Weather Outlook for SE Qld

pmrid (Peter) · #1 25-03-2013, 04:10 AM

In an idle moment, I decided to check the BOM's seasonal outlooks. I wish I hadn't.

They are offering some less-than-cheerful projections for this region (SE Qld) - saying that the April-June quarter will be wetter and colder than average. I haven't seen any projections for the rest of winter yet it seems best to bet on lousy astro weather for the foreseeable future.

Happy days!!!

Peter

cybereye (Mario) · #2 25-03-2013, 07:41 AM

Well that's just dandy! By this morning we'd had 40mm of rain in the gauge from last night's little shower.

We had a tree come down about 100m from our place last night during the storm. I can only think it was hit by lightening because it didn't seem like the wind was that bad. I do remember a couple of close "bangs".

I keep telling myself, one day it will clear and if a few trees come down in the meantime, well....

Cheers,
Mario

LewisM · #3 25-03-2013, 08:01 AM

I look at it this way - QLD was DRY for the better part of 30 years, so it is a GOOD thing. OK, it ruins our hobby (and we basically now have Victorian weather, whilst they got our weather!), but its benefits far outweigh the inconvenience. The cycle will repeat eventually, and we will be dry again.

It certainly weeds out the Fair Weather Astronomers from the Die Hard ones. I have noticed a good deal of kit up for sale by disgruntled fair weather QLD astronomers - again, a plus for the rest

pmrid (Peter) · #4 25-03-2013, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LewisM

The cycle will repeat eventually, and we will be dry again.

You're probably right but at my age, the future is tomorrow, not in ten years time. My investment guru kept telling me I had to look at long-term investment choices and realise that markets move in cycles and it would all come good in the end. My reply was the same - that kind of advice may well be right but it offers me nothing because my long-term is next week.

I want a cold dry winter and I want it NOW!!

Peter

LewisM · #5 25-03-2013, 09:21 AM

What do we want?

Clear skies.

When do we want 'em?

NOW!

I am sure anyone brought up through the 60's, 70's and 80's will know how that chant goes

CJ (Chris) · #6 25-03-2013, 10:07 AM

Bought my 8"er mid January. Used it twice.

LewisM · #7 25-03-2013, 10:56 AM

Yeah? Same here - a week ago, last Friday and Saturday

Then again, we are only 15 minutes drive apart

Got a "new" VC200L on Thursday... I am sure it contributed because Friday n ight was clear enough, until I had the VC200L setup and ready to star test.

carlstronomy (Carl) · #8 25-03-2013, 12:57 PM

I dont care if its cold, hot, or fighting off the due, I will be out there having ago. But when the cloud cover is 100% for almost two months then there is no hope

(with odd hour here and there, which I have used).
All I hope for is clear skies the weather apart from that can be anything..... Looking out the window now tonight could be a good night if it stays like it is.....

Carl

Quote:

Originally Posted by LewisM

I look at it this way - QLD was DRY for the better part of 30 years, so it is a GOOD thing. OK, it ruins our hobby (and we basically now have Victorian weather, whilst they got our weather!), but its benefits far outweigh the inconvenience. The cycle will repeat eventually, and we will be dry again.

It certainly weeds out the Fair Weather Astronomers from the Die Hard ones. I have noticed a good deal of kit up for sale by disgruntled fair weather QLD astronomers - again, a plus for the rest

allan gould · #9 25-03-2013, 02:59 PM

Bloody Brisbane - I left pristine skies to come here and bathe in the warm glow of Stephan's needle and the other sky pollution; not to mention the weather!!!!!!

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #10 25-03-2013, 06:33 PM

So far so good this afternoon. It's 5.30pm and still relatively cloudless.
Hoping to catch some Saturn later on this evening.

Kunama · #11 25-03-2013, 07:30 PM

Is there any point in me hauling a telescope, mount and tripod up there at all, looking at the weather I might bring raincoat, gumboots and a brolly instead for a week on the Sunshine Coast in April?????????.

Don't worry Flash I will still be bringing your new mount and tripod!!!!

LewisM · #12 25-03-2013, 08:20 PM

And in roll the afternoon clouds.

Maybe by 2 am it'll be clear, but not sure I have the patience tonight.

carlstronomy (Carl) · #13 25-03-2013, 08:32 PM

Well I put my mount out earlier and watched the clouds smile at me whilst I did it. They must of smelt my telescope, its lovely and over cast now the only thing up there is a moon now and again. Like stated below might be good by 2am but with work tomorrow I will be in bed...............

RobF (Rob) · #14 26-03-2013, 12:26 AM

Surely winter will be kinder, but I'd love to get my mitts on some summer constellations one of these years too!

LewisM · #15 26-03-2013, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kunama

Is there any point in me hauling a telescope, mount and tripod up there at all, looking at the weather I might bring raincoat, gumboots and a brolly instead for a week on the Sunshine Coast in April?????????.

Don't worry Flash I will still be bringing your new mount and tripod!!!!

We could stand around and look at them I guess Matt

Who knows, you may be tempted to swap Tak for Fl102...

pmrid (Peter) · #16 26-03-2013, 03:08 PM

Skippy is looking hopeful for tomorrow night!
Even on the Sunshine Coast!!
It full moon though - which seems to be a predictable pattern around here - but there's always NB filters.

Peter

cybereye (Mario) · #17 27-03-2013, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobF

Surely winter will be kinder, but I'd love to get my mitts on some summer constellations one of these years too!

I saw some the other night.... clear as a bell.... boy that was an enjoyable book.... loved the pictures...