Jim Parsons sends us these interesting shots taken this past Monday morning (10/5/2009) looking west around 7 a.m. in Gurnee. Jim asks, "Is it a dry line?" It is indeed.
Photos courtesy of Jim Parsons, Gurnee, Illinois
Often the term "dry line" refers to the sharp change in moisture levels which sets up in the Plains between humid Gulf air to the east and dry air descending from the Rockies to the west. Dew points on either side of THAT dry line can vary from Gulf Coast-like 70s to the east to desert-level single digits to the west. It's the zone along which so many severe thunderstorms erupt. But what Jim has photographed here is a "dry line" in its own sense -- since it clearly features a saturated layer of air (where the clouds are occurring) next to dry air (where it's clear). Great shot, Jim! THANKS for sharing it with us!
-- Tom Skilling, WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist
Photos courtesy of Jim Parsons, Gurnee, Illinois
Often the term "dry line" refers to the sharp change in moisture levels which sets up in the Plains between humid Gulf air to the east and dry air descending from the Rockies to the west. Dew points on either side of THAT dry line can vary from Gulf Coast-like 70s to the east to desert-level single digits to the west. It's the zone along which so many severe thunderstorms erupt. But what Jim has photographed here is a "dry line" in its own sense -- since it clearly features a saturated layer of air (where the clouds are occurring) next to dry air (where it's clear). Great shot, Jim! THANKS for sharing it with us!
-- Tom Skilling, WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist
hi tom i try to watch all or most of your shows, my hobby is meterology i am a weather tracker for one of our news channels here in texas, but i just thought to write to you to report to you that i had 2 inches of rain this early morning hours10-09-2009. i do enjoy watching your newscast because i learn so much in your weather presentation. thank you again.