Friday, February 6, 2009

Nature Snaps Back With Gator Weather!

Recently you have been sending out “bites” for warm weather pics. See how this “grabs” you. In January, visiting with a friend in Florida, I’m sitting on a beach at Sannibel-Captiva Islands Nature Preserve in 70-degree sunshine. After about an hour of sitting quietly watching the sea birds come and go, this 9-1/2-10 foot alligator hauls up from the swamp and proceeds to bask in the sun a mere five feet away. Due to my profession, I speak fluent alligator and asked if he would kindly oblige to this photo op. As I left, he opened one eyelid and grunted “You Snow Birds.”


Mark Denhardt

Tippecanoe County Exotic Animal Sanctuary



Thanks Mark! This really grabs my attention. As a fluent speaker of gator you would know that alligators have actually been known
to bark before big storms or hurricanes. What exactly are they saying? Are they giving a forecast or is it a form of communication to warn the others to get to their safe spots? Let me know. I do know it was so cold in Florida last night that apparently alligators were seen turning directly into winter boots. This reminds me of like those old Hoosier almanacs that have stories of chickens being frozen in their tracks during huge temperature drops. Here in Lafayette the arctic high pressure that brought our lows down to 8 below zero in Burlington on Thursday morning moved to the southeast taking the core of the cold air with it which has more bite than some of those big gators down in the Sunshine State. Amazingly, we are actually waking up to temperatures warmer than portions of Florida this morning. Our temperatures could actually reach the 60s by the middle of next week which is actually what you would expect in North Florida this time of year.

This means get ready for Gator weather and the good news here at home is you will not have to worry about dodging any alligators out there, just long lines at the car wash. It does look like our snow will be gone by Sunday so put away the winter boots and get out the golf clubs! Nature does act like a rubber band a lot of times. Over the past two weeks there have been many days where we were running 20 degrees or more below average. Now think of our weather like a rubber band. The farther you stretch the rubber band, the more it wants to snap back into place, and snap it will. It can snap back with a lot of force or violently at times like the alligator you see above, but the good news is this weekend I think we will be able to get out and enjoy temperatures running 20 or more degrees above average by Saturday without nature's bite. Rainfall looks scattered and light with less than .10" thanks to warm high pressure ridging into the area.


But, do not let your guard down. It is Indiana. When it warms up too quickly this time of year it never totally comes without a price to pay. My biggest concern this weekend would be patchy dense fog that could move in tonight as a much warmer, Pacific air mass moves over our frozen ground. The melting snow will add extra moisture to the air reducing visibilities to less than a quarter mile at times. Many areas still have between 4 inches to as much as 8 inches of snow on the ground. That is a lot of extra moisture to work with in the atmosphere. Make sure to stay alert and slow down tonight driving to all the great high school basketball games. The real concern I have would be next week with possible strong storms and flooding. Tonight make sure to join me for the latest on this. You can see thunderstorms firing
up on the map below over Missouri on Monday.


These stronger storms could move our way by Wednesday so make sure to stay posted by checking back here on the weather blog and tuning in tonight.

Blog Question of the Day: When will our next chance of a snowstorm be?

This may be sooner than you think and I will be back to answer this question. Don't put away those sleds just yet and if you like the warmer weather get outside while you can. Nature has plenty of bite left in it for us this winter.

71 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mike I will be here and ready for the thundershowers to come!

The weather models and maps have already been working really hard this week with me and I have been telling every body I know about the chance for possible storms on Tuesday and wWednesday just so all can be ready for anything.....

Any free time I get I'M always looking at new maps and models just to keep up!

I had better get some sleep while I can for when we get closer who knows when I'll get any sleep lol.....;)

See you all in the morning! Enjoy the Partly cloudy today!

Justin.

Anonymous said...

I am happy that we only have a couple more months of cold weather..this will be the first summer with my hubby since 2006. 2007 he was training for the national guard and 2008 in Iraq. So bring on the warm weather lol. But I do want to take the kids sledin at least one more time, I know that there is still plenty of winter left and there should be.
Renee in Laf.

Anonymous said...

I woke up at 4:45am SICK! UGH!!!!!! Had to check in with the BLOG before heading to school to make lesson plans.....

Glad to read....ALL of it!!! I am ready for a break....but still want that snowstorm!!!

