Storm on the Plains

Location coordinates:

41° 09' 57"N, 101° 00' 04"W

Hershey, Nebraska

 OK, so it has been a long time between blog posts. I've been busy traveling, and I'm in a bit of a lull right now before another trip at the end of the month, so I thought I'd get in a post or two before I'm off again.

A few weeks ago I was in western Nebraska for a family event. Nebraska has had their fair share of rain and storms this spring and summer. This particular storm passed just to the north of Hershey, NE, which is west of North Platte along Interstate 80. It had been another hot day, with temperatures near or at 100 degrees. The storm blew up close to sundown, so the cloud formations were really stunning with the setting sun. When we noticed the darkening sky out of the living room window we all went out to watch the unfolding drama. It was fascinating to watch the clouds churn and boil, and the lightning put on a very nice show. It never did rain where we were, but shortly after sundown the wind came up (which I am assuming was associated with this storm as it passed), and the temperature dropped significantly. The strong wind was welcomed by me for more than just its cooling impact; it blew away the mosquitoes, which had viciously attacked me as I was trying to focus on taking the photos. (I am your typical mosquito's very favorite dish, apparently. I attract the little villains more than anyone I know. I step outside near sunset and they nearly knock me to the ground!)

I love to watch weather, if I'm out of harm's way. I've lived in the central U.S. most of my adult life, in Nebraska, Missouri, Arkansas, and now Minnesota. I believe the beauty of a summer thunderstorm is best observed in Nebraska because the terrain is flat with few trees to obscure the view. As long as the storms don't become destructive, they are one of the best things about the Midwest summer.