Nick Silkstone
@nick-silkstone.bsky.social
I spend as much time as possible outdoors, running, SUPing, cycling, walking and gardening. Occasional bit of photography. Operational Meteorologist at the Met Office (UK). All opinions my own.
A great #noctilucent #cloud display across Europe and the UK tonight (including Devon)
These clouds are above 250,000 FT high (a commercial aircraft flies around 35,000 FT for reference) and are most commonly seen in mid-latitudes in mid-summer.
#meteorology
These clouds are above 250,000 FT high (a commercial aircraft flies around 35,000 FT for reference) and are most commonly seen in mid-latitudes in mid-summer.
#meteorology
June 29, 2025 at 10:21 PM
A great #noctilucent #cloud display across Europe and the UK tonight (including Devon)
These clouds are above 250,000 FT high (a commercial aircraft flies around 35,000 FT for reference) and are most commonly seen in mid-latitudes in mid-summer.
#meteorology
These clouds are above 250,000 FT high (a commercial aircraft flies around 35,000 FT for reference) and are most commonly seen in mid-latitudes in mid-summer.
#meteorology
Keeping up with the potential tropical depression / storm development between the Malay Peninsula / Borneo.
A satellite derived surface wind field (from 19/16:30 UTC) suggests it's close to being a tropical depression at 0 deg.
Slightly inconclusive on the east side of the circulation for now.
A satellite derived surface wind field (from 19/16:30 UTC) suggests it's close to being a tropical depression at 0 deg.
Slightly inconclusive on the east side of the circulation for now.
March 19, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Keeping up with the potential tropical depression / storm development between the Malay Peninsula / Borneo.
A satellite derived surface wind field (from 19/16:30 UTC) suggests it's close to being a tropical depression at 0 deg.
Slightly inconclusive on the east side of the circulation for now.
A satellite derived surface wind field (from 19/16:30 UTC) suggests it's close to being a tropical depression at 0 deg.
Slightly inconclusive on the east side of the circulation for now.
The GFS model remains keen on generating a tropical depression between the Malay Peninsula and Borneo at <2 deg of latitude.
This last occurred in 2004 when Vamei reached tropical storm / typhoon strength (disputed), such events are estimated to have a 100-400 year return period.
Interesting to 👀
This last occurred in 2004 when Vamei reached tropical storm / typhoon strength (disputed), such events are estimated to have a 100-400 year return period.
Interesting to 👀
March 18, 2025 at 8:59 AM
The GFS model remains keen on generating a tropical depression between the Malay Peninsula and Borneo at <2 deg of latitude.
This last occurred in 2004 when Vamei reached tropical storm / typhoon strength (disputed), such events are estimated to have a 100-400 year return period.
Interesting to 👀
This last occurred in 2004 when Vamei reached tropical storm / typhoon strength (disputed), such events are estimated to have a 100-400 year return period.
Interesting to 👀
Unusually low column ozone and clear skies over the UK again today (Sunday), see ozone anomaly forecast below.
UV levels will be higher than normal for the time off year. I got a little sunburn yesterday, so will take the suncream out today.
Enjoy! ☀️
UV levels will be higher than normal for the time off year. I got a little sunburn yesterday, so will take the suncream out today.
Enjoy! ☀️
March 2, 2025 at 9:33 AM
Unusually low column ozone and clear skies over the UK again today (Sunday), see ozone anomaly forecast below.
UV levels will be higher than normal for the time off year. I got a little sunburn yesterday, so will take the suncream out today.
Enjoy! ☀️
UV levels will be higher than normal for the time off year. I got a little sunburn yesterday, so will take the suncream out today.
Enjoy! ☀️
It looks like I saw the optical phenomenon of light pillars at 20:00 UTC 29 Jan 2025 in Devon, UK this evening.
Vertical pillars of white light that really stood out in the sky for brightness and dead straightness of the lines.
Vertical pillars of white light that really stood out in the sky for brightness and dead straightness of the lines.
January 29, 2025 at 9:36 PM
It looks like I saw the optical phenomenon of light pillars at 20:00 UTC 29 Jan 2025 in Devon, UK this evening.
Vertical pillars of white light that really stood out in the sky for brightness and dead straightness of the lines.
