Another winter is slowly coming to an end. The passing of seasons may be marked on a calendar, but nature and weather set their own time for change. Last year as summer turned to fall, I began to watch one certain liquid amber tree in our neighbor’s yard. As Christmas came and went, Santa Ana winds blew, rain and snow fell and temperatures dropped below freezing – no matter what, the autumn leaves clung to this tree. The rest of the trees on our street had succumbed to their winter fate. But not for long, in just a few days spring will officially arrive. The already green hill sides, budding trees, blooming flowers and nesting birds seem to indicate an agreement with the calendar  The weather, as described by Dickens, can be quite variable this time of year. Last week and the start of this one were mild, with temperatures above average. As the weekend approaches temperatures will drop and rain is predicted. To be more accurate, the Foothills will receive the first “Spring Showers” of the season.

Sunday, March 20 at 4:21 PST marks the first day of spring or also referred to as the vernal equinox. The word “equinox” derives from the Latin words meaning “equal night” and describes the time when the sun is positioned directly over the equator. At this time, day and night are of nearly equal length everywhere in the world – 12 hours of each. “Vernal” means, young, fresh or pertaining to spring. Although spring arrives on specific astronomical date, whether or not it actually feels like spring to you pretty much depends on where you live. A few years ago in April, we took a trip into the eastern Sierras. Here at home, spring was in full-bloom and in the mountains the trees were bare and the lakes still frozen. The weather is not too dependable, day to day, this time of year. As you venture out your choices of what to take may include a beach towel and sunscreen or jacket and an umbrella. What will we need here in the CV area, in the upcoming days?

Temperatures will drop 20 degrees by the end of the week, after reaching 80 just a few days ago. Saturday, Sunday and Monday all bring a likely chance of measurable rain and more by mid-next week. Daytime highs in the upper 50s and low 60s and nighttime in the 40s are predicted. Better grab an umbrella and jacket! This season’s rain total stands at 26.81 inches, will we make it to 30 inches?

Yes, spring will arrive and at last the tree across the street is getting new green leaves to prove nature will prevail!

Sue Kilpatrick is a longtime CV resident and amateur weather watcher. Reach her at suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.

  Sue Kilpatrick, weather