“Time, the years, the seasons, the dreaming and the hopes which throb with life even under the ice and snow… Year builds upon year, even as the seasons follow. And year’s end is no end at all, but only a pause, a time for the deep breath that marks the next step forward. There is no halt, no turning back. Tomorrow rises in the East, and all the tomorrows.”

~Hal Borland (1900–1978),
“The Song of Time,” 1945 December 31st

December 21st marked the first day of winter: henceforward each day gains more light. The miracles of both Christmas and Hanukah are remembered once again.  Next week comes the transition of one year to the next. All come with anticipation and hope. This year, the weather was no exception.

In the days leading up to Christmas, the National Weather Service predicted snow in our local mountains and scattered rain- heavy at times-at the lower elevations. The Christmas Night forecast called for snow levels down to 2,000 ft.; a continuance of the same is expected today. As these words were put to paper Monday night, for a Tuesday deadline, I put my trust in the NWS.  Now, as you read this, on Thursday morning- the outcome is known. Did we have a white Christmas?

Historically, where in the Lower 48 states is the best chance of seeing a white Christmas? According to NOAA, most of Idaho, Minnesota, Maine, Upstate New York, the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada Mountains share a high probability of snow at Christmas. Aspen, Colorado, boasts  a 100% historical probability- a white Christmas.

Gusty northeast winds are possible tomorrow- Friday. Lingering clouds will diminish, replaced by dry and warmer weather going into the weekend. Early next week another storm arrives.

Holding varying amounts of precipitation, meteorologists have the when and where at Monday afternoon for L.A. County.

The weather promises to be dry for New Year’s Eve and Day. A postcard perfect day, as it will not rain on “our parade.”  Clear skies and snow-capped mountains, welcome in 2020!

Sue Kilpatrick is a Crescenta Valley resident and Official Skywarn Spotter
for the National Weather Service.
Reach her at suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.

  Sue Kilpatrick