Vertical pillars of white light that really stood out in the sky for brightness and dead straightness of the lines.
#Meteorology makes such a difference to where aeroplanes fly. ✈️
Here a strong W'ly jet stream across the mid-Atlantic (linked to #StormEowyn) causes all the traffic from Europe going to North America to head well to the north.
Whereas the traffic the other way enjoys a jet assisted ride back! 💨
Here a strong W'ly jet stream across the mid-Atlantic (linked to #StormEowyn) causes all the traffic from Europe going to North America to head well to the north.
Whereas the traffic the other way enjoys a jet assisted ride back! 💨
January 23, 2025 at 12:37 PM
#Meteorology makes such a difference to where aeroplanes fly. ✈️
Here a strong W'ly jet stream across the mid-Atlantic (linked to #StormEowyn) causes all the traffic from Europe going to North America to head well to the north.
Whereas the traffic the other way enjoys a jet assisted ride back! 💨
Here a strong W'ly jet stream across the mid-Atlantic (linked to #StormEowyn) causes all the traffic from Europe going to North America to head well to the north.
Whereas the traffic the other way enjoys a jet assisted ride back! 💨
A jet-stream fired up by the current North American coldwave will lead to a phenomenon known as a "Cyclone Family" in the North Atlantic.
Multiple deep low pressure areas develop and take a similar track late January (close to the British Isles)
More info: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Multiple deep low pressure areas develop and take a similar track late January (close to the British Isles)
More info: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
January 20, 2025 at 9:07 PM
A jet-stream fired up by the current North American coldwave will lead to a phenomenon known as a "Cyclone Family" in the North Atlantic.
Multiple deep low pressure areas develop and take a similar track late January (close to the British Isles)
More info: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Multiple deep low pressure areas develop and take a similar track late January (close to the British Isles)
More info: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
A #coldwave is forecast for the central US from the weekend into the middle of next week.
Extending all the way to the Gulf of Mexico and northeastern Mexico.
ECMWF forecasts suggest maximum temperatures for Austin, Texas, may be more than 20 C (36 F) below normal early next week.
Extending all the way to the Gulf of Mexico and northeastern Mexico.
ECMWF forecasts suggest maximum temperatures for Austin, Texas, may be more than 20 C (36 F) below normal early next week.
January 14, 2025 at 10:33 PM
A #coldwave is forecast for the central US from the weekend into the middle of next week.
Extending all the way to the Gulf of Mexico and northeastern Mexico.
ECMWF forecasts suggest maximum temperatures for Austin, Texas, may be more than 20 C (36 F) below normal early next week.
Extending all the way to the Gulf of Mexico and northeastern Mexico.
ECMWF forecasts suggest maximum temperatures for Austin, Texas, may be more than 20 C (36 F) below normal early next week.
Snow didn't settle in Exeter this week, so I popped up to #Dartmoor to get me #snow fix before it all melted.
I drove to South Zeal, about 25 mins from Exeter, and walked up Cosdon Beacon (550 m) with Ollie 🐾
About 10-15cm, deep drifts, and rime on vegetation above 450m. A top afternoon out!
I drove to South Zeal, about 25 mins from Exeter, and walked up Cosdon Beacon (550 m) with Ollie 🐾
About 10-15cm, deep drifts, and rime on vegetation above 450m. A top afternoon out!
January 9, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Loving geography so much, I came across these gift cards in Totnes a few years back using playing cards from the 1920s Jacques card game "The Countries of England" collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O26764/...
I've framed up two from the area I grew up. A lovely vintage piece of art. 😄
I've framed up two from the area I grew up. A lovely vintage piece of art. 😄
January 5, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Loving geography so much, I came across these gift cards in Totnes a few years back using playing cards from the 1920s Jacques card game "The Countries of England" collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O26764/...
I've framed up two from the area I grew up. A lovely vintage piece of art. 😄
I've framed up two from the area I grew up. A lovely vintage piece of art. 😄
With programmes on #BBC #Radio4 celebrating the centenary of the #ShippingForecast today.
I thought I'd reshare the shipping forecast themed map I produced from the #30DayMapChallenge back in November.
I thought I'd reshare the shipping forecast themed map I produced from the #30DayMapChallenge back in November.
