As there is thunder/lightning around, I have decided to disconnect antennas and switch off the rigs. The storms are getting closer according to http://www.lightningmaps.org/realtime?lang=en . As much as I'd like to continue to monitor on 6m, I think to go QRT is the right decision tonight. There will be plenty of other times to monitor 6m and 10m.
UPDATE 2110z: The worst of the storms missed us. However, there is a lot of storm activity around still, so the rigs and antennas will remain off tonight. Meanwhile I am watching Brazil getting beaten by Holland. Current score Brazil 0 Holland 2. Unless Brazil create some magic, they are doomed.
UPDATE 2207z: Would not like to be in the Brazilian national football team this evening.
Showing posts with label lightning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lightning. Show all posts
12 Jul 2014
25 Jun 2014
More lightning maps
In an earlier blog post comment, a reader pointed out that on the latest version of these maps there is more detail: the maps show where the lightning flashes are being detected, so giving an idea of intensity. See http://www.blitzortung.org/Webpages/index.php?lang=en. These maps really tell you a lot. It shows no thunder or lightning at present in the UK. Over the Alps it is still intense and now in Russia as well.
G0LRD tells me this data is also available on the maps I linked to if "stations" are selected.
G0LRD tells me this data is also available on the maps I linked to if "stations" are selected.
23 Jun 2014
Lightning maps
If you missed G0LRD's comment in an earlier post you may want this link that shows lightning activity:
http://www.lightningmaps.org/realtime?lang=en
There are storms in Eastern England and very many over the Alps. Interestingly the CN8 to OZ path has been open on 6m Es today. Some believe there is a correlation between Es and thunderstorms.
UPDATE 1720z: At the moment, the storms have ended but the lightning map shows a further storm is due to come through. At present it is over the Peterborough area and moving SE. I think it is best to NOT reconnect the antennas today.
UPDATE 1751z: The storm over Peterborough seems to be moving in an easterly direction and may miss our village with luck, although I can now hear distant thunder to the north.
UPDATE 1812z: The storm is definitely tracking east over the Bedford Levels in the Fens, towards Littleport, so should miss us. Even so, I'll stay off air tonight.
UPDATE 2016z: According to the lightning map, all thunder storms have now died out in the UK. I'll reconnect antennas in the morning.
http://www.lightningmaps.org/realtime?lang=en
There are storms in Eastern England and very many over the Alps. Interestingly the CN8 to OZ path has been open on 6m Es today. Some believe there is a correlation between Es and thunderstorms.
UPDATE 1720z: At the moment, the storms have ended but the lightning map shows a further storm is due to come through. At present it is over the Peterborough area and moving SE. I think it is best to NOT reconnect the antennas today.
UPDATE 1751z: The storm over Peterborough seems to be moving in an easterly direction and may miss our village with luck, although I can now hear distant thunder to the north.
UPDATE 1812z: The storm is definitely tracking east over the Bedford Levels in the Fens, towards Littleport, so should miss us. Even so, I'll stay off air tonight.
UPDATE 2016z: According to the lightning map, all thunder storms have now died out in the UK. I'll reconnect antennas in the morning.
Labels:
6m,
lightning,
thunderstorms
6m - local storms stop play
Currently we have thunderstorms around so I have disconnected ALL antennas, turned off the rigs and turned off the WSPR software and the PC.
This morning there was no Es seen here on 6m, just GDX. G0OKQ was a consistent reporter 98km away in the Chiltern Hills. Local G4IKZ (18km) was not on.
If the storm passes over, and goes, I'll reconnect 6m WSPR At the moment (1352z) the storm is about 3km away judging by the time difference between lightning and thunder claps. I hate this sort of weather.
Sunspot count is 95 and the forecast for 20-30MHz is "good" so F-layer propagation on 10m should be promising. Conditions are "disturbed".
This morning there was no Es seen here on 6m, just GDX. G0OKQ was a consistent reporter 98km away in the Chiltern Hills. Local G4IKZ (18km) was not on.
If the storm passes over, and goes, I'll reconnect 6m WSPR At the moment (1352z) the storm is about 3km away judging by the time difference between lightning and thunder claps. I hate this sort of weather.
Sunspot count is 95 and the forecast for 20-30MHz is "good" so F-layer propagation on 10m should be promising. Conditions are "disturbed".
20 Jun 2014
Lightning damage risk
I am always nervous about lightning strikes.
The excellent Southgate News today told the (true) story of a local CBer who had his vertical and CB rig destroyed by lightning. See http://www.huntspost.co.uk/news/latest-news/
huntingdon_cb_radio_user_almost_electrocuted_after_lightning_
bolt_strikes_aerial_1_3648368http://www.huntspost.co.uk/news/latest-news/
huntingdon_cb_radio_user_almost_electrocuted_after_lightning_
bolt_strikes_aerial_1_3648368
I usually disconnect antennas when there is lightning about but I am still nervous. One of my friends (not a radio ham and with no big antennas in the air) who lived in a normal estate home had his home struck years ago and it took out lots of his household wiring. The chances of a direct hit are rare, but I am always bothered and never quite sure what the best advice is.
The excellent Southgate News today told the (true) story of a local CBer who had his vertical and CB rig destroyed by lightning. See http://www.huntspost.co.uk/news/latest-news/
huntingdon_cb_radio_user_almost_electrocuted_after_lightning_
bolt_strikes_aerial_1_3648368http://www.huntspost.co.uk/news/latest-news/
huntingdon_cb_radio_user_almost_electrocuted_after_lightning_
bolt_strikes_aerial_1_3648368
I usually disconnect antennas when there is lightning about but I am still nervous. One of my friends (not a radio ham and with no big antennas in the air) who lived in a normal estate home had his home struck years ago and it took out lots of his household wiring. The chances of a direct hit are rare, but I am always bothered and never quite sure what the best advice is.
Labels:
lightning
15 May 2014
Lightning and solar activity
Dr Steve Collins of Sheffield University has pointed me to this fascinating link on the BBC website:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ science-environment-27406358 . It shows how solar activity and lightning are linked, possibly allowing a means of predicting future lightning activity.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
Labels:
lightning,
solar,
solar wind
23 Jan 2013
Lightning across Europe
Lightning map of Europe http://www.blitzortung.org/Webpages/index.php?lang=en |
Well, http://www.blitzortung.org/Webpages/index.php?lang=en gives a map showing this data.
Labels:
blitzortung,
lightning
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)