"Buresh Blog": Feb. averages, super low tides - Feb. 1st

Feb. 1, 2017 — Our above avg. temps..... of which there were 24 days in Jan..... will continue through at least the middle of the upcoming week (the 8/9th).  Remember the lunar eclipse on the evening of Fri., Feb. 10th.

Speaking of Feb.... averages @ JIA:

Low / High: 1st - 43/66 degrees; 28th - 47 / 71

Rainfall: 3.19"

Sunrise / Sunset - 1st - 7:17am / 6:04pm.... 28th - 6:54am / 6:25pm - gain 44 minutes of daylight.

There have recently been some abnormally low tides along the coast, our rivers & tributaries/estuaries.  The cause has chiefly been persistent offshore winds (from the west).  This wind direction pushes the water out to sea & lowers the amount of water that comes in at times of high tide.  The result is an overall very low water level but especially at times of low tide.  When winds become more onshore for a more extended period, water levels will return closer to avg. (along with some help from the next full moon).  Pic below is from the Jax Beach First Alert skycam Tue. afternoon (01/31):

'Tis the season for prescribed burns - fires that are intentionally set to cut down on the potential fuel for the wildfire season of late winter/spring/early summer.  A large prescribed burn was ignited Tue. near the Baker/Columbia line sending a large smoke plume east along I-10 - see our First Alert skycam pics below.  Smoke has a tendency to settle closer to the ground overnight (lighter winds, higher humidity) so there will be pockets of low visibility at times.

EARTH GAUGE (NEEF):

Brrr! When the temperature goes down outside, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves can take away the chill inside. Smoke from a crackling fire may smell good, but it can impact air quality in your home and your health. Smoke is a mixture of tiny particles and gases produced when wood burns—the fine particles can get into your eyes and lungs, where they may aggravate some health conditions like lung disease, bronchitis, and asthma.

Use these best burn practices(link is external) from EPA at home to minimize wood smoke, stay warm, and protect your health:

• Before you burn, make sure your chimney is clean. A clean chimney provides a good draft and reduces the risk of a chimney fire. Have your chimney inspected by a professional at least once per year and regularly clean ashes from your fireplace or wood-burning stove to increase efficiency.
• Only use seasoned wood for burning. Seasoned wood looks darker, has cracks in the ends, and sounds hollow if smacked against another piece of wood.
• Use newspaper and dry kindling to start a fire. Never use gasoline, kerosene, charcoal starter, or propane.
• Build hot fires, which are more safe and efficient than smoldering fires.
• Never burn garbage or cardboard, coated or painted wood, particle board, plywood, or wood with glue on it. Burning these materials can release harmful chemicals into the air inside your home.

If you burn wood at home—even occasionally—install a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector to keep you and your family safe. If you already have detectors, check the batteries to make sure they are working properly.

Source:

• US EPA. 2016. "Burn Wise: Consumers – Best Burn Practices." Accessed January 31, 2017.

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