“On cable TV, they have a weather channel – 24 hours of weather. We had something like that where I grew up. We called it a window.”
~ Dan Spencer, Washington State University baseball coach

The weather prediction for Monday fell short as temperatures soared past the 100-degree mark. This was unexpected and not what the 10-day forecast indicated. Hopefully the mini- heatwave was not a precursor to the upcoming summer!

There was a time when a weather forecast was simply made by an observer … like you or me. Their vantage point was the open prairie looking toward the horizon, a farmhouse porch or from the inside of a wood framed glass window pane in a small town. That being said, Native Americans, Kansas farm wives, Rocky Mountain fur trappers and town people were among the first American weather watchers. A simple observation could easily become a frantic report as impending or eminent danger was observed. The most obvious – you could see them coming – weather events were perhaps tornados or thunderstorms; others arrived at nearly the moment of observation leaving no time to escape, with death and devastation resulting from the winds, flashfloods and lightning.

Today’s meteorological technology can aid in the prevention of deadly disasters. Early detection of oncoming weather danger allows for life-saving data to be collected, analyzed and passed along to weather reporters. Via a myriad of social media avenues, the public receives pertinent information. The use of Doppler radar has drastically altered potential outcomes.

Today those living close to the water can heed warnings and move quickly to high ground. The days of wheat fields being devastated by hailstorms have mostly passed. A storm detected three days out can save crops, as protection or early harvest is made before the bad weather hits. Current ranching includes the use of on-site weather stations. If indicated, cattle, sheep and other livestock can be herded to a safe location.

My grandmother often told of growing up on a farm in Kansas in the early 1900s. One such story included a grim visual, a thunderstorm’s aftermath. She remembered seeing her family’s Black Angus cattle lying in a field, struck by lightning. For many, technology came too late…

To be continued next week.

Temperatures are predicted to warm a bit over the weekend. A tease of rain, north of Ventura, will cool us down. Next week’s radar shows breezy and warmer weather, as summer draws nearer.

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