“Tonight the Great Pumpkin will rise out of the pumpkin patch.
He flies through the air and brings toys to all the children of the world.”
~ Author Charles Schulz’s character Linus in “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”
The passion in which Linus speaks these words suggests a time like none other – autumn. I will agree with the young and very wise Peanuts character. The Great Pumpkin “flies through the air” (maybe confused with Santa Claus) and from the trees leaves drop and scatter across the ground and the first rains begin. The sky is the backdrop and source for all these things and October is their time. At “this time of year” the air holds a pristine clarity revealing a deep blue color – like no other – from the upper atmosphere. So distinct is the color that it won’t be found on an artist’s palette or in a child’s box of crayons. A few years past, Weather in The Foothills gave a name to the unique color. After searching the newspaper’s archives, it was deemed lost. I believe it was either October Blue or Crescenta Valley Blue. Might you recall?

On Monday in the predawn hours, lightening flashed across the still-dark skies of La Crescenta. The storm seemed to stall directly overhead; thunder followed within seconds, if not instantly, after lightning flashed. Although short-lived, we received .35 inches of rain. The season total now stands at .55 inches. Still below average, we await upcoming storms. Until then, there is a lot of action in our skies. Halloween is responsible for most; spirits, witches, ghosts and of course “The Great Pumpkin” are included. Also, of a more scientific nature, there will be a six-minute flyover of NASA’s International Space Station early Halloween morning at 6:29 a.m. It appears as a slow-moving bright star. As you look skyward, you may get lucky and catch a drop of rain.

Trick-or-treaters and their parents will appreciate the timing of the storms. The first one is due tonight, Thursday, tapping into offshore moisture and assisted by orographic lift, totals could exceed one inch. A partly cloudy weekend is forecast. November is welcomed, bringing another storm system. Precipitation amounts are “up in the air” for now.

Clear skies are predicted for Halloween night. Extra dark and scary conditions will prevail, as a new moon falls on Oct. 31. Don’t forget the first treat on Halloween Day is a glimpse of the Space Station!                                    Stay safe and Happy Halloween!
Sue Kilpatrick is a
Crescenta Valley resident and
Official Skywarn Spotter for the
National Weather Service. Reach her at  suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.