Today's Weather

It's the 10th April and........

It's the 10th April and........
- @SimCityAT

Yes, really odd.  Last night it was frosty and yet now, with brilliant sunshine, we're only at 8C.  We had a heatwave last week and now it's plummeted.   Weather gods are playing a big joke on us.

Frosty again last night. 

But now 12C at 13.15h.  Sunset 19.30, sunrise was 06.07h.

Very sunny but high clouds so it could be a sign of rain to come.

Hasn't rained for some weeks so a bit of a shower wouldn't go amiss.

Overall, it should be a lot warmer - around 18-20C in my mind would be on track for this time of the year.

cloudy, and awesome to visit place.

Rubbish today, 13C, humidity 54%, sunset 19.34h, wind 1.5 m/s from ENE.

Potentially rain this afternoon - barometer shows fair but eyeballs show overcast sky.

Been absent for a few days; having my feet sorted out and a review of my COPD - no change.  I was surprised to learn that I may qualify for Attendance Allowance; I shall be pleased if I do; I deserve an award for completing the 42-page document they sent me to fill in!

Weather here has been relatively good, currently 10C with broken clouds, air quality is currently moderate, probable a consequence of the green power schemes being built across the Moors.

Lots of kWh being sold to the energy company.  Story in this week's press that the power companies have almost reached saturation point for what electricity they will buy from their customers; so, existing customers can remain on their existing supply contract, but new home created power will be done under a new set of rules and existing contracts will be reviewed if the customer changes address.  There has been a lot of new solar panel installations around here in the year since we did ours.

Been absent for a few days; having my feet sorted out and a review of my COPD - no change. I was surprised to learn that I may qualify for Attendance Allowance; I shall be pleased if I do; I deserve an award for completing the 42-page document they sent me to fill in!Weather here has been relatively good, currently 10C with broken clouds, air quality is currently moderate, probable a consequence of the green power schemes being built across the Moors.Lots of kWh being sold to the energy company. Story in this week's press that the power companies have almost reached saturation point for what electricity they will buy from their customers; so, existing customers can remain on their existing supply contract, but new home created power will be done under a new set of rules and existing contracts will be reviewed if the customer changes address. There has been a lot of new solar panel installations around here in the year since we did ours. - @Cynic

Attendance allowance is worth having.  My mother used to get it with my Dad being the "attendant".  It allowed them to get a home help for cleaning, generally tidying up, shopping etc for some hours a week.   We filled in that form and it was not too onerous.  Possibly the system changed.

Solar: I was watching some YouTube "balcony" installations in Germany.  These look easy and do not need specialists installers.  Essentially the panels hang on the railings on self-assembly brackets and a box plugs into the wall socket.   A background supply of 500-1000W would make quite a difference as we have some pro IT gear that runs 24x7.   To be completely off grid, we'd need 4-7kW.  About 8 to 14 panels. I think we've room for 12 panels so I am still thinking what to do.  I might just try the "kit" version from Germany first to see.  I think not more than 1000 EUR for a complete set. 

I've just read in the UK they are planning to stop the link between gas and renewables pricing.  It's a really dumb system.   All the power companies will be making windfall profits which no doubt the government will tax.   That's a tax on everyone really because they overpaid.

Meanwhile, 17.5C, wind 1.3 m/s from WSW, sunset 19.40h.  Really sunny.  Hope it lasts.  I think we'll go to Balaton (our seaside) on Sunday.  Just to hang out.  Don't know if the kids will come with us.  We can look at the holiday house, have some ice cream, do lunch etc.  See what is going on down there.

