Weather It Is (All Good Things)

Good Afternoon:

There is a saying that "all good things must com to an end. " Certainly, if one is following the weather forecast and looking ahead to next week one would be in agreement.  While this morning's weather was quite pleasant -- even cool enough for my daughter to ask: "is it cold outside?" -- we're certainly not headed in that direction.

True, there is a chance of cooling sprinkles Friday morning, but the winds will switch from a westerly to a more southerly direction as the days pass into next week, and with the change in wind direction will come the high heat.  Temperatures should rise into the mid 30s (if not higher) in the mountains and desert areas, while it will be closer to 30 C with high humidity (Heat Index) along the coast.

It is interesting that the heat should arrive with northerly winds in the mountainous areas, but take on a more southerly direction to the west of the mountains.  The reason for this is most likely the temperature contrast between sea and the mountainous areas that creates local pressure differences.

I suppose that one reason I became a meteorologist (or atmospheric scientist interested in weather forecasting) is that I could always add a silver lining to the end of the forecast.  True, the pleasant weather of today will be replaced by rather unpleasant heat, but that too will give way to more pleasant breezes when the heat wave as run its course.

Unfortunately, there was an accidental shooting of a young man/soldier from Efrat.  Efrat is large enough now that I am not familiar with the family that suffered such a terrible tragedy.  On the other hand, in Israel all types of tragedies feel personal.  It is the nature of the Jewish people that we feel connected to other Jewish people elsewhere, but especially in our country -- where one can drive from river to coast in a relatively short time.

Yet, I couldn't help but notice this morning how there were those who took an (illegal) opportunity to pass my car on the right hand side. Israelis are notorious for their lack of etiquette on the road, as well as paying scant attention to cross walks, stop signs, etc.  Rules of the road are only guide, not an obligation. So, why be angry at our Palestinian neighbors, but not be angry at ourselves for bringing about the same result (death) on the roads?

Barry Lynn