“You can swim (uncomfortably) in water at a temperature slightly above freezing; a tiny drop in temperature – or a miracle – allows you to walk on water.”

~ Craig F. Bohren and Bruce A. Albrecht,
“Statistical and Thermal Physics” (2003), 273.

Yes, it has been cold and, I can assure you, “I have not been swimming since October.” Our pool is, without a doubt, my “fair (and warm) weather friend.” On the other hand, my sister, the one living on the Central Coast, diligently swims her 30 laps three times a week come hell or high water. Most of us have heard the mail carriers’ motto in one form or another: “Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail shall keep the postmen from delivering the mail.” In my sister’s case, the elements will not keep her from swimming. Though she may brave the cold waters, she would never step foot onto a roller coaster but I will!

Here’s a wonderance: Why does 70-degree water temperature feels cool, yet 70-degree air temperature feels warm? I’ll try to keep the scientifically complex simple in explanation.

Our skin doesn’t sense absolute temperature, only changes in temperature. The faster skin heats up, the hotter it feels. On the flip, the faster it cools down, the colder it feels. Normal body temperature is 98.6° F so 70° should feel cold to us. But air at 70° doesn’t. Why? The air isn’t conducting heat away from our skin quickly enough to make us feel cold. Jump into a 70-degree pool … shock! Water takes more heat from your body, and quicker, so it feels colder. Simply, water is a very good conductor of heat while air is a very poor conductor of heat.

Starting Sunday night, we’re in for a prolonged rainy period; it may extend through Thursday.

The most impressive potential for impactful rain and mountain snow comes Monday and Tuesday. Meteorologists and amateur weather watchers alike will be keeping a close eye on these days. Home improvement stores can assist if you wish to move from your garden bucket to a high-tech rain-measuring device!

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

  Sue Kilpatrick