The risk of a thunderstorm
Funny how Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology phrase their forecasts.
I have become an avid peruser of the Bureau’s home page (and must commend them for finally realising that it was silly to bury this information several clicks into the website when it is the main service they provide we great unwashed). It has been a given in my web browsing this summer, the rising temperature a gauge of my moods.
But why, in the hideous, vile, depressing drought that we are experiencing do they always say ‘and the risk of a thunderstorm’? This evening, for example, we in Melbourne (where it has been over 35 for the last four days – oh joy, only 30 tomorrow back in my un-airconditioned office but wait, forecast updated at 4.15pm - it’s only going to be 25!) are promised:
‘Cloud increasing with a shower or two developing and the risk of a thunderstorm. Moderate to fresh north to northwesterly wind shifting cooler, gusty southwest to southerly this evening, then easing.’ Risk? Easing? Bugger that!
How about:
‘Cloud increasing with a shower or two developing and the great hope of a thunderstorm lasting long enough so we can all dance naked in the rain and feel good. Moderate to fresh north to northwesterly wind shifting cooler, gusty southwest to southerly this evening, then buggering off, damn it.’
Sigh.
This post made me laugh out loud! Bring on the nake thunderstorm dancing…