Been absent for a few days; having my feet sorted out and a review of my COPD - no change. I was surprised to learn that I may qualify for Attendance Allowance; I shall be pleased if I do; I deserve an award for completing the 42-page document they sent me to fill in!Weather here has been relatively good, currently 10C with broken clouds, air quality is currently moderate, probable a consequence of the green power schemes being built across the Moors.Lots of kWh being sold to the energy company. Story in this week's press that the power companies have almost reached saturation point for what electricity they will buy from their customers; so, existing customers can remain on their existing supply contract, but new home created power will be done under a new set of rules and existing contracts will be reviewed if the customer changes address. There has been a lot of new solar panel installations around here in the year since we did ours. - @Cynic
Attendance allowance is worth having. My mother used to get it with my Dad being the "attendant". It allowed them to get a home help for cleaning, generally tidying up, shopping etc for some hours a week. We filled in that form and it was not too onerous. Possibly the system changed.
Solar: I was watching some YouTube "balcony" installations in Germany. These look easy and do not need specialists installers. Essentially the panels hang on the railings on self-assembly brackets and a box plugs into the wall socket. A background supply of 500-1000W would make quite a difference as we have some pro IT gear that runs 24x7. To be completely off grid, we'd need 4-7kW. About 8 to 14 panels. I think we've room for 12 panels so I am still thinking what to do. I might just try the "kit" version from Germany first to see. I think not more than 1000 EUR for a complete set.

I've just read in the UK they are planning to stop the link between gas and renewables pricing. It's a really dumb system. All the power companies will be making windfall profits which no doubt the government will tax. That's a tax on everyone really because they overpaid.

Meanwhile, 17.5C, wind 1.3 m/s from WSW, sunset 19.40h. Really sunny. Hope it lasts. I think we'll go to Balaton (our seaside) on Sunday. Just to hang out. Don't know if the kids will come with us. We can look at the holiday house, have some ice cream, do lunch etc. See what is going on down there. - @fluffy2560

Funny thing, We popped out to do the Tesco Tango, came back and the house across the street is having scaffolding put up, yep, solar next week.  The attendance allowance thing featured in today's Daily Express; seems like I'm leading the news today.

Funny thing, We popped out to do the Tesco Tango, came back and the house across the street is having scaffolding put up, yep, solar next week. The attendance allowance thing featured in today's Daily Express; seems like I'm leading the news today. - @Cynic

Not surprised.

Everyone is keen on alternative energy and military spending needs due to the Plates of Hummus being closed - again.   

Social payments likely to be cut.  Not  a vote winner.  They all seem to be useless at financial planning.

It's quite weird what Trump says about oil when we all know we're getting more and more power from solar and wind. There's a new wind farm being planned in the North Sea which can supply 143M homes.   Main issue is how to store all that generation. I would think pumped storage, large batteries or others like molten salts.

I've been looking on AliExpress WiFi enabled 3-phase watt meter.  I'd like to see what we're using now.  I reckon we're on a background of 500-1000W as I said in my last posting.  To power the washing machine or dryer, we'd be way up there around 5 kW.  Summer time,  average installation would have no way enough to run the entire house airco.

21°C today, but just had a thunderstorm warning! I can't see that happening, but who knows with the weather lately.

Just taking a break from cutting the grass as my hay fever is playing up.  Will have to start using a mask, me thinks.

21°C today, but just had a thunderstorm warning! I can't see that happening, but who knows with the weather lately.Just taking a break from cutting the grass as my hay fever is playing up. Will have to start using a mask, me thinks. - @SimCityAT

You could take some anti-histamines.  I get hay fever and 10mg Loratadine works wonders.   On the other hand, my  eldest daughter has hay fever too but Loratadine does nothing for her.  She has to have a different one. 

My allergy is ragweed and house dust.  I never used to have it.  It started developing when I was hoovering dust and dirt out the back of electronic machinery.  Terrible dust traps.

Sunshine is really nice.  Doors and windows open!  I've even got the ceiling fan on.

@fluffy2560

I never used to be, but I had a test with the doctor, and I'm allergic to house dust, soil, Birch trees, and oh, grass. Might have missed something.

Well, I have 500 masks from COVID that never got used because they changed the rules, they scrapped the surgical masks.

@fluffy2560
I never used to be, but I had a test with the doctor, and I'm allergic to house dust, soil, Birch trees, and oh, grass. Might have missed something.
Well, I have 500 masks from COVID that never got used because they changed the rules, they scrapped the surgical masks. - @SimCityAT

Oh birch trees might be plane trees.  They are really bad.  They planted them along roads to provide shade to travellers and just in urban settings.  But they also release materials which are quite nasty.   They have to be sprayed to keep the ill effects under control.

Ragweed has a narrow window of allergy causing nonsense so it's just a few weeks. Around here, it's hardly common  but I think here, if you see ragweed running wild,  it has to be removed. It's like a banned weed.

