“On cable TV they have a weather channel – 24 hours of weather. We had something like that where I grew up. We called it a window.”
                                      ~ Dan Spencer, Author

A step outdoors or a glance out the window hints at spring. Warm, but pleasant, temperatures, clear blue skies with to-the ocean visibility, intermittent breezy to gusty winds and even one extra hour of daylight are here to enjoy. Where did winter go? I think it left early or maybe only stopped for a brief visit this year.

Titans came along, too. Who? In Greek mythology, the Titans ruled the heavens and Earth. Zeus succeeded them and settled atop Mt. Olympus with his own gods. Does this relate to weather? In my opinion, it does not. “Winter Storm Titan” is the name given to our recent storm by a national weather channel (your guess). Why? Not only an insult to our intelligence, it is down right embarrassing. Southern Californians already have a reputation for being “weather wimps,” so please don’t name our humble storm systems. Six inches of rain doesn’t exactly constitute the need for a name; better save that designation for a hurricane.

Another weather related quandary or “wondering” came from the “’round town” man Jim Chase last week.

“I wonder…why we all say ‘thunder and lightning’ when lightning has to happen before there can be any thunder produced?” I could not resist the challenge.

Here is your answer, Jim. You are correct: lightning is seen before thunder is heard because light travels faster than sound (thunder). Both thunder and lightning occur almost simultaneously as climatic conditions create a build up of static electricity in the atmosphere and its discharge causes a flash of light and a sound like splitting wood. Either word order is correct if the storm is directly overhead.

Window and NWS forecasts into next week windy, clear, hot (low 90s) and dry. A few brave meteorologists are suggesting rain come midweek. For now hold onto your sunhat, but be ready to grab an umbrella.
Sue Kilpatrick is a  Crescenta Valley resident and Official Skywarn Spotter for the National Weather Service.
Reach her at
suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.

  Sue Kilpatrick