“A cloudy day or a little sunshine have as great an influence on many constitutions as the most recent blessings or misfortunes.” ~ Joseph Addison, 1672-1719, English politician and writer

It may have begun one morning when the first man stood at the mouth of his cave dwelling, looking over his domain. Was the wind threatening to blow out the flames of a fire pit? Did the hide of a wooly mammoth get hurriedly thrown across shivering shoulders that were met by a cold blast of snow? Or better yet, did he wear a simple light-weight deerskin loincloth as he stood greeting the new day from the vantage point of a stone ledge? And, in doing so, did he claim it to be a good day as the weather was fine and agreeable? Upon returning to the cave, no doubt words uttered to his fellow cave dwellers pertained to the weather.

Every morning when the drapes on the French doors are drawn, I inquire, “What’s the weather look like today?”

Not being a “morning person” do I really care? Not too much … but it’s a good day-starter! Moving from the micro to the macro, I would venture to say weather is humanity’s most discussed topic and, when we look at the effect it has across a wide variety of human affairs, it’s hardly surprising. Up until the emergence of climate change as a public issue, weather was also one of the few “neutral” topics available and therefore safest for general discussion. Quite the opposite now with less than two weeks from a Presidential election; political discussion could easily become contentious. What about Election Day weather?

Social and political scientists, plus the Weather Channel, have studied the effects of weather on election results. Most concluded foul weather – rain and snow – was the most influential determinant as it decreased voter turnout. Republicans tend to be “rain or shine voters” while Democrats tend to be “fair-weather voters.” On average, for every inch of rain, voter turnout declined by just under 1%. The more contested the election, the less likely voters would be deterred by inclement conditions. Looking to Nov. 3, U.S. weather forecasts look favorable. Locally, above-normal temperatures are expected.

Umbrellas? Come Sunday, a promising low-pressure system ushers the first rain of the season. Adding to the fun, just ahead of Monday’s predicted Santa Anas, NOAA’s Oxnard meteorologists anticipate “backdoor precipitation” bringing snow to 5,000 feet locally.

Let’s talk about weather!