Typical fall day

Good morning from the northwest end of Augusta, Maine. It is a wet and foggy morning, and we are only expecting temps to reach the mid to upper 50's. Althought it is not yet raining, its coming soon. Expect more rain, mostly drizzle with fog on and off during the day.

This morning's readings are:

a relative humidity of 94% with a Dew Point of 49.8ºF.

The temperature is 51.5ºF, with no wind chill at this time. 

What wind we have so far this morning is between 3.4 mph and 6.2 mph out of the North Northeast. Today's wind is going to remain variable and not expected to exceed 10 mph.

Our Barometric pressure is 29.98 and falling.

There has been no rainfall here yet today and there has been none this week.

Since we are now dealing with a typical Maine autumn, it is good to remember the autumn driving that we have not had to deal with since last fall. The below information is common sense, but it pays to see them again as autumn hits its stride.

 

 

Autumn Driving Safety Tips

Make adjustments for the light. Did you know that we lose a minute of daylight every day until the clocks are set back in November? Fewer hours of daylight make it more difficult to see pedestrians, cyclists and children playing in the late afternoon. Also, later sunrises mean that drivers need to adjust to the brighter sun at different times of the morning. Always keep a pair of sunglasses in your car to shield your vision.

Avoid driving over wet leaves. Fall foliage is beautiful but once those leaves start falling and get wet from rain, they can become a serious driving hazard. Wet leaves are slippery and reduce traction.

Don't Veer for Deer. If a crash with a deer is unavoidable, remember don't swerve. Be sure to brake firmly and hold onto the steering wheel with both hands. Come to a controlled stop and move the vehicle out of traffic to a safe location.

Prepare an emergency kit for your car. Carrying an emergency kit in your car trunk or cargo area can be a real lifesaver. Be sure to include a flashlight, flares and a first-aid kit, jumper cables, extra washer fluid, nonperishable food, a jug of water, and a few basic tools such as wrenches, a ratchet/socket set, screwdrivers, and pliers.

Watch for frost. Low nighttime temperatures cause frost on windshields and roads. Be sure to clear your windshield completely before driving. Also, slow down when approaching bridges and overpasses, as these structures are more prone to collect frost on the roadway surface. Stay alert for shaded areas that could create black ice during early morning and evening hours.

Plan ahead for changing weather conditions. Have your car winterized before the winter storm season sets in. Keeping your car in good condition decreases your chance of being stranded in cold weather. Also, be sure to have a first-aid kit, thermal blanket, a working flashlight, a shovel and sand in your car.

Watch for construction work zones. Construction work zones may still be active. Please remember to slow down and pay attention in work zones. The life you save could be your own.