From Fair to Foul

And now, let's go over to Franco for the weather report.

In the past week, we have experienced opposite weather extremes.

While visiting Turin, we enjoyed what would be called Indian Summer in the northern U.S.  Turin is located near the Alps and is normally cold and rainy this time of year.  When we arrived in Turin, there was a cold, driving rain.  After a day, the weather changed from the typical cold and rain to clear skies and moderate temperatures. 

The explanation?  We learned that the Foehn wind occasionally blows in Fall and Spring.  Cold, moist air hits one side of the nearby Alps and then spills over.  The air loses its moisture as rain or snow on the windward side of the Alps.  As the air descends the other side of the Alps, the leeward side, the air warms.  Thankfully, Turin is on the other side of the Alps.  The weather in Turin was unseasonably clear and warm.  We even removed our coats during part of the visit.  (Below is a picture that explains the effect.)

After leaving Turin, we returned to Florence.  Shortly after returning, the temperature dropped from the 50's  to the 30's (F).  The explanation?  Arctic winds.  Fast-moving, frigid air from the artic swept down across Europe bringing freezing or near freezing temperatures to all of Europe.  Not only was it cold outside, the wind was steady and very strong.  Any leaves still on trees were quickly stripped away and the cedar tree outside our apartment window leaned over to point of breaking.  The photo below shows the leaning cedar tree.  (Thankfully, the tree is flexible and standing straight and tall today.)   

Earthquakes, floods, arctic winds.  What's next?

Pop Quiz:  Florence, Italy is near the same latitude as:

     A.    Havana, Cuba

     B.    Orlando, Florida

     C.    Washington, D.C.

     D.    New York, New York

     E.    Boston, Massachusetts

     F.    Portland, Maine

     G.    Montreal,Canada

    

The correct answer appears below.  Who knew?

Portland, Maine

The correct answer is F.  Florence, Italy is located at 43.78° N.  Located at 43.66° N is Portland, Maine.