Hail...Vitus!

Above, hailstones on the deck about an hour ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like the National Weather Service wasn't kidding when it said we would be in for thunderstorms in the afternoon today.

A little while ago, we had thunder and almost marble-sized hail come down in Jamestown, New Mexico. It is raining hard and we're still getting occasional thunder as I am writing this. There's actually a flash flood warning out here (thank God I am on a hill).

There's no doubt about it, it's monsoon season!

Above, hail being dumped on the deck. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is just as well since Mitch Geriminsky and I are headed north. We were going to go to the Wells Fun Run, but our friend in Idaho (about 100 miles away from Wells), Bill Wilson, is fighting an infection or something related to his blood cancer. So we're headed to his house instead. (Prayers for Bill are appreciated.)

Last year in Wells, it was my turn for a medical emergency. Perhaps it's just as well we're bypassing Wells since I didn't have much good fortune there (although I am lucky that quick action by Mitch saved my bacon).

The National Weather Bureau forecast:

This Afternoon

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 3pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Southeast wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before midnight. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Breezy, with a southeast wind 20 to 25 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday

Scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.