Foggy conditions will clear up by midday, with clouds gradually breaking and some sun expected. Southerly winds will bring warmer temperatures in the 70s, possibly reaching the 80s in some areas. Light winds and cool temperatures at night may lead to fog developing again on Wednesday morning. A cold front will move in on Wednesday, bringing stronger winds and a small chance of showers. Temperatures will range from the upper 50s to low 70s mid-week, with Thursday being the coolest day. Moisture may return on Thursday afternoon and evening. The end of the week will be dry, but there is a chance of moisture over the weekend. Overall, high pressure will dominate, resulting in mainly dry conditions.
Remnants of Hurricane Hilary, now devoid of tropical characteristics but still carrying moisture, are expected to bring much-needed rain to parts of Michigan. The moisture is currently moving northward, benefiting wildfire regions in the Pacific Northwest and southwest Canada. By Wednesday, the moisture is forecasted to reach the North Dakota/Minnesota/Canada border before sliding down into at least the northeast half of Lower Michigan on Thursday. Upper-air disturbances are likely to result in clumps of thunderstorms, with three such clumps potentially originating from the remnants of Hilary. The journey of this moisture from the tropical Pacific to Michigan is quite remarkable.
Freezing ground beef can lead to a mushy texture, but using a rolling pin before freezing can help prevent this. Rolling down and over the meat with a rolling pin helps squash air pockets and minimize moisture, preserving the texture of the frozen ground beef. The rolling pin presses down against the meat, minimizing excess moisture and maintaining the structure of the meat during freezing.
The "sponge" hack for potted plants, which involves cutting up sponges and placing them at the bottom of the planter before adding soil, has been touted as a way to help plants retain excess moisture and prevent root rot. However, gardening experts warn that waterlogged sponges can actually cause root rot and promote the growth of harmful microorganisms in the soil. Instead, they recommend using traditional drainage materials such as gravel or sand. The sponge hack may be useful in specific scenarios, but proper watering practices and well-draining soil mixes are the best ways to ensure healthy plant growth.
Today's Wordle hint is "The air in Florida but not in Arizona" and the clue is that the word has more consonants than vowels. The answer is "humid." The article also includes a riddle and its answer, as well as a review of the new Spider-Man movie. The etymology of the word "humid" is explained, and readers are invited to play competitive Wordle against the author.
Researchers studying mudskippers, an amphibious fish, have found clues as to why humans evolved to blink. While it's known that blinking keeps our eyes moist and protected, the evolution of the phenomenon has been less understood. The study offers insights into the importance of eye protection and moisture for survival.
Brown sugar hardens due to moisture evaporation when exposed to air. To prevent this, store it airtight and provide an additional source of moisture. To soften hardened brown sugar, use a microwave with a damp paper towel or a zip-top bag with water. Alternatively, use a Brown Sugar Bear, a soaked terra cotta piece that keeps brown sugar soft. To keep brown sugar soft from the start, transfer it to an airtight container or a zip-top bag and use a Brown Sugar Bear for extra moisture.
