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Rai LeCotey (Eureka Station Manager)
Anthony, let me set the record straight!
I am the station manager of Eureka and was on site when we broke a new all time high on July 14, 2009 of 20.9°C and have the picture to prove it! The reason there was such a big fluctuation in temerature from the METARS before and after the record breaking temperature was all due the direction of the wind. If you look at the location of the weather station (and where the stevenson screens are), it is located about 300 metres inland from the north shore of Slidre Fjord. Normally our winds are from the East, South or West which cools off the air as it passes over the cold waters of the fjord. However, when the wind switches from the north the temperature will be representative of the inland over the Fosheim Pennisula. Inland temperatures can be 10 – 15°C warmer during the summer months than along the shoreline where we are situated.
There was no malfunction of equipment nor data entry errors. It is all due to local effects and whether the wind blows from the north (inland) or not.
Having said that, I have personally seen the effects of global warming at Eureka over the past 12 years as each summer we break a new record maxium high and we see more and more mudslides on the tundra as the permafrost melts even lower and can no long support the clay and dirt above it.
If you or anyone else wants to see my picture of our RTI showing 20.9°C please e-mail me at EurekaWxStn@ec.gc.ca
I have many more pictures of Eureka I am willing to share.
Rai LeCotey – Eureka Station Manager
REPLY: Thanks, what about the day before, with 19.6? I’ll drop you a note for the pix.
Checking out for some period.....need some food.
At least the station manager was honest about why the temp rise occurred. Post #32.
The station manager might be a believer, but I can’t help but note how a single shift of wind can drastically alter ground level temps. I’ve always believed that satellite surveilance of atmospheric temps would be much more accurate and practical.