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

Chris: I hope you are feeling better. There are many of us sick at my school.

I can't wait until school is out today. The promise of sunshine and warmer temps. has really perked me up.

F/C

Anonymous said...

CarrollCoGirl,
No I have'nt been up that way. My 2daughters live in Miami County. When I head that way I will check out the nest. In Tippecanoe County there are 3 nest less than 1/2 mile apart all on the river bank. What a site to see.

Richard

Anonymous said...

Chris,
Wishing you a speedy recovery from the flu. Ughh is all I can say. We have had the URI here but no stomach flu... Knock on wood.
Keep drinking alot of fluids, heard alot of dehydration with this bug.

Richard

Anonymous said...

Richard, sorry about your news, you are in my prayers.

Chris in T. hope you get to feeling better, at my school there is also a lot of sickness going aroud. I have been hit hard with it, I am home as well.

My Dr. is starting to wonder if my symptoms are from something I ate. I think its just a nasty case of stomach flu.

Teri in L.

Anonymous said...

Richard: I am really sorry for to hear your news. I remember when my late husband's factory closed. It was a very difficult time. We made it through it, then in 2001, my accounting position was eliminated through corporate downsizing. That is when I decided to become a teacher!!!!

You will be in my prayers.

F/C

Anonymous said...

Richard....The nest is just past Lake Cicott as you are coming across Hwy 24 it would be on your left....there is a road that is on your right that will take you back up in to Georgetown. Seen a ton of Eagles there on the river. The nest is in the north east corner of a field in a huge sycamore tree. You really need someone else driving and slowly to catch it. We drove back and forth across there until we finally saw it. The field normally has some deer and turkey out in it. Pretty awesome. I heard there was one just a couple miles away from us and it is not too far from the Carrollton bridge, but can only see from water. This one is north of the river and north of 24. I hope you get the chance to see it. The pictures are awesome. We take a lot as well. My daughter took some and has one sitting in a snow covered field, the sky is blue and it is so pretty, she used it for 4H. We take alot of nature pics. My husband has been always fond of the eagles, hawks, osprey and such.
Chris and Teri....geesh guys hope you get to feeling better. Oh and Teri the recipe I used was the art.dip. Yumm.
CarrollCoGirl

Anonymous said...

Mike, I have a question. On your February map it says our area will be 'stormy'. Does that mean thunderstorm stormy or winter weather(snow)stormy? Thanks for clarifying. I hope winter isn't over so soon! I'm hoping for a few more good snows! Do you think we will have one more 3-6 incher storm? Thanks!.....Ron in Crawfordsville

Anonymous said...

Hey there again Bloggers! WOW When I walked out this morning to take my CoCoRaHS it was 31 degrees and it felt so nice.....32.5* degrees now and still going up! I look for Lafayette to be somewhere around that 45* degree mark! Get out and enjoy the nice Partly cloudy skies and even take you Gators for a walk! lol.... ;)

See ya later Bloggers! Have a good one. And Bloggers get feeling better soon we need you all here by Tuesday! :P lol.

Justin.

Anonymous said...

Yeah its a shame that us Hoosiers feel like 30 degress is "warm" isn't it? lol!

My best guess is that we could see more snow around as early as this coming Thursday. As we all know, a storm is followed by a cold front and I have a feeling that it will drop way down after that warm front pushes through.

Anonymous said...

Great photo of the gator Mark:)

Mark is a very good friend of mine, we grew up together, We first met at the age of 10 we both were working at the Columbian Park Zoo, (was allowed in those days) helping with orphand, injured animals. We continue to work with animals to this day.

Mark has done so much for the community, Mark's endless compassion for the rescue of animals should be acknowledged!

He is known to stop traffic, only to rescue a bird, mammal or reptile that was either crossing a road or had been hit by a car, When others simply do not care.

Good for you Mark..you are awesome, and most do not know what you do or you talents..You need to share in your words...

Your bud,

Teri

Anonymous said...

MARK sounds like a great man!!Great job to Mark.


Hmm maybe thats what my mom had day before yesterday. Yesterday me and my family were at IHop and right in the seat without warning she threw up but said she feels fine...and again at some point in the night. So to all of you feeling sick or bad hope you get well soon and can enjoy the sun!
Renee in Laf.