Mrs F and I were down at Balaton today.  We went to check on the holiday house.

It was 23C and really sunny.  No-one was swimming but the whole place was very busy.  Lots of people fishing.  We had our required ice cream and kebab in Siofok and came back by 18h.   Busy in the restaurants.

The motorway/highway was blocked by roadworks at Szekesfehervar.  Obviously no-one was working on undoing the road blockages.  Resurfacing work.  Took +30m to get through it.

It was a jolly nice day out.  Mrs F did all the driving and I was able to snooze almost all the way back home.

It's 18.30h and still 20C.  Sunset 19.41h.  No wind, humidity 38%. Clouds are forming.  Might get some drops of rain overnight.   

It's only 13C this morning but very sunny. 

The big issue this morning is that it's very windy.  All our outside stuff is being blown about. I've had to go out and put bricks or heavy metal bits on objects likely to be blown around.  Chill factor of -2C so feels like 11 or 12C.

We had a bit of rain last night but hardly anything.  High clouds that look a bit stormy.

Wind is 5 m/s from NNW, sunset 19.43h.

If I can get up enough enthusiasm, dog walking after 14h.

12C today; cloudy, but we're still pulling 1.3 k/wh from the solar.  We've just decided to invest in dual split air con (so, heat and cool); they're installing it next week, and it will run from our solar.  People like to pretend it's free, but ofc, it's not, if you use the power, you have less to sell, so at best, it's cheaper.  The only thing we'll have left on the normal tariff is gas for our hot water.

Forecast for the rest of the week is 13>15C - with no rain; air quality is not so good this week, with an increase in 03 (ozone) which is not good news for me.  Only way to reduce it is to reduce fossil fuel usage.

To add, news flash; forecasting snow for May!!!!

12C today; cloudy, but we're still pulling 1.3 k/wh from the solar. We've just decided to invest in dual split air con (so, heat and cool); they're installing it next week, and it will run from our solar. People like to pretend it's free, but ofc, it's not, if you use the power, you have less to sell, so at best, it's cheaper. The only thing we'll have left on the normal tariff is gas for our hot water.
Forecast for the rest of the week is 13>15C - with no rain; air quality is not so good this week, with an increase in 03 (ozone) which is not good news for me. Only way to reduce it is to reduce fossil fuel usage.

To add, news flash; forecasting snow for May!!!! - @Cynic

We have aircon or more properly an air-sourced heat pump.  It works really well. We use it in the shoulder time, when it's too warm for central heating in the day but morning and evening we need a bit of a boost. 

The wind here blows all the pollution around from the city which is on the other side of large forested hills.  So we're not clear on what the O3 is.  There are no indicators here but there are in the city.

I was walking in the forest today.  I guess we're getting extra oxygen from there.

Currently, 8C, with a forecast high of 13C and sunny.  Currently drawing >2k kWh of solar power; we used Very little grid energy yesterday (gas for hot water/showers), but our excess power sale to the grid will have more than paid for that.

I read elsewhere that China have developed a new style battery that will recharge in 5 minutes; very interesting.

BTW, if anybody wants to find out their local air quality, the MSN weather app includes it in the location specific weather map

Currently, 8C, with a forecast high of 13C and sunny. Currently drawing >2k kWh of solar power; we used Very little grid energy yesterday (gas for hot water/showers), but our excess power sale to the grid will have more than paid for that.I read elsewhere that China have developed a new style battery that will recharge in 5 minutes; very interesting.BTW, if anybody wants to find out their local air quality, the MSN weather app includes it in the location specific weather map - @Cynic

The UK government has said it will finally stop or reduce the link between electricity and gas.   But it seems it will be a slow decoupling over a number of years.

A 5 minute battery would be excellent.  Perhaps this would make electric cars more viable. I believe the fastest charge is around 20 minutes which is inconvenient for many.

Rain today, 11C with 1.2 m/s wind from NW. Slight chill factor of -1C.  It was sunny earlier on. I was thinking of gardening.   Sunset @ 19.44h.   Not too long to the longest day - 21 June.  Just 2 months before the decline (again).  Blinking rotation around the sun. Pfff...who needs it.

