- Updates from the Islands -

- - Honduras - -

- Gustav

From: "Mark"
Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 05:28:24 -0600

I have been wondering why the tracking models had Gustav going almost straight north when I could see a ridge forming above it on the Radio Fax from the weather service. Now that Gustav is a Catagory 1 hurricane the track has now been modified to reflect this more westerly course. Guess sometimes just plain old weather charts can help out in tracking? Anyway we are keeping an eye on this one cause as the old saying goes, it aint over till the fat lady sings! We do need rain and could use a good bit of it but not a hurricanes worth!

Mark

Calabash Bight, Roatan

- Good Morning

From: Ralph Shotswell <rgshotswell at msn.com>
Date: Sun, 24 Aug 2008 13:08:04 +0000

Good Morning from the NE coast of Roatan

This morning the system called 94L is producing heavy rainfall and gusty winds over the north coast of Venezuela, the southern Leeward Islands and the Windward Islands. 94L deserves a watchful eye by all in the Caribbean. 94L is becoming more organized. 94-L could be a tropical depression or storm by early week. It appears that it will track , based on the latest information, towards Hispaniola, Cuba and Jamaica . There are some thoughts that 94L could also move further west though and continue to travel the Caribbean and hence move into the Gulf of Mexico. As it appears the Bay Islands are not in harms way. Meantime the temperature rises this morning as ole sol rises in the east and there are very few breezes and the only sound heard is the bread machine cranking out the start of a good breakfast.

Ralph G Shotswell, Punta Blanca

- Good morning from Roatan North

From: Ralph Shotswell <rgshotswell at msn.com>
Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2008 13:03:31 +0000

Good Morning from Northeast Roatan
Very unusual weather so far this month, not hot and a whole lot of Caribbean sea breezes. Finally have been getting some well needed showers, starting to green up again. Tropical weather has been unheard of thus far, but we need to start keeping a watchful eye on the East towards Africa/Mid Atlantic as various reports are saying that things are starting to change. There are three possible culprits out there that can develop within the next week or so. Meantime lets enjoy the weather that we have been blessed with.
Ralph

- Thunderstorms over Central Roatan

From: Ralph Shotswell <rgshotswell at msn.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2008 03:34:43 +0000

Earlier this evening around 6 pm heavy rain showers attacked the Central portion of the island in the French Harbour and "The View" areas. Not much wind around 8 kts out of the NE/E, but a torrential downpour. Visibility was at almost zero for about 5 minutes on the main road. It is three hours later, some lightning strikes to the Northeast of the island, but very calm. Bugs galore.

Ralph in Punta Blanca, Roatan, Honduras

- Dodging Dolly

From: "Mark"
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 10:20:46 -0600

Looks like we will be dodging Dolly this time! After watching that activity (94L) for the past week it is nice to see it North of us. I have a friend on a cruising sailboat that is on the other side of the Dominican Republic from Dolly. Made a smart move they did! Weather here is cumulous, building in coverage very fast and a North wind of about 7 knots but no rain since about 8 PM last night.

Mark

Calabash Bight, Roatan

- isla de la bahia, Roatan, Honduras

From: Ralph Shotswell <rgshotswell at msn.com>
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:38:51 +0000

Quick introduction: My name is Ralph and I live on the North side of Roatan. I will attempt to keep you abreast of the weather going ons on the North side of our beautiful island. As of this morning we have high fluffy cumulus clouds in a beautiful blue sky. Ole Sol is also doing his thing. A slight Easterly breeze is cooling us off. It is in the mid 80's at 9:30. I hope that the current frontal that is heading NW and Northeast of us does not dampen to many spirits.

- 95L & 94L

From: "Mark"
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 05:33:50 -0600

95L has reached us here in Calabash Bight on Roatan. Some gusting winds to about 30 knots with heavy rain at times. Presently down to a light drizzle but looking skyward we will see more rain before the day is over. 94L is still not a Tropical Depression at this time and that's ok with us as the forecast tracks are too close for comfort!

Mark

- Feeling the edge

From: "Mark"
Date: Thu, 17 Jul 2008 06:44:03 -0600

We have rain this morning on the East end of the Island anyway. So far about 1" has fallen but looks to be just a temporary rain before the main body gets here later today/tonight. Still watching this local disturbance which might build and also invest 94L. Yep getting busy here!

Mark

- Gearing Up

From: "Mark"
Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:35:51 -0600

Weather has been warm here, into 89 to 90deg. range last few days with some clouds and rain early morning around 3AM but not enough to even whet the plants thirst. It does however look like we may get a bit more than bargained for by this upcoming Tropical Wave maybe getting a bit stronger before it reaches us here. The looking further on there is Invest 94L we have been keeping an eye on. It will have room to build more but we hope it turns out to be nothing more than rain for everyone!

Mark

- Rain? Rain!

From: "Mark"
Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:30:39 -0600

Yes, this morning there was actually about a 1/2" of rain that fell! Very welcome but not near enough after barely a 1/4" of rain over the last two months. We still have a chance looking at the satellite but I am not going to bet on it!

Mark

Calabash Bight

- Another Tropical Wave

From: "Mark"
Date: Fri, 6 Jun 2008 08:48:48 -0600

At 23 knots out of the East with gusts to 26 kts we have yet another Tropical Wave upon us. Doesn't look like rain will come with it though and I am glad to report that there is no other significant weather to report.

Mark

- Tropical Storm Arthur

From: "Mark"
Date: Sun, 1 Jun 2008 03:42:22 -0600

It appears that Arthur is pulling some wind across Roatan this morning, speeds of 20 knors with gusts to 30 are rolling by here out of the South, South East.

Mark

- Building Low system

From: "Mark"
Date: Sat, 31 May 2008 05:59:48 -0600

This is what we woke up to this morning here in Calabash Bight, Roatan. We expect more rain but hope for others that this doesnt build much more.

Mark & Lori

- Tropical Depression Alma

From: "Mark"
Date: Fri, 30 May 2008 11:00:46 -0600

30th May,2008
Rain! Yes we needed this rain badly, Everyone was running out of water but
did we need a Tropical Depression this early? Anyway everyone here is keeping an
eye on Alma but it appears that we may get some more rain out of it and maybe
a little wind but not much else. Those mountains on the Mainland Honduras
should break her up pretty good.

Mark

Roatan

- Roatan Weather

From: Helen Murphy <hmurphy2005 at yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 28 May 2008 11:30:40 -0700 (PDT)

After 2 months of no rain and dusty, dry conditions we are finally looking at the possibility of some rain. However, i have been reading that some weather forecasters think this blob off the coast of Honduras/Nicacagua might have some potential to develop. Will be keeping a very close eye on this the next few days. Regards from Roatan. Helen (roatan gardener)