More rain/Lightning Safety/What is a severe storm?

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
There is one area of disturbed weather east of the tropics. Odds of development are low. Looking at the long range steering pattern, I do see an important (if only temporary) shift coming up. According to at least one long range model--at the end of July, the ridge (which is now over the western US) looks like it will shift eastward so that it is positioned over the southeastern US. This is not good news for Texas as anything that moves/develops in the Caribbean/Gulf could be steered toward Texas. So, I will watch this very closely.

On Monday, the ridge continues to bring 100+ weather to the southwest, Intermountain Region and interior Oregon. West coast of California will still be nice and mild with highs in the 70s and most of the northeast, Great Lakes, northern plains will have highs in the 70s and 80s. The southeast and Texas will have highs in the 80s and 90s. Look for some severe weather mainly in the central US. There will also be some thunderstorms in the southeast.

The Houston area has enjoyed beneficial rains this weekend. There were more rain totals over one inch on Saturday. As I write this, the totals are not final yet for Sunday. There will be scattered storms Monday in the Houston area. Highs will be in the low to middle 90s.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do squat or agacharse, pronounced ah-gah-CHAR-say. In which type of weather, should you agacharse if you can't get to a safe shelter? See the answer in the AND MORE section.

Lightning has electricity and our bodies have electricity. In fact it's those little electrical impluses in our brain that fire when the brain is doing its work. You can stimulate the development and function of those neurological pathways by stimulating it and one of the best ways is through language learning. Give your kids this kind of stimulation. Order our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volume 1 is just the ticket. Order your copy from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,%20www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Thinking about stormy weather reminds me of a funny incident from when I worked at in TV weather. We were having tremendous thunderstorm activity--unbelievable amounts of lightning--like a strobe light. There were no severe thunderstorm warnings being issued by the National Weather Service because technically, this kind of storm did not meet the description of a severe storm. One viewer called and complained--asking why no severe thunderstorm warnings were issued. I told him that the storms did not meet severe criteria and he responded--but this storm has VERY SEVERE lightning. Well I had to agree with him on that one. But in case you were curious, here is the official definition of a severe thunderstorm pulled from the Storm Prediction Center web site:

The term severe thunderstorm refers to a thunderstorm producing hail that is at least penny size, 0.75 inches in diameter or larger, and/or wind gusts to 58 mph or greater, and/or a tornado. Although lightning can be deadly, the NWS doesn't use it to define a severe thunderstorm. If it did, every thnderstorm would be severe, by definition. Also, excessive rainfall may lead to deadly flash flooding, but heavy rain is not a severe criterion either. The flood threat is handled through a separate set of watches and warnings from your lcoal NWS forecast office.

For more information, go to their FAQ page.
http://www.spc.ncep.noaa.gov/faq/

Remember, if there is lightning, the safest place is in a non-metal structure--1st floor, away from windows and doors and stay out of the tube/shower, off land line phones and plugged in appliances. If you can't get indoors, a vehicle is a good alternative--just don't touch the metal parts of the car. If you can't get into a car, get to the safest low spot, away from water and tall objects. Squat down (with as little of your body in contact with the ground as possible), making yourself as small as possible.

Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Rain This Weekend/Poll Closes/New Poll/Looking for Kayakers

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
There are two areas of disturbed weather in the Atlantic--both are weak and have low prospects for developing.

Big shift west in the jet stream is heating things up out west and allowing cooling rains in Texas. Hooray!!! Texas really needs the drought relief! Highs on Saturday out west will be in the 100s except for the coast of California which will have highs in the 70s. Very pleasant over the eastern US with highs in the 60s (Great Lakes) and 70s. Southeast will have highs in the low 90s. Note the severe storm threat in eastern New Mexico, southeast Colorado, and west Texas.

Houston -- some more thunderstorms over our southern areas on Friday...a whopping 1.7 inches fell in the Friendswood area...hey, share some with the rest of us. Well, it looks like there will be even more showers and thunderstorms this weekend with Sunday being the most likely day. Additional cloud cover with keep highs in the low 90s on Saturday and upper 80s on Sunday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do skyline or horizonte, pronounced or-ree-ZONE-tay. I think the Houston horizonte is very pretty--but where are the kayakers? See AND MORE section for more on that.

