“The wind outside nested in each tree, prowled the sidewalks in invisible tread like unseen cats. Anyone could see that the wind was a special wind this night, and the darkness took on a special feel because it was All Hallows’ Eve.
Everything seemed cut from soft black velvet…”
Ray Bradbury, The Halloween Tree

Last Sunday, as predicted, the skies began to fill with very impressive-looking storm clouds. A good rainstorm seemed imminent. Temperatures dropped and the winds blew. I anxiously awaited some “real weather,” but the Crescenta Valley was not on the receiving end of this storm. After two days of potential, a meager .08 inches fell. The spirit of Halloween was not to be dampened.

According to historical weather data, the average rainfall for Oct. 31 is .02 inches.   Our jack-o-lantern adorned and leaf strewn porch awaits its guests, zombies and princesses alike. All others welcomed …

In years past, most trick-or-treating weather was typical of October – clear skies, cool evenings. Although I do remember two very different ones.

Many fond memories originate around our pool. On one occasion, the Santa Ana winds began to blow while we were outside still carving pumpkins. By evening, the gusts intensified. The outside thermometer read 85 degrees at 8 p.m.! While the kids swam –  yes, a Halloween pool party –my park ranger husband was called to a brush fire.

Fast forward, our youngest was in middle school and conditions were quite different. Rainy and cold… what to do? Simple, turn on the pool heater, run down to Leslie’s Pool and quick – buy a red pool light lens cover. A party of shivering “Rosemontsters” are soon swimming in a red (blood-like) pool. Creepy and quite fitting for the age! Our own backyard weather was warm water and cold air and fog.

Picture perfect “chamber of commerce” days conclude our week. Sunday, a heavy marine layer is expected to move ashore bringing a 15-degree drop in temperature and possible drizzle. Temperatures remain in the 70s weeklong. We’ll see (feel) nights drop into the upper 40s.

November arrives as autumn weather prevails.

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

  Sue Kilpatrick