January 1, 2025 at 12:05 PM
With programmes on #BBC #Radio4 celebrating the centenary of the #ShippingForecast today.
I thought I'd reshare the shipping forecast themed map I produced from the #30DayMapChallenge back in November.
I thought I'd reshare the shipping forecast themed map I produced from the #30DayMapChallenge back in November.
#Snowdays?
My family thinks snowfall that would cause few issues in the 1970s, cause carnage today. Why?
My theory:
Schools, H&S of the school site, & safety of pupil/staff travel.
Many teachers commute greater distances now than in 1970, rendering safe travel more challenging.
Data, thoughts?
My family thinks snowfall that would cause few issues in the 1970s, cause carnage today. Why?
My theory:
Schools, H&S of the school site, & safety of pupil/staff travel.
Many teachers commute greater distances now than in 1970, rendering safe travel more challenging.
Data, thoughts?
December 30, 2024 at 9:14 PM
#Snowdays?
My family thinks snowfall that would cause few issues in the 1970s, cause carnage today. Why?
My theory:
Schools, H&S of the school site, & safety of pupil/staff travel.
Many teachers commute greater distances now than in 1970, rendering safe travel more challenging.
Data, thoughts?
My family thinks snowfall that would cause few issues in the 1970s, cause carnage today. Why?
My theory:
Schools, H&S of the school site, & safety of pupil/staff travel.
Many teachers commute greater distances now than in 1970, rendering safe travel more challenging.
Data, thoughts?
Confidence is now high for cold weather across parts of Western / Northwestern Europe in early January 2025.
Here is a look at the forecast broad regime through the start of the period, and meteogram for London showing the forecast max / min.
Compared to recent weeks, it will be notably #cold!
Here is a look at the forecast broad regime through the start of the period, and meteogram for London showing the forecast max / min.
Compared to recent weeks, it will be notably #cold!
December 28, 2024 at 3:30 PM
Confidence is now high for cold weather across parts of Western / Northwestern Europe in early January 2025.
Here is a look at the forecast broad regime through the start of the period, and meteogram for London showing the forecast max / min.
Compared to recent weeks, it will be notably #cold!
Here is a look at the forecast broad regime through the start of the period, and meteogram for London showing the forecast max / min.
Compared to recent weeks, it will be notably #cold!
Across a few days dog walks on my regular routes I've surveyed the damage in my local area from #StormDarragh
Mainly tree damage with a few large trees toppled, and plenty of branches / limbs brought down (>3 m in length my criteria for inclusion).
A nice reference to future strong wind events.
Mainly tree damage with a few large trees toppled, and plenty of branches / limbs brought down (>3 m in length my criteria for inclusion).
A nice reference to future strong wind events.
December 12, 2024 at 12:49 PM
Across a few days dog walks on my regular routes I've surveyed the damage in my local area from #StormDarragh
Mainly tree damage with a few large trees toppled, and plenty of branches / limbs brought down (>3 m in length my criteria for inclusion).
A nice reference to future strong wind events.
Mainly tree damage with a few large trees toppled, and plenty of branches / limbs brought down (>3 m in length my criteria for inclusion).
A nice reference to future strong wind events.
Sting Jet in #StormDarragh? #Technical
1/ Sting jets are most commonly found in Shapiro-Keyser cyclones
These cyclones tend to be marked by a frontal fracture, meaning the cold front is very weak. UKV fields (dewpoint digits) on Friday evening analysed cold front is indeed very weak / fractured.
1/ Sting jets are most commonly found in Shapiro-Keyser cyclones
These cyclones tend to be marked by a frontal fracture, meaning the cold front is very weak. UKV fields (dewpoint digits) on Friday evening analysed cold front is indeed very weak / fractured.
December 5, 2024 at 10:08 PM
Sting Jet in #StormDarragh? #Technical
1/ Sting jets are most commonly found in Shapiro-Keyser cyclones
These cyclones tend to be marked by a frontal fracture, meaning the cold front is very weak. UKV fields (dewpoint digits) on Friday evening analysed cold front is indeed very weak / fractured.
