Sammy argued, that was as useful as a Chocolate Fireguard, for the likes of the U.K. Sammy also wanted answers on the promised, "Front Loaded Winter??", which was hinted at, in some L.R.F.'s [Long Range Freezes]. Sammy suggested that proved to be as useful as a - - Front Loaded Washing Machine, whose falling Soap Suds, were the only White Stuff, likely to be sighted, if the Forecast Models have their way this Winter. In a short while, Sammy Snowman will return with Part 2 of his Epilogue, to the Netweather South East Regional Pantomime. He will also have news regarding his Wedding to his Fiancee - - SAMANTHA SNOWWOMAN, that took place in the Finnish Ski Resort of Levi, on Christmas Day. Regards, Sammy Snowman.