Increased reception on my scanner after a storm.

[Blackink]

I was quite surprised at how well my scanner, a BCT15X, was picking up activity from places I rarely hear from after the nasty storms that hit the region this afternoon. I'm using the stock antenna.

Besides the unusually high traffic heard because of all the trees, tree limbs, and power lines that were down, my scanner seemed to pick up reception much farther away than usual- Rutland, White River Jct., St. Johnsbury.
I was hearing places that are 60 miles away with one bar on the meter but coming in clear as if they were 2 miles away! I hardly ever hear anything from the frequencies that are this far from me, especially coming in this clear!

After or during a storm like this, is this type of increased signal reception (meaning how far away it came from) normal because of what's in the atmosphere?

I didn't turn my scanner on until after the storm had passed due to severe lightening.

I was quite impressed!

 

[W3DMV]

Happens from time to time before, during, and after storms for short periods of time and can be an exciting
time to listen. This type of propagation is more related to what is called "ducting" and is present
when areas of cold air, hot air are layered next to each in the same area, and sometimes is enhanced
by water vapor in the system and other factors beyond my brain power.

This type of propagation many times is noted when hurricanes are present and on many occasions I
have been able to talk to ham stations in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia on the UHF ham band
with a modest setup from Pennsylvania.

Another setup for this type of propagation is often referred to as "Temperature Inversion" and
happens normally around sunrise and deals with cold and warn air masses over the affected area
that can propagate signals over longer distances. Once the sun has been up for awhile, the air
masses equalize form the suns heat and the ducting effect disappears.. This signal enhancement
is much more common in warmer months for people on and near the ocean coasts where the large
body of water helps supply some of the temperature difference.

It's amazing what can be monitored when your at the right place at the right time.

Have fun, you never know what might show up !

 

[Blackink]

W3DMV,
Great explanation on what was happening. I have noticed on some days I seem to get better reception than on others but the day when that storm passed through was exceptional.
I'll pay closer attention to what's happening around my region, weather wise, when I do seem to reach farther than usual.

Thanks again.
p.s This Web site is terrific. I see so many people getting help.
The value of putting a dollar amount on what this site is worth is-Priceless.