Warmer temperatures than usual.
This from our local Weather Underground station keeper on November 19:
Last night, 0.17" of rain was recorded with a peak wind gust of 44 mph. Only 1.14" of rain since Aug. 29. The avg temperature during this drought period was 68.2º, 5º warmer than this period in '15, and 9º warmer than in '14. Wind advisory until 6pm, and freeze warning in effect tonight.
Shallower lakes than usual.
This from the University Office of Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability:
Here you can see a comparison of Lake Jackson from Nov. 14 and Oct. 15 of this year. The red line indicates the Oct. 15 Level. Last week, the Sewanee Utility District (SUD) officially announced mandatory water restrictions in response to the drought. SUD is asking local residents to restrict watering of vegetation to specific days of the week from 5AM to 10AM and prohibits the washing of commercial and non-commercial motor vehicles, trailers, and boats.
Less moss in the yard than usual.
Browner woods than usual.
Fewer deer than usual.
More official announcements than usual.
This from the Sewanee Utility District
Due to the ongoing drought and a continued dry forecast, two of our neighboring systems have implemented mandatory water restrictions on their customers. In accordance with our regional drought management agreement, SUD will implement mandatory drought restrictions for our customers as well. We are asking all of our customers to cut back on the amount of water they use in order that our supplies will last longer. Hopefully, these restrictions along with some rain will keep us from taking more drastic measures in the future.
Restricted:
a) watering of lawns, flower gardens, trees, shrubs, etc., are restricted to assigned days of the week and only from 5 AM to 10 AM: addresses ending in an even number may water on Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday, and addresses ending in an odd number may water Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday;
b) watering of fairways on any golf course and all ball/athletic fields restricted to sprinkling/irrigation to the hours of 12:01 AM to 5 AM; and
c) normal scheduled fire hydrant testing is restricted to 50% of the schedule.
Prohibited:
a) washing sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios, or any other hard surfaces by commercial, industrial or residential customers except for sanitary or safety purposes;
b) filling or re-filling of swimming pools;
c) non-commercial and commercial washing of motor vehicles, trailers or boats;
d) use of water for dust control or construction compaction; and
e) firefighting training.
This from the University's Office of Community Relations:
On Monday Governor Haslam issued a proclamation declaring a regional burn ban that includes Franklin, Marion, and Grundy counties. This ban supersedes the burn ban issued by the Sewanee Police Department on October 26 and INCLUDES all outdoor fires including those in Turkish fire pits, chimenea, and all other similar exterior fire enclosures.
A violation of a burn ban is punishable as a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a fine of $2,500 and/or up to 11 months, 29 days in jail.
Charcoal grills remain permitted, but users should be diligent to make sure there are no hot embers remaining in the grill when dumping ashes. Several fires have been started in the Nashville area recently by careless cleaning of charcoal grills.
Activity on My Own Deck
The neighborhood cat, raccoons, birds (even woodpeckers), possums, and other creatures visit the birdbath.
 |
| yesterday's squirrel balanced on ice to lick up moisture |
 |
| today I got there first |
No comments:
Post a Comment