Schafernaker on Blogger

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2010-08-17T17:00:00.009+01:00

This morning, prior to a live weather bulletin, I made a gesture off camera joking with my fellow presenters and without warning the camera went live to the weather studio. I am very sorry for any offence that might have been caused by my actions.

Here Comes Ditchling Beacon

2010-06-14T22:27:00.016+01:00

It's been a while since I posted a blog...so here a slightly longer one!

What's new...Well, I'm looking forward to my London to Brighton cycle with the British Heart Foundation on Sunday 20th June. Last year was a blast so I'm expecting a great day again this year...as for THAT hill Ditchling Beacon...

I'll be among 30,000 other cyclists! It's the biggest cycle event of it's kind in Europe I'm told. I'll be setting off at 630am from Clapham Common with Dr Rosemary Leonard's team 'Strictly Come Cycling'. I'll look back and wave 'goodbye' to them 3mins after the start LOL! ;-)

The weather is looking very promising indeed - light winds, sunny and warm but not too warm - ideal really. This ride will be a 'warm-up' for the Paris ride I'm doing with Action Medical Research next month. I'll write more about that soon. Speaking of which, (or typing? lol) I've managed to raise about £2500, that's fantastic folks, thanks!

http://tinyurl.com/39tbdy2

I'll be posting more updates before and during all my rides here in the UK and in France.

In the world of weather...this weeks looks very pleasant for the majority of the UK. It might even hold into the weekend. I actually think the Summer so far this year hasn't been that bad at all, you may disagree? In fact, we haven't had enough rain. Still, it's only the start of the summer and many, many weeks of it to come...

One one thing I'll be closely looking at this year is the Atlantic Hurricane Season. It's predicted to be a very nasty one this year. As for most meteorologists and weather forecasters this is an interesting subject for me (hurricanes). I've been to Florida many a time when it's been brushed by these tropical buggers. As I type, there may well be one brewing some 1000miles west of the Windward Islands. Beware!

http://tinyurl.com/3x38on7

That's all for now. Come again.

Our First 'Mini-Sizzler'

2010-05-18T16:23:00.004+01:00

About a week ago it was looking like warmer weather was headed our way... the change from cold to warm is finally happening and, it 's about flamin' time too! (At least that's what I think...I realise some may have enjoyed the cool 'northerlies'). The weekend mercury is expected peak in the mid 20s in London and the Midlands. Couple of snags...sunny skies aren't a promise and it'll feel quite humid too. On a positive note, it's the humidity and moisture which will help keep the evenings warm and summery...that 'holiday feeling'! Will it last beyond the weekend? ...too early to say but northern Britain is likely to cool off.

Azores soon on an High

2010-05-13T21:46:00.005+01:00

Looks like after the weekend we might be finally getting some warmer weather in the UK. Yay! I'm banking on the Azores High extending into the country...the weather lot will know what I mean. Personally, I think there is no more room for cold weather in my garden and as far as I'm concerned Mother Nature's quota for cold weather has simply run out. Enuff is enuff, it's time for shorts and t-shirts.

BTW: The picture shows some lagoon in the Azores...no, I wasn't there.

(small print: don't bank on any warmer weather to last for too long!)

A grunt and sigh at the weather maps

2010-05-04T16:10:00.006+01:00

Last night I had a good look at the weather charts for the coming days and to be honest it's not looking that exciting. No sign of any warmer weather which I would personally prefer...as I'm sure most of us would. In fact, after chatting to my colleagues, we came to a conclusion that the first half of May...(and beyond!)...may not bring much of change. Sure, there will be some sunshine but for as many sunny days we may end up getting grey cloud and some rain. I think the cool winds and chilly evening's will be most unwelcome. Summer ain't here yet...then again, it's still only May!

London to Paris 2010...donations

2010-04-30T20:22:00.000+01:00

I am pleased to announce that I have managed to raise over £1500 (!) in charity money for the bike ride to Paris with Action Medical Research in July.

http://www.action.org.uk/sponsor/schafernaker

The response has been fantastic and thank you to everyone for all the donations! I've also enjoyed reading every comment posted on the sponsorship page. I'll be doing a warm up ride to Brighton in June (with the British Heart Foundation) as well as other rides before the big one...

Thanks!!

Delayed April Showers

2010-04-30T12:34:00.000+01:00

I've had some fantastic weather in April down here in the Southeast. I, of course, know it hasn't always been like it everywhere in the country. Anyway, it has been great weather for a little gardening. I'm no 'Mr green fingers' but, after the harsh winter, there was a tiny bit to be done. Temperatures of 20 degrees (and higher) are already a distant memory and the chill is being felt as the delayed 'April Showers' arrive. It certainly has been a considerably dry spell. Definitely no sign of any warm weather next week...ah well, we do need some rain.

10 Kwiecień 2010

2010-04-11T22:12:00.000+01:00

http://www.president.pl/en/

...my face buried in hands...head shaking in disbelief.