For rainy periods like we are expecting this weekend, our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volume 1 is just the ticket. Order your copy from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,%20www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Have you been downtown lately? I can't help but me amused (and tell me if I am missing something)...have you seen those banners hanging on the posts? They show a beautiful Houston skyline but the foreground, there are two people kayaking. Now, I'm wondering...do people go kayaking on Buffalo Bayou? More importantly, as visitors see downtown Houston for the first time--do you look around to see where these kayakers are? Just wondering...

Our poll on the tax incentive for trading in high gas using vehicles is closed. 20% said they are considering it and 80% said they are not. Thanks to all who participated.

My new poll is about the demands on our schedules. What takes most of your energy. Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advancing for answering.

Have a great weekend! Enjoy the rain!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

More rain expected/Princess Oreo/Watching disturbance in Atlantic

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
There is an area of disturbed weather a few hundred miles west of the Cape Verde Islands (in the eastern Atlantic). According to the National Hurricane Center, this area has less than a 30% chance of developing as it moves westward. Will monitor. In the eastern Pacific, Carlos and Dolores have weaked to tropical depressions and are not a concern to land.

Very hot on Friday across the southern plains and southwest, Intermountain Region and inland areas of Washington and California. Cool spot will be the northern Great Lakes with highs in the 50s! Southeast will have highs in the upper 80s to low 90s. Elsewhere, look for highs in the 70s and 80s. There is a slight risk for severe weather east of the Rockies and across a portion of the southeast.

Some much needed downpours in Houston on Thursday... from the Harris County Office of Emergency Management rain gauge network, 0.9 inches along I10 just inside Beltway 8 and 0.7 near Channelview, 0.6 in Friendswood. Never fear, there will be more scattered showers and thunderstorms Friday, Saturday and Sunday. At times, temperatures will be decreased by the showers and extra cloud cover will help keep things slightly cooler overall.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do princess or princesa, pronounced preen-CEH-sah. May I introduce you to princesa Oreo? See And More section for more.

While my stepdad is in town doing cancer treatment, he and my mom are having fun doing all kinds of extra things they might not have time for otherwise. Every Tuesday and Thursday night, they take Spanish lessons. Gerry is really making amazing progress! You go Gerry! And the school of research shows that language is very beneficial and stimulating to the neuro-pathways of the brain...improving function and learning--especially in children. So don't let your little ones miss out! Order our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volume 1 from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,%20www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
I was uploading some photos to order hard copies and I had to love the photo at right. I want to tell you about the sweetest, most patient dog I have ever meant. The pretty girl in the middle is Oreo. I think Oreo is 13 years old...really old for a dog. But she still has some get up and go. She never barks. And she puts up with all kinds of abuse like wearing tiaras (you can't see it but there is also a wand in her collar). Sarah always enjoys Oreo so much when we visit cousin Sophia. Oreo loves to snuggle and followed us from room to room. When we went somewhere, she was quick to jump into the car...she loves an adventure. When we got ready to leave, she climbed up into the back seat. The only person who could persuade her to come out was my sister Julie...the person who found her wandering along a road when she only a puppy. Oreo truly is a princess' best friend.

Have a fantastic Friday!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

It is going to rain!!!/Pride, Prejudice and a Plot Twist /Bowling Made Better

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
The Atlantic Basin is quiet.

In the Eastern Pacific, Carlos is a hurricane with 105 mph winds. It is eventually expected to weaken as it moves westward. Newly formed Tropical Depression 5E is forecast to move mainly west-northwest and strengthen to a tropical storm.

On Wednesday, with the exception of the west coast of California, all of the southern states should have highs in the 90s and 100s (100s being in Texas, Oklahoma, the southwest and even as far north as inland Oregon). Highs will be in the 60s along the west coast of California, the northern plains, the Great Lakes and the northeast. Look for storms from Colorado to the Ohio Valley and some in the southeast.

Houston had its 5th straight day of 98 degree readings--not the 100s we had but the humidity has been plenty high. Sugar Land has hit 100 2 days in a row. Help!!! We're melting and our grass is burning up! Well here is some good news!!! Looks like the ridge is going to ease back to the west starting Thursday and stay that way for at least a week. That means there could be storms coming down the edge of the ridge and over us as soon as Thursday. Best chances for rain will be end of weekend into middle of the coming week. The rain will also help cool things off.

Bandera report for my step-dad--Gerry, looks like Bandera will get some rain middle to end of the NEXT week.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do hope or esperanza, pronounced s-pehr-RAHN-zah. We have esperanza that it will rain!!!

