“Tis evening, and the round red sun sinks slowly in the west,
The flowers fold their petals up, the birds fly to their nest …”
– G.T. Lanigan, c.1883

“Dogs wait hopefully at the door, thinking a walk would be the best.”
– Sue Kilpatrick

Last weekend, in the midst of rain showers, our various timepieces were set forward by one hour. The day remains at 24 hours while light extends into the evening! What an amazing concept daylight saving time is. All in all, I think most would agree, it’s worth giving up an hour of light in the morning and have it added to the evening. At our house, Abby – our golden retriever ¬– is most appreciative of the time change as she is more likely to be taken out for a walk. Come rain or shine, an adventure around the neighborhood is a close second on a dog’s “to do list” with “eat” being number one.

March is filled with many happenings other than watching the rain gauge slowly fill inch by inch. At this point we stand at 6.18 inches for the 2017-18 Seasonal Rain Total. Saturday is St. Patrick’s Day and the weather may match the day’s expectation. As a forecast of precipitation threads through the entire week, the likelihood of catching a glimpse of a rainbow between storms holds promise. On the other hand, don’t look for leprechauns. “Leprechaunologists” say, “They are a difficult kith (kin);” that is, belligerent and easily angered. They’re prone to “a binge of whiskey and they steal horses.” Fortunately, few leprechauns make their home in the Crescenta Valley. Our climate and day-to-day weather is not to their liking, being much too hot and dry.

Overall these past winter months have been abnormally warm and dry. Did we ever completely leave summer behind? The weather isn’t quantifiable proof, but the calendar is; spring begins at 9:15 PST on March 20. Nest building is well underway … early birds!

A series of storms with below normal temperatures, moderate rain and lower-elevation snow, are predicted through the weekend. Meteorologists have their eyes on Monday night or Tuesday as the components for a dynamic storm system are brewing out in the NE Pacific. Heavy rains, thunderstorms, strong winds and flood warnings will be expected if tropical moisture becomes a component.

Rain, extended daylight, the first day of spring and a rainbow (pot o’ gold not included) all within the week.

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