“Keep a weather eye on the horizon.”~ ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: 

Dead Man’s Chest,’ Walt Disney Pictures

What better day for intermittent rain showers than the first day of spring? Here in Crescenta Valley winter came to a calendar-based abrupt end. But our human-based transition from one season to the next was a smooth one; the rains of winter blended into those of spring, all within that single day. With already generous rain totals across the Crescenta Valley, the inches will no doubt rise. At present for the 2018-19 Rain Season, my gauges (three of them) read approximately 28 inches. With lower than normal in past years, this is welcomed news.

Spring vacation has become a month-long event. Southern California provides an opportunity of unsurpassed (except Florida?) possibilities: surfing or skiing are equally do-able even on the same day. But … the weather may dictate your decision.

What about an amusement park, let’s say Disneyland? According to the ticket office, “the price for one park ticket (ages 10-plus) is $129.” This does not include weekends and a bunch of other days. You want to make sure this day will be perfect health wise and weather wise as this is not a low-cost family outing! What if the sometimes unpredictable happens? It rains.

Sometimes “the Happiest Place on Earth,” is not the driest. The blue sky turns grey and the rain begins to fall. What now? Rain doesn’t seem to bother visitors to other Disney parks around the world, which suffer far more inclement weather than our Disneyland in Orange County. Rain is practically a daily occurrence during the spring and summer at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Afternoon thunderstorms there are like something out of the Old Testament but with no ark in sight.

Yes, rain will close or cancel several attractions in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, potentially even the outdoor roller coasters, parades and the fireworks. But that leaves dozens of other attractions ready and waiting for wet visitors to enjoy. Any place where you would escape the heat and sun in the summer you can escape the rain in fall and winter, including the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Some of Disney’s rides are even better in the rain, too. After all, there’s a lot more to enjoy riding the Grizzly River Run or Splash Mountain when getting wet is already a done deal. Visiting Disneyland in the rain is the best decision you can make if a less crowded day is sought. One of the best days we ever had at Disneyland was the week before winter break; it rained in the morning and then got sunny in the afternoon. Micky and Donald were actually lonely!

There’s a pretty nice stretch of days coming up. Starting Friday a light-to-moderate offshore flow sets the stage for a beautiful weekend. Moderate Santa Ana winds will stir things up a bit with their non-advisory level gusts. Also, coastal and valley temperatures are expected to warm up well into the 70s and 80s. A little cooling is predicted for Monday as the offshore flow weakens. Come Tuesday, there are hints being made by the NWS of rain.

For those with spring breaks, be brave and venture out of your comfort zone. Remember, rain is only water!

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