I think we should change this forum name to "Today's Weather and Alternative Energy"

I've been looking into the "Balkon Solar" - Balcony Solar systems.   These are small scale installations popular in Germany.

Here's a "blatt" (sheet) in English but from a .AT shop describing one - click here.   About 800W.

The cost is under 1000 EUR.  Click here (Austrian web site in German).

I could do up to 4 x panels on my balcony and I could install it in 1h and plug it directly into a socket.  It works that way, not built in to the house distribution panel etc.

I am thinking of getting one for a solar experiment.  800W would be background energy in the house during the day.  No resale to the grid.   The fridge-freezer, the lights, ventilation, IT gear would soon suck up 800W.

I think we should change this forum name to "Today's Weather and Alternative Energy"
I've been looking into the "Balkon Solar" - Balcony Solar systems. These are small scale installations popular in Germany.

Here's a "blatt" (sheet) in English but from a .AT sheet describing one - click here. About 800W.

The cost is under 1000 EUR. Click here (Austrian web site in German).

I could do up to 4 x panels on my balcony and I could install it in 1h and plug it directly into a socket. It works that way, not built in to the house distribution panel etc.

I am thinking of getting one for a solar experiment. 800W would be background energy in the house during the day. No resale to the grid. The fridge-freezer, the lights, ventilation, IT gear would soon suck up 800W. - @fluffy2560

We've seen online adverts for the balcony solar panels, and they were one of the options we pursued.  When I contacted them, they advised they were not for sale in UK, so we ended up with the conventional roof-mounted panels; no regrets.

I think we should change this forum name to "Today's Weather and Alternative Energy"
I've been looking into the "Balkon Solar" - Balcony Solar systems. These are small scale installations popular in Germany.

Here's a "blatt" (sheet) in English but from a .AT sheet describing one - click here. About 800W.

The cost is under 1000 EUR. Click here (Austrian web site in German).

I could do up to 4 x panels on my balcony and I could install it in 1h and plug it directly into a socket. It works that way, not built in to the house distribution panel etc.

I am thinking of getting one for a solar experiment. 800W would be background energy in the house during the day. No resale to the grid. The fridge-freezer, the lights, ventilation, IT gear would soon suck up 800W. - @fluffy2560

I miss Conrad's it used to have stores everywhere. They only have just one shop in Linz and an online business. The staff knew their stuff.

I think we should change this forum name to "Today's Weather and Alternative Energy"I've been looking into the "Balkon Solar" - Balcony Solar systems. These are small scale installations popular in Germany.Here's a "blatt" (sheet) in English but from a .AT sheet describing one - click here. About 800W. The cost is under 1000 EUR. Click here (Austrian web site in German). I could do up to 4 x panels on my balcony and I could install it in 1h and plug it directly into a socket. It works that way, not built in to the house distribution panel etc. I am thinking of getting one for a solar experiment. 800W would be background energy in the house during the day. No resale to the grid. The fridge-freezer, the lights, ventilation, IT gear would soon suck up 800W. - @fluffy2560I miss Conrad's it used to have stores everywhere. They only have just one shop in Linz and an online business. The staff knew their stuff. - @SimCityAT

I used to go to the one in SCS Wien but I have also been to the one in Linz.  There is or was a Conrad in Budapest.

I was thinking I could order online and pick it up but it might not work out.

Conrad I always thought was expensive but it was convenient.

I think I'd have to make my own brackets as my balcony is not entirely steel, it also got brick and it's quite wide.  If I hang it on the balcony metal, probably I wouldn't get complaints but if I fixed it to the side of the house, I'd definitely get complaints.  Our local area does not - apparently - like side mounted panels.  I'll get Mrs F to ask the local town hall planning department - now to be Tisza run and not run by Fidesz.  Apparently the previous mayor lost her job due to the regime change.

I think we should change this forum name to "Today's Weather and Alternative Energy"
I've been looking into the "Balkon Solar" - Balcony Solar systems. These are small scale installations popular in Germany.

Here's a "blatt" (sheet) in English but from a .AT sheet describing one - click here. About 800W.

The cost is under 1000 EUR. Click here (Austrian web site in German).

