“Californians are fickle. When we have rain we complain, and when we don’t have rain we complain.”

~ Bill Patzert, former climatologist at NASA’s

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

I guess I’m an anomaly to Bill’s surmise of Californians. Give me rain, any time, the more the better … barring when I’m driving on a freeway! Our season’s rainfall stands at 7.60 inches thus far. Christmas night we saw the last measurable rain, which was three weeks ago. Is more on the way or is this a final total? In wondering the same, I came upon something unbeknownst to me.

We are officially having an expected mid-winter break from the rain. According to meteorologist Jan Null, this current period of mild weather is part of a meteorological phenomenon and is scientifically termed the mid-winter dry spell. Null’s explanation is “the atmosphere settles into a period of equilibrium dominated by high pressure.”

Records dating back to 1950, almost without fail, substantiate it. Over 65 rainfall seasons, clouds typically disappear toward the end of December or beginning of January and offer a break in the rain lasting an average of 20 days. This would account for the expected clear skies over the Pasadena Rose Parade

Rain or shine, there’s nothing quite like a young energetic pup to get you out the door. Brighten has been our impetus; wet paws were no deterrent. Being chosen by a breeder for her so-called “perfect bloodline and good looks,” she was expected to produce $36,000 litters. After failing to do so, thankfully she joined our family; an equal trade of love and adventure was sparked.

After a few warmer days this week, the temperature is expected to drop back to a more seasonally normal one. There’s a chance of light showers today with another coming late Saturday night through Sunday. In spite of three troughs (an area of low-pressure often associated with cold, cloudy and wet weather) passing along California’s coastline, a ridge of high pressure in the eastern Pacific is blocking a chance for much precipitation in our “neck of the woods.”

The rains will return, so keep your umbrella within reach and a leash in hand.

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

  Sue Kilpatrick