1/ Sting jets are most commonly found in Shapiro-Keyser cyclones
These cyclones tend to be marked by a frontal fracture, meaning the cold front is very weak. UKV fields (dewpoint digits) on Friday evening analysed cold front is indeed very weak / fractured.
Across #SouthernAfrica, following the historic #drought of 2023/2024 (linked to El Nino), the start of the 2024 / 2025 wet season is much delayed.
Much of the maize (the staple crop) is mostly planted in November, but the area currently remains arid and baked by heat, planting will be delayed.
Much of the maize (the staple crop) is mostly planted in November, but the area currently remains arid and baked by heat, planting will be delayed.
December 3, 2024 at 12:44 PM
Across #SouthernAfrica, following the historic #drought of 2023/2024 (linked to El Nino), the start of the 2024 / 2025 wet season is much delayed.
Much of the maize (the staple crop) is mostly planted in November, but the area currently remains arid and baked by heat, planting will be delayed.
Much of the maize (the staple crop) is mostly planted in November, but the area currently remains arid and baked by heat, planting will be delayed.
November 28, 2024 at 8:34 PM
Another truly hazardous #airquality event is underway across northern India, Pakistan and Nepal.
PM2.5 (tiny aerosols harmful to lungs) are exceeding 600 micrograms per metre cubed (see Lahore)!
For reference to WHO recommend PM2.5 not above a 24 hours average value of 15, for 3-4 days per year.
PM2.5 (tiny aerosols harmful to lungs) are exceeding 600 micrograms per metre cubed (see Lahore)!
For reference to WHO recommend PM2.5 not above a 24 hours average value of 15, for 3-4 days per year.
November 28, 2024 at 5:52 AM
Another truly hazardous #airquality event is underway across northern India, Pakistan and Nepal.
PM2.5 (tiny aerosols harmful to lungs) are exceeding 600 micrograms per metre cubed (see Lahore)!
For reference to WHO recommend PM2.5 not above a 24 hours average value of 15, for 3-4 days per year.
PM2.5 (tiny aerosols harmful to lungs) are exceeding 600 micrograms per metre cubed (see Lahore)!
For reference to WHO recommend PM2.5 not above a 24 hours average value of 15, for 3-4 days per year.
D27: Micromapping
I had an attempt at using Bing satellite imagery and a few photos I found to "guess map" the area around the meteorological enclosure at RAF Coningsby.
This location recorded the UKs highest ever air temperature of 40.3 C on the 19 July 2022.
#30DayMapChallenge #Meteorology
I had an attempt at using Bing satellite imagery and a few photos I found to "guess map" the area around the meteorological enclosure at RAF Coningsby.
This location recorded the UKs highest ever air temperature of 40.3 C on the 19 July 2022.
#30DayMapChallenge #Meteorology
November 27, 2024 at 10:11 PM
D27: Micromapping
I had an attempt at using Bing satellite imagery and a few photos I found to "guess map" the area around the meteorological enclosure at RAF Coningsby.
This location recorded the UKs highest ever air temperature of 40.3 C on the 19 July 2022.
#30DayMapChallenge #Meteorology
I had an attempt at using Bing satellite imagery and a few photos I found to "guess map" the area around the meteorological enclosure at RAF Coningsby.
This location recorded the UKs highest ever air temperature of 40.3 C on the 19 July 2022.
#30DayMapChallenge #Meteorology
D25: Heat
The average annual need for heating across the UK, as measured by Heat Degree Days (based on the EU Threshold of 15.5C).
Parts of Scotland have more than double the values of some parts of southern England...that's a lot more energy / £££ required!
#30DayMapChallenge #Meteorology
The average annual need for heating across the UK, as measured by Heat Degree Days (based on the EU Threshold of 15.5C).
Parts of Scotland have more than double the values of some parts of southern England...that's a lot more energy / £££ required!
#30DayMapChallenge #Meteorology
November 26, 2024 at 12:13 PM
D25: Heat
The average annual need for heating across the UK, as measured by Heat Degree Days (based on the EU Threshold of 15.5C).
Parts of Scotland have more than double the values of some parts of southern England...that's a lot more energy / £££ required!
#30DayMapChallenge #Meteorology
The average annual need for heating across the UK, as measured by Heat Degree Days (based on the EU Threshold of 15.5C).
