JACK BE NIMBUS

We’ve had a spate of scorching days here lately, often punctuated by the random late afternoon thunderstorm. It’s part of the joy of living in the South.

A few evenings ago, a group of the Usual Suspects had gone to dinner. Afterwards, those with heartier appetites grabbed a dish of frozen yogurt at the local Yogli-Mogli (no, I didn’t make that name up). As we sat and enjoyed our mutual company, I observed a bit of Atmospheric Drama to the northwest... the sun setting behind a rapidly-growing cumulonimbus cloud.


The gathering storm: A cumulonimbus cloud evolves. Start on the top left, then go to the top right, bottom left, and bottom right. [Click to embiggen.]

Would this turn into a violent, hail- and wind-packed horrorshow? We had had several of those earlier in the week, including an especially nasty blow that struck Tuesday afternoon, knocking down a tree and sealing off Houston Steve’s neighborhood.

As it turned out, no. That huge cloud expanded until it seemed to cover half the sky, then mysteriously dissipated. Not a drop of rain... in our neighborhood, anyway.

But it was impressive while it lasted!