Dr. Jeff Masters' WunderBlog

World's Largest Weather Instrument
Posted by: Dr. Jeff Masters, 5:05 PM GMT on August 05, 2005 +0
If you've driving the stretch of I-15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas and get off at the Baker exit near Death Valley, you have the opportunity to see the ultimate tacky weather object--the world's tallest thermometer. Rising a full 134 feet above the dusty streets of Baker (population: 700),
the working thermometer is the brainchild of Baker resident Willis Herron, who spent $700,000 erecting the huge instrument. In an article in the June 2005 issue of the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, Willis says: "Awww, I know it's tacky. But I also know people won't be able to pass it more than four or five times without saying, 'What is that?'". And hopefully pull off the expressway to take a look--and buy a burger at the Mad Greek restaurant or a slice of strawberry pie at the original Bun Boy restaurant, now owned by Steve Carter, whom Herron sold the thermometer to in 2000.

The thermometer weighs 76,812 pounds, sports 4900 light bulbs, and is held together by 125 cubic yards of concrete--much of this added after 70-mph winds snapped the thermometer in half shortly after it was built in 1991. The 134 foot height is symbolic of the 134 degree maximum temperature recorded in Death Valley in 1913--the all-time record for North America.

Dr. Jeff Masters
The world's tallest thermomerter! (robsters)
Located in Baker, California, 109 degrees
The world's tallest thermomerter!
Categories: Humor
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1201. punkasshans 2:15 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
I think the storm looks stronger rather than weaker as the NHC says. It looks to me like there is a circulation. Just have to wait for the 11am. . unless its already out.
1202. punkasshans 2:18 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
By the way, i realized I didnt look at a time frame here. .i should have said more like 72 hours and than a turn. Oh well. I still say the same, somewhere between Bermuda and NC, not making landfall.

Should be interesting to see what the NHC is saying about its strength at the next advisory.
1203. STORMTOP 2:18 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
i am by no means ready to call florida out of the woods and no on here should do that...this storm has gone through lots of changes the last 24 hours..the hedging is we are just not sure right now how strong the high will be when it starts pushing west..if its as strong as we think it will be the storm will almost be on a sw until it hits land somwhere on the florida coast monday...this is not written in stone im trying to give you and idea...on the other hand if the high goes on a more wnw track then charlleston sc is in the line of fire..we still expect irene to become a hurricane in the next 48 hours...stay tuned i will more info by noon today..a recon plane is all set to check her out today....
1204. evolution 2:20 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
i agree punkasshans. that's a pretty fair assumption. intensity over the next 72 hours will play a huge role in the actual track of the storm.
1205. evolution 2:23 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
that's funny STORMTOP because just a few days ago, you had written off this storm completely and basically told everyone on this blog that we were wasting our time watching this storm.....in fact the way you sounded i thought we may not here from you for 2 weeks! welcome back! what made you have the change of heart on irene??
1206. punkasshans 2:24 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
Is this the FIRST recon plane for Irene?
1207. evolution 2:25 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
btw......did you check out the links on my post a few posts back? please do, do you agree with me on the gradual turn back west if this storm stays less organized? just curious on you thoughts. we might actually agree on something.
1208. punkasshans 2:26 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
he has already explained himself evolution, you can read up and find out

(just trying to save you time stormtop)
1209. STORMTOP 2:27 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
no its been down there before........evolution scroll up i was here yesterday....
1210. STORMTOP 2:33 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
no evolution i dont agree with you..if the storm stays less organized a northward path will resume it will stay to the top of the cone...if the storm strengthens then it will take a west or sw heading on the lower part of the cone and heads towards fla or charleston sc...
1211. whirlwind 2:42 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
i think its still moving west. it just *looks* like a north movement because of the flare up of the convection.

Stormtop- so if that high moves west, then irene can hit FL, right?
1212. evolution 2:44 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
okay.. than help me out here..i thought the weaker the storm, it would follow the low-mid level currents. if its stronger, it would be more likely to take the path towards the TROF coming off the coast. NO????
1213. deb1 2:47 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
Irene looks like it is changing its track, turning North. I don't think Florida is in much danger and there's still a chance it may just keep turning and go out to sea.
Member Since: July 18, 2005 Posts: 11 Comments: 2
1214. STORMTOP 2:48 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
yes indeed if the high strengthens enough and statrs to build back westward yes that can happen...im afraid the storm will strengthen and that will force the high back towards the west with the alaska ridge moving south it would be caught in a squeeze play and move sw and that would definitely be the fla coast sometime on monday night...if it is a little weaker a more wnw course would take shape then we are talking about charleston sc and of course the nc coast would get the brunt of the storm being on the worse side...its just to early to tell and to write anyone off yet...
1215. punkasshans 2:49 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
11 am discussion:

IF A WESTWARD MOTION CONTINUES TODAY AND
THE CENTER DOES NOT REFORM FARTHER NORTH...THEN THE TRACK WILL HAVE
TO BE SHIFTED EVEN MORE TO THE LEFT ON THE NEXT ADVISORY.


and stormtop continues to be correct at the moment.
1216. deb1 2:50 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
Latest NHC advisory is up
Member Since: July 18, 2005 Posts: 11 Comments: 2
1217. punkasshans 2:50 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
THE WARM
SEA-SURFACE TEMPERATURES AND IMPROVING OUTFLOW PATTERN SHOULD ALLOW
FOR AT LEAST SLOW INTENSIFICATION AS INTERMITTENT BURSTS OF DEEP
CONVECTION OCCUR NEAR THE CENTER. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT IRENE COULD
REACH HURRICANE STRENGTH BEFORE THE END OF THE FORECAST PERIOD.


humm, possible hurricane? its amazing what 24 hours will do to a storm and the NHC predictions
1218. whirlwind 2:53 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
So if the storm is strong, it will push the high away then. If that happens what steers the storm?
1219. STORMTOP 2:57 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
deb irene is not going north if anything its strengthing and moving to west direction...please dont call florida out of this unless you see the stormm go over the 26 degree latitude then florida will be safe...i have it from a good source that the storm wont make it to the 24 degree latitude when the high decides to build westward...
1220. deb1 3:00 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
Stormtop, what good source? Your forecasting is least accurate of everyone from what I have seen so far this season. If you have 'better information' why don't you share it instead of alluding to it? The last I recall you were insisting this storm is going to fizzle out and not go anywhere. Lol.
Member Since: July 18, 2005 Posts: 11 Comments: 2
1221. STORMTOP 3:03 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
deb scroll up i don t have the time to go over everything...
1222. punkasshans 3:08 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
He claims his good source is within the NWS. However, each time this source seems to lead him the wrong way. Will have to see this time.
1223. SEFL 3:15 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
Take a look at the NWS/NHC forecast and what Stormtop is predicting. Do you really think any reliable forecaster who has access to the wealth of data available to the NWS is going to make a seat of the pants prediction based on Stormtop's fascination with water vapor loops?

1224. STORMTOP 3:20 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
self it sure looks like the same thing to me...we are all on the same page with this..only a dunce like you cant see that...you need to read between the lines self i dont know why im taking the time i am with you...
1226. punkasshans 3:24 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
At this point, stormtop and the NHC are predicting basically the same things. . definately if this storm keeps going west over the next 6 hours.
1227. whirlwind 3:27 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
there is a possibility that the NHC has a good hunch on where Irene is going. But with all the hysteria with hurricanes, they do not want to say. just like the government doesnt tell us the way it really is, same with the nhc..
1228. STORMTOP 3:28 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
gm alec things have changed in a hurry on this one
1230. WSI 3:29 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
If you people would quit feeding Stormtop, he would either leave or become less abrasive. He intially predicted Irene was going back out to sea. Even with all the information that said otherwise, he still went with it. Sure, he still may be right about it, but the chances of that are looking more and more slim every hour. He is just here to be the focus of attention and to annoy people. Leave him be, and he will change his ways or move on. The blogs are becoming downright stupid with all the bickering and crap being posted. Please control it.

With that being said, if I were on the southeast coast, I might try stock my cabinets a little more. I am always paranoid and overprepared though too. Still looks like intensity guidance doesn't want to turn this storm into a hurricane until early next week at best. Although, judging intensity is tough.
1231. whirlwind 3:31 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
stormtop did say yesterday : "indicates to me a westerly movement for the duration which would be about 96 hours."

Fl is saying" come get some.." :D
1232. Alec 3:32 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
The models have pretty much shifted more to the right very slowly over the last day. The ridge of high pressure over the SE is forecasted to move eastward over bermuda in the next4-5 days. if thats the case then irene could turn more to the nw and get somewhat closer to the carolina coasts. It all depends on the strength of the ridge and how much it weakens over the next days.
1233. whirlwind 3:33 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
SEE, this is why the NHC doesnt want to release toooo much info.. look at WSI already paranoid (no offense to u), do you really think they want to tell us so everyone started acting crazy !!??
1234. HurricaneKing 3:36 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
I want it to hit NC as a cat3. All the storms I've been through were cat2's. I think Isabel was back to a cat3.
Member Since: July 6, 2005 Posts: 71 Comments: 2432
1235. gmboy95 3:38 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
Things seem to change with this by the hour....My only concern is that i will be able to fly into orlando on saturday in the am....from what i see it looks like regardless of track i should be OK????....What do you guys think!!!