Anonymous said...

YUCK, Renee! was there a train reaction?? Oh my....:)

Anonymous said...

Hey Justin you were right about the temp is now 45.1* I am ready to put on my shorts, and sit in the sun:-))) Really the sun is very warm feels wonderful... now if there was not snow on the ground I would start tilling my garden LOL.
kidding.

mark you are cool!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely afternoon! I actually made a cup of coffee and took it out on the deck to soak up a little of this beautiful sunshine and was rewarded by getting a close-up view of a red-tailed hawk perched in a tree in the back yard... he seemed to be enjoying the sunshine and warmer temperatures too! Have a great weekend, everyone.

Cheryl in Brookfield Heights

Anonymous said...

Teri Mark sounds like a real nice guy! we need more peoplr like that in the world to make it a even better place! You to being a real animal lover! ;)

I'M very glad I know my doggie has a good home with me as well as yours! I feel bad for all the pets we see on the TV being treated bad..... That's just not right!

Seems a lot of people have been enjoying this nice weather today! I got a great shot of my mom's Pug sitting out in the sun! You know it's warm if she is out! lol.....

Justin.

Anonymous said...

CarrollCoGirl
Thanks again for the information!!! I will try my best to get up tat way and tell your husband that he is welcome down this way to take pictures. Warren and Fountain County offers alot of amazing places to see and photograph. I am sure you can get my e-mail address from WLFI. Times are hard and and we will get through this. My wife is still working and thats a plus. Feel free to e-mail me if they let you have it, best source would be through Mike.

Thanks,
Richard

Anonymous said...

To the bloggers that responded to my layoff. Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers.

God Bless
Richard

Anonymous said...

So sorry, Richard, to hear of the layoff. Hubby and I are in the same boat - he's a chemical/mechanical engineer and is working full-time on his job search. At least the sunshine helps us stay positive. Hang in there!

Cheryl in Brookfield Heights

Anonymous said...

I got home from making my copies and lesson plans around 7....drank some sprite and went back to bed. I didn't wake up until 3:30!!!! I feel much better....thank you!!!

Richard-- I meant to write something earlier....this economy sure does hurt right now...This has been a work in the making for at least the past 10 years....probably longer. I can't help but think that things WILL GET BETTER soon!!! Keep a good attitude, and keep your options open. I can relate....I still have my full time job...but I have been working 3 jobs for years...one of them paid me VERY well....and I got a major cut there about 3 months ago....makes a difference of around $1800/month in my house. Things will get better!!

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

Richard, did you take photos today?
A beautiful day to do so.

I spotted a Screech Owl this morning in a tree behind my house, evidently sunbathing.

Was too far away for me to get a photo, yet I watched it through my binoculars. Was surprised to see one in town! Cute little thing.

My prayers are with you. So many people are losing their jobs! things Will/Have to get better.

Keep your chin up and hang in there. Keep busy, you will get through this.

Teri

Anonymous said...

I will see what I can do to get the info Richard. I think you would love see some of the nature up this way. We are by no way prof. photogs....just love to add to the collection on the walls, LOL. Had one sitting on our pond when I got home...don't know if he was on his way to the river or where he was from, but it was sure neat to watch...He stayed for a good forty minutes as I sat on my porch and watched him. Of couse the pond is froze over, but he sat there.

Anonymous said...

Chris, glad to hear you are feeling better, I was able to eat some soup, and drink (gatorad)...
:-)

Take care.

Teri

Anonymous said...

that is gatorade:)

Anonymous said...

WOW Chris, I wished I made $1800 a month. I am way under paid for the work I do but hey I have a job at least, and insurance. I almost lost my house last year after liveing here almost 20 years.

Things have to get better soon! My gas bill alone was $250.00 for this month. I dont know what to do.

Anonymous said...

Heavy rain occurring on Feb 6 | Feb 7 | Feb 9 | Feb 10. Total amount 1.14 Inches.

Anonymous said...

Richard hang in there,, i know what your going thru, my husband works for a steele company called cive's and they have cut back production, and are even talking about lay off's,, i know its hard to think positive but hopefully this country will turn around,,,,Becky from Monticello

Anonymous said...

