Morocco on the Hers
Our strange weather continues. After a brief spell of "winter" right around Christmas, the springlike conditions returned this past week in a big way. I thought I'd been mysteriously transported back to L.A.! Cold nights, but 70 degree (F) days full of sunshine and the smell of spring in the air.
Yes, it is VERY nice for dog walking. However, it is also disturbing, since it is only January and we're 1200 feet above sea level.
Everyone in the Possum Kingdom is talking about the weather, not that that is unusual, as they ALWAYS talk about the weather here. But there's a real sense of concern.
First, the fruit trees are already starting to blossom. Since this weather is unlikely to continue without a brutal return to cold weather, that could wind up seriously hurting this year's fruit crop; and that would provide a severe financial blow to the region.
Second, with no winter rain and no snow pack to speak of, there is going to be a major water shortage this year. Already, due to a series of complicated circumstances only partly related to the weather, the village of Nebias on the Plateau du Sault is without water and is relying on water tank trucks to bring water into the community. That is disturbing to everyone, not just those in Nebias.
According to a report in la Depeche, the odd weather pattern doesn't have much to do with global warming per se, but is being brought about by currents that are normally in Morocco coming farther north than usual. I would assume it's a bit like when California gets a Southern Pacific water flow, or conversely, an Arctic flow and that totally throws everything out of kilter.
Granted, people would be complaining if we were having a wetter/colder winter than normal instead, so on the human front, all things remain the same. But it's a good reminder of what we might all be facing as global warming becomes an ever greater problem. Perhaps it's the kind of lesson that we all need.
Ciao for now.
Randy
Yes, it is VERY nice for dog walking. However, it is also disturbing, since it is only January and we're 1200 feet above sea level.
Everyone in the Possum Kingdom is talking about the weather, not that that is unusual, as they ALWAYS talk about the weather here. But there's a real sense of concern.
First, the fruit trees are already starting to blossom. Since this weather is unlikely to continue without a brutal return to cold weather, that could wind up seriously hurting this year's fruit crop; and that would provide a severe financial blow to the region.
Second, with no winter rain and no snow pack to speak of, there is going to be a major water shortage this year. Already, due to a series of complicated circumstances only partly related to the weather, the village of Nebias on the Plateau du Sault is without water and is relying on water tank trucks to bring water into the community. That is disturbing to everyone, not just those in Nebias.
According to a report in la Depeche, the odd weather pattern doesn't have much to do with global warming per se, but is being brought about by currents that are normally in Morocco coming farther north than usual. I would assume it's a bit like when California gets a Southern Pacific water flow, or conversely, an Arctic flow and that totally throws everything out of kilter.
Granted, people would be complaining if we were having a wetter/colder winter than normal instead, so on the human front, all things remain the same. But it's a good reminder of what we might all be facing as global warming becomes an ever greater problem. Perhaps it's the kind of lesson that we all need.
Ciao for now.
Randy
Labels: drought, global warming, unseasonal warmth, Unusual weather