A terrible day for my homeland Poland, another terrible date to remember in its history.

I'll be on my bike then...

2010-04-07T19:41:00.000+01:00

It's looking very settled across much of the UK for the next 10 days. That's about as far into the future as we can look most of the time with any reasonable accuracy...i.e. but only in terms of "settled" or "unsettled". However, there is every chance it'll turn nice and warm for many of us, light winds and often bright or sunny....'t-shirt warm' even.

How low can the Weather go...

2010-03-30T14:48:00.001+01:00

Oh boy......this week is not going to a good one as far as the weather is concerned. I feel for everyone who is hoping for some warm spring weather, I certainly am! As for the snow in Northern Britain and Ireland!...hopefully this is the last time. When is it going to really warm up you ask? Not anytime soon I don't think...

On another note, I've received my details for the London to Brighton 2010 cycle with the British Heart Foundation. One of many rides in the coming months...and a warm-up before Paris.

TRIC Awards 2010

2010-03-10T18:13:00.000Z

What a feeling! Your heart just leaps out when you hear your name called out. This is the first time I have won a prestigious award like this. TRIC or Television & Radio Industries Club Awards 2010 for TV Weather Presenter of the year. Winning this means a lot, it was a real honour to receive it. Any of my colleagues at the BBC Weather Centre deserved to win. I had a great time at the venue. Thank you TRIC, Sian Williams and everyone who made this happen for me. Also, congrats to all other winners!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/hi/news/newsid_8559000/8559651.stm

http://www.tric.org.uk/main/home.html

London to Paris 2010 Charity Bike Ride

2010-03-07T12:55:00.000Z

Challenge info:

http://www.tomaszschafernaker.com/tomaszschafernaker/LondonToParis.html

Sponsor me:

http://www.action.org.uk/sponsor/schafernaker

Challenge date: July 21-25 2010

This should be a good one! Really looking forward to it but I'm also hoping the 'Jet Stream' will pay me a visit en route bringing cooler weather and the occasional refreshing shower! I've realised I'm cycling during, statistically, the hottest time of the year! Oops. I will keep a facebook diary on all the prep for the challenge!

Stormy Weather

2010-02-26T11:09:00.000Z

...watching a windstorm, of subtropical origin, intensify near the Canary Islands. Over the weekend, the storm may affect Portugal, NW Spain and France with fierce winds and torrential rains. Could be a nasty one! In the UK, we may feel the remnants of this weather system around Sunday. The Met Office will have the latest no doubt...

Treadmill Drama

2010-02-23T16:41:00.000Z

Yesterday I was at the Gym. I was doing a particular exercise. It involved a set of pull ups followed by a fast 2min run on the treadmill (i.e. set of pull ups, 2min run, pull ups, 2min run, etc etc). Anyway, I finished the 2min run and left the treadmill rolling on its own. I jogged to the pull up frame some 20 feet away for a set of more pull ups...after the set, I turned towards the treadmill again. As I approached my 'reserved' running machine I thought "Oh No!"...a woman is heading the same direction to use my fast-moving treadmill!!! She was listening to her ipod, and her eyes were fixated on the TV. Well, she stepped onto the rolling treadmill without properly looking at it and sadly got dramatically catapulted back to where she came from, landing on all fours screaming. OOoopss! I felt terrible! Was it my fault to leave the running machine on? It was a mini drama. All ok in the end. We laughed!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRUNKsYKhjM&feature=PlayList&p=3F79B83FDBCAA360&index=36

Weather Blues

2010-02-22T19:46:00.000Z

I'm not looking forward to this week's weather...it's all gonna go shaffernakerz! Rain, snow and wind all at the same time and in different places. One thing that won't be pleasant is cycling to work at 4-wet-am. Yes, I start that early...(well, 5am). Any sign of spring? Not as far as the weather goes, not yet...only the buds on the trees and that's about it. It's still February!

NOAA's Ark

2010-02-16T18:41:00.000Z

It's been pouring, and pouring, and pouring...for hours on end. About 14 hours now, and quite heavily too by 'met' standards. It seems like it's the 'wettest day' of the winter in London. Huge puddles everywhere (outside) and the big raindrops keep hammering against all the skylights. More to come tonight. What a pisser!! LOL

Twit Twoo

2010-02-15T17:52:00.000Z

I've recently got into Tweeting! I tried it last summer but I never got round to exploring it any further. Funny how addictive it can get. And yet months ago I used to laugh at it...don't knock it 'till you've tried it! Everything with a little moderation though...

As far as the weather goes this week...not a very exciting one. Often cold with low, grey skies hanging over the horizon. I can't wait until Spring!

I am Blogger

2010-02-14T00:26:00.000Z

It's been good fun building my website. I've decided to branch out and put my blogs on here from now on. Much more efficient!

Picture: Bar 40/30 at the top of the Gherkin skyscraper in London. Took it at closing time hence it doesn't look particularly busy! ;-)