I could do up to 4 x panels on my balcony and I could install it in 1h and plug it directly into a socket. It works that way, not built in to the house distribution panel etc.

I am thinking of getting one for a solar experiment. 800W would be background energy in the house during the day. No resale to the grid. The fridge-freezer, the lights, ventilation, IT gear would soon suck up 800W. - @fluffy2560

We've seen online adverts for the balcony solar panels, and they were one of the options we pursued. When I contacted them, they advised they were not for sale in UK, so we ended up with the conventional roof-mounted panels; no regrets. - @Cynic

It would easily work in the UK.  It'll be just the plug that feeds into a socket that would need changing - just trivial.

I don't know why else they would not be available in the UK as it's the same frequency and voltage.

Of course the 800W is the maximum.  Maybe one can get 200W on a cloudy day,  Still worth it.

Really sunny but not that warm. 

My UV sensor is suddenly working again.  Odd.

Wind 1 m/s from SSE, pressure steady, 15C, UV 4.00 (high) and sunset 19.52h.

I can see it was windy over the weekend as everything in the garden was blown around.  I have no idea why it is so windy around here.  It's not like we're by the sea and we're blocked by hills (300m+ high) to the East and North and low rolling country elsewhere.

I've been to turn over the compost heap. I am considering moving things so I can remove our defunct chicken house (RIP chickens).   This is in preparation to getting a garden shed.

Lovely day here.  17C blue skies, with a chance of a bit of rain later tonight; poor air quality, I can't for the life of me why and where it's coming from, it's normally good around here.  Just back from a trade reunion; it's amazing what you find out 30 years on.

Solar is doing well and our aircon is being installed tomorrow.

Very sunny but only 14C and windy, 3 m/s from NNE. UV is 2.5.  Sunset is 19.56h.   The wind has made it feel cold.

I've noticed we've got a lot of sour cherries on our tree.  And amazingly, I've found 3 (yes, a whole THREE of them) plums on our greengage tree.  We grew this plum tree from a seed from our neighbours.   No sign of apples on the Aldi apple tree.  We've had some previously.   The peach tree has departed this earth and gone in the compost.  It was never really well.    The raspberries look good and bushy.   Mrs F has planted some apricot kernels.   We can live in hope.

Greengage might be bi-annual; they are a funny tree. We had one, we had to get rid of it due to it being at our front door. When it gave fruit, it gave us loads, so much a branch split due to the weight. But the fruit would drop, splatter on the floor, and we had wasps and bees swarming.

Was 15°C here, nice. The temperature is increasing over the week, getting into the mid-20s. I don't think we will have any rain next week. 

I do need to cut the grass, holiday tomorrow, although I am allowed to cut sod it. I will on Saturday.

Greengage might be bi-annual; they are a funny tree. We had one, we had to get rid of it due to it being at our front door. When it gave fruit, it gave us loads, so much a branch split due to the weight. But the fruit would drop, splatter on the floor, and we had wasps and bees swarming. Was 15°C here, nice. The temperature is increasing over the week, getting into the mid-20s. I don't think we will have any rain next week. I do need to cut the grass, holiday tomorrow, although I am allowed to cut sod it. I will on Saturday. - @SimCityAT

Yes, 1st May, public holiday here but I don't count that as a religious holiday so using machines, no worries.    I don't think there's any reason not to use machinery on religious holidays but Mrs F usually gets really nervous the neighbours will be annoyed.   Meh, some people do not observe those kind of restrictions.

Greengage, I've no idea on.  It's never really given us fruit but my neighbours - now defunct - tree was prolific, hence the reason why we had some kernels/seeds and we managed to grow a tree and several bushes  I think we can avoid the wasps by eating the fruit.  Greengage is a bit nicer than ordinary plums in my mind.

I was outside fixing the LED down lighting on my sculpture I made.  We'll see if I made a difference. I needed a hoodie to keep my warm while doing it.  Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and 18C.  Might be able to walk the dog as Mrs F will be off work of course and it's more interesting to go together.

BTW, if you cut the grass, it'll start raining.  Same as if you wash the car.

Welcome to 1st May 2026, a holiday for much of the world.  Labour Day I guess.

We're concerned it hasn't rained for about 1 month.  We'll have to get the hose pipe out.