Oh and by the way...STORMTOP....I have been reading your posts, and i dont get the whole "I'm the hammer, your the nail" personality.
Member Since: May 21, 2005 Posts: 0 Comments: 3
1236. STORMTOP 3:39 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
ok guys i thought i was helping you if you dont want the info i have just tell me ill leave..any of you feel like wsi let me knoe i dont need this aggravation..i have a storm that could be dangerous in 48 hours to track...what ever you guys do do not make a statement florida is out of the woods because they are not...if anyone wants me to come back just say so if not i will be doing my job...
1237. Alec 3:39 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
There is no need to worry too much just yet. The models were trending very far to the left yesterday and now they're trending more to the right with time. Will wait and see if they trend back west or east. Irene has been more west than most of the model guidance over the last few days. Now if irene sped up its forward speed then the ridge wouldnt have enough time to weaken and irene could end up moving more westward. Just listing scenarios to consider.
1238. SEFL 3:41 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
Please don't do me any favors, Stormtop everyone else will get jealous. Currently the CPA for Florida for the official forecast track is about 450 miles. Doesn't sound like sw movement to me.
1239. whirlwind 3:44 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
well i gotta say i like stormtops predictions, either way this whole blog is entertainment
1241. SEFL 3:49 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
Awww Stormtop, I didn't know you cared!
1242. Alec 3:52 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
stormtop cut out the name calling. The administration on here is erasing our posts because of non weather related issues.
1243. WSI 3:52 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
Well I am just being cautious. If I see a storm with a potential track to my area within a week, I would be preparing. That way you are ahead of the curve and the crowds. Just common sense to me really.


And Stormtop, I wouldn't feel the way I did if I didn't see you make statements like "I am the teacher", "you are a good student", "I would teach you..", "models are out to lunch all the time", etc. Everyone has something to contribute. You make good observations sometimes. You just need to quit being so belligerent and condescending. I am sure you could structure your posts where they were of a more conciliatory tone. No one has all the answers, including you. This is the last time I speak about this.
1245. 53rdWeatherRECON 4:02 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
Looks like the northward turn is definitly starting to happen. This is no wobble. Out to sea she goes. http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/RT/float2-wv-loop.html
Member Since: August 5, 2005 Posts: 2 Comments: 74
1246. Randyman 4:06 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    

An Exclusive Irene Update As of 10:00am:


Irene Nearing Tropical Storm Strength

Issued: 10:00 AM Wednesday, August 10, 2005


At 10am CDT, the center of Tropical Depression Irene to be located near 22.4N and 57.7W, or about 810 miles southeast of Bermuda. Movement is estimated to be west at 10 mph and maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph, mainly in squalls north and east of the center.


The latest visible satellite pictures indicate Irene is getting better organized with thunderstorms increasing near and around the circulation center. Upper level wind shear appears to be decreasing and we now think there is an increasing chance that Irene will be upgraded to a tropical storm later today or tonight. As for movement, we do favor a general west to west-northwest motion over the next 72 to 96 hours as high pressure remains anchored north of Irene. In the longer range time period we do think there is an increasing chance Irene may affect the east U.S. Coast before turning northward.


For more information please refer to the latest track map and detailed discussion listed below.


Meteorologist: Fred Schmude
Member Since: July 26, 2005 Posts: 0 Comments: 222
1247. 53rdWeatherRECON 4:07 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
It looks like it just did strenghten enough this morning to get caught up at the last possible second. The satellite showed almost a due north jump. These are really difficult to determine during the re-development process. Yesterdays jump to the south, today's jump to the north. It looks as if it has slowed down too. http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/RT/float2-vis-loop.html
Member Since: August 5, 2005 Posts: 2 Comments: 74
1248. punkasshans 4:25 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
On that visible loop it really does looks like a tropical storm for the first time since its initial development way back near africa. I can see where you are getting your north jog, will have to see if it continues over the next few hours.
1249. STORMTOP 4:39 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
this storm is now back on a direct west heading...the north jog was temporary..it cant go north this high will block the weakness has already filled in...
1250. jeff14photos 4:44 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
oh stormtop dont you ever give up.
1251. punkasshans 4:47 PM GMT on August 10, 2005    
i didnt think his last comment was bad. . .

anyway, the storm will most likely keep going west for another 60/72 hours and then push north once the high moves too far east. I, personally, think florida and geogia are safe. SC, NC and north should be watching the storm, but i think it will stay off the shore line.

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About JeffMasters
Jeff co-founded the Weather Underground in 1995 while working on his Ph.D. He flew with the NOAA Hurricane Hunters from 1986-1990.

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