See, we do all pull together like a family. We do protect our own. That is way this blog is so wonderful....and important is so many ways!

prang gang way to go!

Anonymous said...

And thank you Mike for creating this wonderful blog...God Bless!

Anonymous said...

Amen to that,,, and prang gang sticks together

Anonymous said...

Looking to be getting a little foggy in spots in Tippecanoe co.

You seeing any fog Justin

Anonymous said...

Nope no Fog here currently!

I'M happy to say that! lol.....;)

Justin.

Anonymous said...

Hi all I am up late this time..Just got in from picking my daughter up from a basketball game, and a dance.. my driveway is like an ice rink.

There is no fog at this time but I did have to use the wipers, there is a light mist. It feels and smells so nice out! Kind of spooky though..to be this warm in Feb.My weather station shows a temp of 46.3 and the wind is picking up.

Teri in Laf.

Anonymous said...

Well, I am lucky....I have a teaching job that I love....it doesn't pay enough, but it is better than nothing. I worked 45 hours a week after school and on weekends at a restaurant....got my hours cut from 45 to 8! I have 2 kids and 2 step kids and a wife that is a stay at home mom....MY kids are 1 and 2. Taking $1800 out of my monthly budget has hurt big time! I got my utility bill yesterday....NOT VECTRAN....just elect/water/trash....$420!!! That billing period ended 1-8-09!! BEFORE IT GOT COLD!!!!! UGH!!!!!!

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

I spent all day in the 30s...until around 6PM....now, I am at 45.3 degrees.....no fog yet!

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

I emailed Mike earlier today....I was seeing a big snow event around Feb 16-19....he said Feb 14-15! Wow....Maybe we are seeing the same thing....just a little diff on the timing! I HOPE that the warm temps over the next 6 days doesn't warm the ground too much....I REALLY WANT THAT ONE HUGE ACCUMULATING SNOW that we have coming to us!!!!

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

I hear ya Chris! Hey are you getting wind? Just started here in Laf. strong wind gusts..

Anonymous said...

My wind chimes have been pretty active over the past hour....and that is a good indicator. Nothing major....but the more wind there is....the less fog we will see.

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

I would love to know from people who get the chance to watch WLFI... what do YOU think of the weekend weather currently on WLFI? I have only heard what is taking place....and I never saw Brian Woolf. I can not IMGAINE that he was worse than what you are getting now. I know that the economy is hurting smaller stations....and cuts have to be made. However...this is WEATHER we are talking about...

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

Are you feeling better Chris? What to you teach? if you dont mind me asking.

I work with LD and MO students

T in L

Anonymous said...

Better....yes! It may have been what I ate yesterday....I woke up early this morning very sick.... :(

I teach science/health K-5 at Tipton Elementary School....and I teach EVERY student from G/T to EH/LD/MIMH I love it!!!!

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

Does Mike normally update the blog after the Friday news?

Anonymous said...

I dont watch the weekend news, never did that much. However I did watch last weekend and there was a problem with the weather video.. so I cannot comment on the weather cast..I just check the blog..

T

Anonymous said...

From what I hear and understand....the Indy affiliate broadcasts the weather over WLFI on the weekends. I can not believe that is a good thing....especially since the weekend weather anchor on WISH isn't very good....or experienced.

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

I DID suggest to Mike that we have some kind of BLOG PARTY.....where we could all get together and meet, eat, talk, share ideas and stories....I think it could be a lot of fun!!

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

Last night....I got on YouTube and did a search for WLFI. I was HOPING to see some video of Willard Watts....but instead found the coverage of the Blizzard of 07! It is good....I never saw Ross...but he is on there, and was quite good!! It is worth checking out!

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

Bloggers!!!
I have faith That God will provide when the times get worse, not just for me but for the rest of you that are also feeling the financial crunch.
Hang in there and do not get discouraged.
Thank you Becky and Cheryl, God Bless.

Richard

Anonymous said...

They are a joy to work with...I work at a middle school, they keep me on my toes..

And yes most of the time Mike does update the blog on Friday's.

Did you know you can go to the WLFI home page,you will see the 7 day forcast, at the bottom it says more weather, click on that and you will be able to watch Mikes Web weather video.

T

Anonymous said...