15C now at 12.30 lunchtime, UV 2.3 (been as high as 6 - wear protection), wind 1.6 m/s from East, humidity 35%, sunset 19.58h.

BTW, I've decided I've got enough logs to make 4 x "garden stools" for around the Balaton campfire.  It might be a good chainsaw project for this afternoon or tomorrow.  Any excuse to get the chainsaw out.  Probably one of the best inventions ever.  A chainsaw, a few chisels and a forest and there's would be enough to build a house or cabin. 

Also, I've seen a lot more greengage plums on the way.  Maybe 20 or more.

2nd May 2026:

Fantastic day - warm at 20C at 11.30am with up to 24C expected.   

UV 3.8, slight breeze 2.4 m/s from NNE.  Barometer shows clouds forming later in the day.

Good day for doing outside work in the garden.

I am happy to see Timmy the Whale has made it to the North Sea.  Experts seem sceptical but if it survives, they were wrong.  If it dies, then it was the same outcome it would have faced in the Baltic.

Yes it was lovely out today;

Took a stroll to buy vitamins and get an ice cream cone. Sat in our local church court yard for a spell before coming home to cook.

Nice day for sure!

Yes it was lovely out today;Took a stroll to buy vitamins and get an ice cream cone. Sat in our local church court yard for a spell before coming home to cook.Nice day for sure! - @Marilyn Tassy

I got my chainsaws out and much rougher versions of toadstool mushroom seats (pic is generic, not my actual outputs - you get the idea).  I had to stop because my back hurt.  Still, lots of positive thumbs ups from family members.  I've got to paint the tops red with white dots, the bases with bitumen and maybe the stalks white or green.  I'll go to Obi tomorrow and get some red spray paint.   I have green already.  And white. And spray bitumen.  If I was really doing it properly, I'd char the bases to protect them from the ground.   Anyhoo, it was a good excuse to get the chainsaw out but now I need a new chain. It's a bit worn out.

Yes it was lovely out today;Took a stroll to buy vitamins and get an ice cream cone. Sat in our local church court yard for a spell before coming home to cook.Nice day for sure! - @Marilyn Tassy
I got my chainsaws out and much rougher versions of toadstool mushroom seats (pic is generic, not my actual outputs - you get the idea). I had to stop because my back hurt. Still, lots of positive thumbs ups from family members. I've got to paint the tops red with white dots, the bases with bitumen and maybe the stalks white or green. I'll go to Obi tomorrow and get some red spray paint. I have green already. And white. And spray bitumen. If I was really doing it properly, I'd char the bases to protect them from the ground. Anyhoo, it was a good excuse to get the chainsaw out but now I need a new chain. It's a bit worn out.

- @fluffy2560

  Please post again after they are painted, looks cool!

- @fluffy2560 Please post again after they are painted, looks cool! - @Marilyn Tassy

These are generic examples of pictures culled from the Internet.  Looks like someone made those on a lathe.

My actual mushrooms look much rougher and less mass produced.

Chainsaws are definitely not delicate instruments. 

It's 20C outside, but very cloudy.  Looks like rain is coming.  Last night we had a sprinkling which is helpful for the plants.  No UV to show for today, wind 1.8 m/s WSW, 60% humidity, pressure is lower than normal but only marginally so.  Sunset today is 20.06h.

Meanwhile, @Cynic,  is it worth applying for a UK Veterans ID card?  Are the discounts worth anything?

We are off to Balaton today for a mass gardening event. There are 6 of us and we are having goulash too, cooked over an open wood fire.

We are expecting 25C max and good amount of sun.

Sunny (UV 4.7 - high) but not that warm, only 15C but very windy with gusts > 5 m/s. 

Showers expected later.  I think I saw lightning last night and the odd rumble.

Sunset is at 20.12h  Sunrise was 05.16h.

Just on the UV.  From our gardening on Sunday, I think we all got a bit crispy - the sun was pretty strong.  We all look a bit red faced.   Cannot underestimate the affects of working outside in strong UV.

18C inside our flat ATM.

68F.

In Vegas today it should be 40 C, 107 F or there about.

Like this weather minus the strong winds.

This is usually ping-pong season for us but not today!