Parts of Scotland have more than double the values of some parts of southern England...that's a lot more energy / £££ required!
#30DayMapChallenge #Meteorology
D24: Only Circles
A good test, I liked this solution, but it's not yet fully refined.
I've plotted the mean number of ground frosts for the 1961-1990 climate (purple), and 1991-2020 climate (blue). Shrinking circles are indicative of fewer frosts / warming climate.
#30DayMapChallenge #Meteorology
A good test, I liked this solution, but it's not yet fully refined.
I've plotted the mean number of ground frosts for the 1961-1990 climate (purple), and 1991-2020 climate (blue). Shrinking circles are indicative of fewer frosts / warming climate.
#30DayMapChallenge #Meteorology
November 25, 2024 at 11:00 PM
D24: Only Circles
A good test, I liked this solution, but it's not yet fully refined.
I've plotted the mean number of ground frosts for the 1961-1990 climate (purple), and 1991-2020 climate (blue). Shrinking circles are indicative of fewer frosts / warming climate.
#30DayMapChallenge #Meteorology
A good test, I liked this solution, but it's not yet fully refined.
I've plotted the mean number of ground frosts for the 1961-1990 climate (purple), and 1991-2020 climate (blue). Shrinking circles are indicative of fewer frosts / warming climate.
#30DayMapChallenge #Meteorology
D23: Memory
This is my first geographic memory, learning the route from school to home and back, via the people and places I knew along the way (including "mean man").
Likely very inaccurate as memories are well faded since 1997! But it's been great to think back to that time.
#30DayMapChallenge
This is my first geographic memory, learning the route from school to home and back, via the people and places I knew along the way (including "mean man").
Likely very inaccurate as memories are well faded since 1997! But it's been great to think back to that time.
#30DayMapChallenge
November 23, 2024 at 2:59 PM
D23: Memory
This is my first geographic memory, learning the route from school to home and back, via the people and places I knew along the way (including "mean man").
Likely very inaccurate as memories are well faded since 1997! But it's been great to think back to that time.
#30DayMapChallenge
This is my first geographic memory, learning the route from school to home and back, via the people and places I knew along the way (including "mean man").
Likely very inaccurate as memories are well faded since 1997! But it's been great to think back to that time.
#30DayMapChallenge
D22: Two Colours
A well worn idea rehashed.
Cornwall, United Kingdom. The next door county I know and love, that has a distinctive shape, and most importantly (for today) has a flag with just 2 colours. 😄
#30DayMapChallenge
A well worn idea rehashed.
Cornwall, United Kingdom. The next door county I know and love, that has a distinctive shape, and most importantly (for today) has a flag with just 2 colours. 😄
#30DayMapChallenge
November 22, 2024 at 9:38 PM
D22: Two Colours
A well worn idea rehashed.
Cornwall, United Kingdom. The next door county I know and love, that has a distinctive shape, and most importantly (for today) has a flag with just 2 colours. 😄
#30DayMapChallenge
A well worn idea rehashed.
Cornwall, United Kingdom. The next door county I know and love, that has a distinctive shape, and most importantly (for today) has a flag with just 2 colours. 😄
#30DayMapChallenge
D20: OSM (catching up).
Today a personal gripe, how challenging the access to public swimming pools is in East Devon. Even with a car, many residents are >20 minutes drive (away from their nearest pool.
I dare not consider public transport access challenges.
#30DayMapChallenge #CranbrookPool
Today a personal gripe, how challenging the access to public swimming pools is in East Devon. Even with a car, many residents are >20 minutes drive (away from their nearest pool.
I dare not consider public transport access challenges.
#30DayMapChallenge #CranbrookPool
November 21, 2024 at 10:52 PM
D20: OSM (catching up).
Today a personal gripe, how challenging the access to public swimming pools is in East Devon. Even with a car, many residents are >20 minutes drive (away from their nearest pool.
I dare not consider public transport access challenges.
#30DayMapChallenge #CranbrookPool
Today a personal gripe, how challenging the access to public swimming pools is in East Devon. Even with a car, many residents are >20 minutes drive (away from their nearest pool.
I dare not consider public transport access challenges.
#30DayMapChallenge #CranbrookPool
November 21, 2024 at 8:07 AM