You know....I think that it is a shame when there are honest people who are hard working....and WILLING TO WORK, not just put their time in....and there are not jobs for them! It makes me sick! I am willing to work 16-18 hours a day to provide for my family. All that I ask is a fair wage and decent working conditions. Even the suckiest of jobs are not available now. I PRAY that President Obama will get this turned around soon!!!

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

Teri,
I didnt get a chance to get the camera out today, I was in meetings at work discussing Workforce One and Unemployment.
We had a misfortune late last yr, our car decided to die so we had to send him away to the salvage graveyard. We did get a new Car car today, so now it is pretty much cut away the things that you can live without (except the internet). :) Which we have already been doing so I think we will be okay!

Richard

Anonymous said...

I will check that out!! THANKS!

I admire you for working with middle school students....I would rather work with the dead than middle school kids! LOL! It takes a special person with passion to work with hormonal teenagers.....and I am glad that there are special people like you out there!

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

How long have you taught, Teri?

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

LOL Chris, I hear that alot, and I work for a very large school. I have worked high school as well. I enjoy both. At times I sit and watch the students, and wonder what they will be like 10 years from now.

I received a phone call from a student I tought 6 years ago. I could not believe he found my number. I was shocked..he wanted to tell me he had a job, and wanted to thank me for teaching him how to read and how to control his temper..He said he will always be greatful.. That is what its all about, warmed my heart.

Anonymous said...

Chris,
You must be feeling much better!!! Glad to see you blogging away. Now you will be able to enjoy the brief warm weather. :)

Richard

Anonymous said...

OH I HEAR YOU!!!! Teaching is such a rewarding career....but it is full of people who get into it for all of the wrong reasons. I believe that it takes a special person to teach, and teach with success. I am 38 and have taught 17 years....I started when I was 21!! I have seen many students cross my path....and I love it when I see kids that I taught 15 years ago....and now their kids are in kindergarten.....there is nothing like it!!!!!! I WISH that we could dispose of all of the garbage....red tape....NCLB!!!!.....

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Richard....yes, I am! The message that I posted around 12:44 was for you too! The economy is making me ill.....

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

Lot's of Bloggers still up late?? lol.....:-)

Justin.

Anonymous said...

I posted just a little thing on what we are doing for the financial crunch, Obama is trying but the Reublicans in the Senate are not letting him do what he believes in!

Richard

Anonymous said...

Justin!

What are you seeing around Feb 14-15....19-21????

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

GO TO BED JUSTIN...LOL
Just Kidding!!!

How much snow have are you predicting for Feb15-16

Richard

Anonymous said...

The Repubs are asking good questions....and I appreciate that. As long as they get on with it....I think it will be ok. I am NOT SURE about not issuing another stimulus check...I think that could be better than getting another 20 dollars in our bi-weekly pay!

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

Ha Ha Richard! :-P lol.....

C in T I have snow between the 14th and the 16th it could be snowfall between 2 to 4 or 3 to 5 but it is really early to tell and amounts will change!

Justin.

Anonymous said...

BTW....I am a Dem to the CORE....but I at least appreciate the others asking good questions. I KNOW that our economy needs a swift kick in the rear....or we all will be hurting hard soon. I remember my grandparents talking about the Depression.....I never thought we would see another one in my lifetime....I think that we are closer than a lot of people realize...

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

I all honesty....I emailed Mike today and said that I saw something big later in the month, and he said that the 14-15 or 16th looked good. I was really looking at the 24-27th as a time period to watch.

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

Chris 12:44 post.
Thanks I am a very honest person and I am a determined person also. I will draw my unemployment and then Mow yards edge beds and landscape (30yrs experiance). Thats my future plan and earnings.

Richard

Anonymous said...

Well-- you draw that check, and don't feel at all bad about it!!! I think it stinks that hard workers can't find work.....amazing!

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

Sorry for the snow lovers but I am really ready for Spring. I have seen to much of the white stuff already. This cold really makes the arthritis kick in!!! Also once we stablize into warm weather we can get rid of this nasty bug thats been drifting around Indiana and elswhere.

Richard

Anonymous said...

Mike updated the BLOG!!!!

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

Chris get this.. My wife looked up the unemployment for Indiana to see how long it would take. She said it would range from 3-8 weeks!!! YIKES Hpe that is a mis-
caculation.


Richard