We all hope for a bright future for our children. Help make that future more promising by encouraging them to learn more than one language. Order our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volume 1 from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,%20www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
We went to one of Sarah's friend's birthday parties last weekend. It was at a bowling alley. Now, I know you've heard of bumpers being put up. But have you ever seen the special launching rack that can be used? You just place the ball on top and let it roll down to the floor with momentum from gravity helping it to roll on down to the lane. Of course this is a great idea for the little ones who have such a hard time swinging a big, heavy bowling ball. And you wouldn't believe all the strikes they made using this contraption! Well, I say, let adults use it. You can even take away my bumper pads. Just think...no more broken fingernails (I always break my thumbnail bowling), no more sore arms, shoulders and hips. I'm thinking this could be an Olympic Event!!! Who's with me?!

For all of you romantic lovers of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, here's a book to avoid. (Please note I love it!!!) It is a new Colleen McCullough novel (same lady who wrote The Thornbirds) and all is not happily ever after in the Darcy household. Oh dear...it is not what you might have envisioned. The book is actually about Elizabeth's spinster sister Mary, who ended up taking care of their mother until the mother died. But they do talk about Elizabeth and Fitzwilliams Darcy. The book is called The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet. Check it out---if you dare!!!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Rain in Forecast/Cool Sugar Land Pools/Facebook Connection/Crazy Gardening

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Atlantic basin is quiet. Tropical Storm Carlos in the eastern Pacific weakened today...but the National Hurricane Center is still forecasting it to become a hurricane. There is another area of disturbed weather a few hundred miles east of Carlos and that has a chance to develop. Will monitor both.

Monday's highs will be in the 90s and 100s across the southern states (hottest Texas and desert southwest). West coast of California will only reach 70s. Elsewhere highs will be in the 70s and 80s. Look for severe storms in the northern Plains and parts of the southeast and Tennessee Valley.

Houston made the upper 90s today. 100 is possible on Monday. Upper trough backing in from the northeast will cause some scattered showers and thunderstorms end of the week and over the weekend.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do trip or viaje, pronounced vee-AH-hey. Are you about to go on a viaje? Find out one father's method of coping in the AND MORE section.

If you are going on a trip with the kids, have I got the perfect DVD to have them watch--they'll be entertained and educated by our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volume 1 from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,%20www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
For those of you getting ready to hit the road with your kids, this one comes to you from my cross state travel of the last week. As we were getting ready to leave Amarillo, I ran into a man in the elevator with a cart filled with luggage. He offered that he was about to make an 18 hour road trip. I asked him where he was heading. And he said Columbus, Ohio. Then he added he has 4 kids. I asked him "Are you going to do that all in one stretch?!" and he looked at me with this resigned and numb look--"Why not?" I wonder how that went. Ha! Someone else told me it is probably something like this--what is the best way to take off a bandaid...slowly or just rip it off--I think that is how this man was feeling.

Okay...I know you'll think I'm crazy. But I just started some green pepper plants and some spinach plants. It's too hot for both, but I put them in some planters in a spot on the back porch that has morning sun. I'll let you know if I get any results. The green peppers are supposed to be started indoors in the spring and then transpanted in about 8 weeks...then given 73 days to produce fruit. So, we shall see how this all goes. Spinach is a spring or fall crop in Houston. But, maybe I'll get results if they grow in the shade. I am watering both every day. I just want to grow something and I couldn't find okra seeds. My corn crop is all burned up--I'm about to rework that bed. I love this gardening stuff...if only it weren't so hot.

Lots of swimming lately. Many of my friends are not taking their kids out because the water does not give relief--it is bath water warm--sometimes almost feeling like a lukewarm jacuzzi. But, a lot of the kiddie pools are in shade and their water is nice and cool. And for those of you who like the Magnolia Pool in Sugar Land--they must have changed out the water, because it was pleasantly cool today. Also, The Lakes pool has a fun covered kiddie pool with stone frogs spitting out streams of water...it is quite refreshing. Check it out!

Don't forget to look for me on Facebook. I am trying to get to it as much as possible. I'm still learning. Also, the puppet Frank the Horse is on there too. And, he wants to be your friend.

Well, have a great week everyone!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Heat Advisory/Poll Results/New Poll/Tropical Storm Carlos

HURRICANES AND WEATHER

Tropical Storm Carlos formed early today in the eastern Pacific. It is forecast to move west (away from land) and become a hurricane. Will watch it. Atlantic basin is quiet.



Much of the country will be hot this weekend...lots of 90s and 100s across the southern states and into the Intermountain Region. Highs will be in the 60s and 70s for western California and northern plains and northeast. Look for severe storms in east/southeast and western Nebraska. See figure at right.



