SkyPix

A digital photographic storybook of clouds, weather and water by Roger Edwards.

Wheatfield Shock

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An intermittent supercell fought cold outflow from earlier storms, but still forged eastward to form a "striking" backdrop to the happy green High Plains wheatfields.   A unusually moist spring in the northwestern Texas Panhandle kept irrigation units idle more than usual and the dry-land crops high and verdant. 19 W Dalhart, TX (28 May 15) Looking NNW 36.0871, -102.8753 … [Read more...]

The Tapestry of the American Prairie

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The Great Plains is a mighty treasure, offering fluidly interwoven landscapes and skyscapes to all the senses, in as much of an immersive and fully experiential way as one can handle.  These vast lands are appreciated best while completely present, outdoors and stationary.  Step away from the textbooks, turn off the websites (except for this one!), leave behind any "flyover country" thoughts, and … [Read more...]

Sargent Tornado Underway

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Storm observers typically name tornadoes after the nearest town—in this case Sargent, Nebraska.  Fortunately, the tornado was well-removed from town, and never threatened it.  The visible vortex remained narrow but photogenic throughout its lifetime, gradually developing, maturing then weakening over open country, with minimal damage and no human casualties.  If all tornadoes followed this ideal … [Read more...]

Tornadic Supercell Intermission

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Following an earlier, high-based stage with long-lived funnel cloud (and possible weak tornado), the Canadian (TX) supercell underwent a nearly suicidal phase where its  gust front surged east and almost completely undercut the entire updraft area.  Even at this stage, a short-lived, tight mesocyclonic wrap-up on the north rim of that rear-flank downdraft spawned the very short-lived funnel cloud … [Read more...]

Simple Seaside Solitude

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Quiet beach, lawn chair, calm surf, warm sunshine reflected off the sea, cold beverage aside, camera in the other hand...an ideal idyll this was in reality, and still can be for all who choose to travel in spirit to a far-away place of peace and tranquility.  In that spirit I offer a salve from stresses of the day.  From this very spot, sometimes without even leaving the chair, an … [Read more...]