More rain

There is a typhoon off the northern coast of Luzon.  Although it is that far away, it is still causing more rain here.  Four nights ago we had a whopper of a thunderstorm, such as we have in the midwest:  strong winds and raining cats and dogs (but no hail), and lightning so close the thunder followed right after the lightning.  Streets flooded in some areas nearby.  I love thunderstorms like that!  In fact I miss them. Awesome, in the true sense of the word.  

We didn't lose power but others nearby did.  

We have had thunderstorms and rain everyday now since then, off and on all day.  This is what is called monsoon rains.  It makes walking for exercise wetter than usual (from your sweat), but the rain is cool, so that's nice.  What is amazing is how fast things dry up afterwards, considering how humid it is here.  The relative humidity is about 100% right now, and the temperature right around 80.   The clouds keep it cooler than the low 90s and high 80s the first few days I was here.  I have not found it particularly uncomfortable, but on the other hand I am not spending all day outside or out of aircon.

There is more severe flooding in northern Luzon, but fortunately the typhoon missed the island, or it could have been much worse.  Like what Texas is expecting with Ike.

For a current animation of the typhoon, go here.  Just be aware of the time difference--if you try to view this during Seattle day, it may be night here and much the the animation may be black.