We’ve had storm activity here lately. Last year, we had drought conditions. We’ve had lots of different weather, but what we’ve never had is an even barely accurate weather forecast.
I’ve never relied on weather forecasting very much. I lived for many years in Southern California and many more in inland Northern California, and both places had really pretty predictable weather. This particular little spot on this particular island does not. Not even for a few hours in the future, though when the weather is stormy then the radar loops can help.
I notice because we rely on the sun for energy. Our lights, hot water, transportation, water pumping, and laundry all rely on electric power. And why not? It’s practically free. But unless or until we can afford a lot more battery, or I figure out how to integrate Joulee the Free Salvage Tesla into our solar plant, there will be times when the sun will not shine enough to meet our immediate needs. Or, at least, our unbridled immediate needs. If we knew for sure — or even had a reasonably good approximation of — when the sun would shine, we could easily avoid shortfalls by not using the laundry equipment or the hot tub. But the weather steadfastly refuses to cooperate, even trying eight or nine different forecast models.
I still check the hyperlocal forecasts daily. The National Weather Service seems closest to being useful, but it still falls far short. I’m not even sure why I still look. I’ve taken to calling it the Fantasy Weather Forecast.
—2p