Houston is hot and humid and there is a Heat Advisory through Saturday. There have been no 100 degree reading for five days but it has been close. With the ridge high and flat, it will be hot and humid for the next week or so. Rain chances are very low but an isolated storm or too could pop each day.



SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY

Let's do butterfly, or mariposa, pronounced mar-ee-POH-sah. Do you know the difference between a mariposa and a moth? Check out the And More section for the answer.



I am working a part time job which sometimes requires me to speak to Spanish speaking individuals. Although my Spanish is less than perfect, I can tell you that it is a tremendous asset to getting work done. There are Spanish speakers all over the place. Give your favorite youngsters the advantage of language. Order our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volume 1 from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,%20www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.



AND MORE

My poll on ideal vacation spots is closed. Only one answer was allowed. 36% said they would like to go to a nice beach. 27% said they would like to got to the mountains. 9% would like to go on a cruise. 9% would like to go to Disney Land or Disney World. 9% would like to go to Europe. 9% would like to go to another country not in Europe. 0% said they would like to go to the desert, a lake, or other. Thanks to all who participated.



Someone I know is considering trading in their old SUV for a qualified fuel efficient vehicle and getting a big tax deduction. Are you considering this? Thanks in advance for answering.



One of the nicest surprises on our trip was the 80 mph speed limits in west Texas. After we came down Hwy. 285 from Santa Fe, New Mexico, it was super thrilling to see that sign after we got on I10 at Fort Stockton. I did not even know that there were any 80 mph speed limits in Texas. It was 80 mph until we got to Kerrville. Well, going that fast, I had a very hard time getting a picture of the speed limit sign...we just kept zipping by it. And I was taking a picture with my phone--2 megapixels resolution. But trust me, it was there.



Speaking of Fort Stockton...very soon after we got on I10 heading east, we starting seeing the giants...there were even more than we had seen between Abilene and Lubbock.



We are home now...actually got back on Thursday. Drove 1050 miles in 2 days...most of it in one day. We starting at 7 am (8 am central) in Los Alamos and made Bandera, TX at 8:30 pm. Not bad considering we had several stops.



Remember how I told you we went to the botanical garden in Albuquerque. They had some fun/interesting information tables. That is where I learned the difference between butterflies and moths. Butterflies fly around during the day. Moths are active at night. Butterflies wings are up in the air. Moths' wings lie down flat.



Have a wonderful weekend!

Cecilia Sinclair

Wonder Weather Woman

Hail Storm Report/Rain Totals/Amazing Views

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Tropical Storm Blanca is almost no longer a tropical storm. This storm is in the eastern Pacific and heading northwestward and away from land.

Ridge is building back into the south central US on Wednesday. Highs from Texas to the desert southwest will be in the 90s and 100s. Highs will be in the 80s and 90s across the southeast US in the pleasant 60s and 70s along the west coast and all of the northern states.

Houston enjoyed some heavy rain today (more than 4 inches just northeast of Tomball according to the Houston Office of Emergency Management rain gauge network). Parts of Missouri City had over an inch. It was a welcome sight and kept the high down to 91. Rain is much LESS likely on Wednesday and it will be warmer as the high builds back in. Ridge returns strong for end of the week...should get lots of high 90s and maybe a few 100s. Some scattered rain will become possible as early as the weekend as the ridge flattens and shifts northward. We shall see.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do river or rio, pronounced REE-oh. Do you know the name of the rio which runs from Colorado to the southern tip of Texas? See photo at right to find out.

There may not be mountains but there is some spectacular foliage in our award winning DVD. Kids love all the bright colors...Order your's today from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com, www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, go to http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
Spent some time in the Los Alamos downtown area today. A photo at right shows some of the broken branches near the downtown lake. According to the Los Alamos Monitor, said that the hail storm lasted 45 minutes and thousands of vehicles were damaged. Some of the hail was bigger than golf ball size. This was the storm we missed yesterday by 3 miles, because we turned off to go to White Rock.

How would you like to have a spectacular canyon view practically from your backyard? The photo of the Rio Grande River is the view from an outlook about a mile from my sister's house. It's a really neat area, because it is at the end of the community park. This is the same place we saw an amazing (and very long) fireworks display 2 years ago. It was interesting to see these almost headwaters of the Rio Grande (actual start is in Colorado), because I grew up in Brownsville, TX about 2 miles from the Rio Grande, very close to where the river empties into the Gulf of Mexico.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman