“I am struck by the simplicity of light in the atmosphere in the autumn,
as if the earth absorbed none, and out of this profusion of dazzling light
came autumnal tints.”~ Henry David Thoreau, Oct. 12, 1852

Summer is truly over. It seemed to have ended more abruptly than usual this year. Although daytimes have remained mostly warm, the sun’s lack of intensity is apparent. As evening approaches, the temperature noticeably drops and continues to do so throughout the night. Thus it is October’s weather.

Does a particular season of the year appeal to you more than others? Some people love the long, hot days of summer while others revel in the darker cold days of winter. Other people, namely myself, like some of each or a season-hybrid. My choice weather is a combination of the mild clear days of autumn and the warm summer evenings washed in the extended hours of daylight. So all is mostly good; although Abby would not agree. Dog walks are not as frequent as the prime time grows not only darker, but also colder. She has no problem with these changes, but we do and we are the holder of the leash! Poor, unloved pup…

The writing of Weather in the Foothills is interrupted.

*** WEATHER ALERT ***

Category 4 Hurricane Michael Hits Florida Panhandle

1:30 EST Hurricane Michael makes landfall with 155 mph winds.

At this time statistics of damage have not been reported. This storm was only one mph short of being a Category 5 hurricane!

Back to the regular weather reporting of La Crescenta…

While there is little written on the psychology of seasonal preference, researchers find changes in temperature and light can impact our behaviors and mood. The research doesn’t take into account where you live. The following is a generalization based on both an average of the U.S. population and by region: Spring ranked No. 1, having the highest approval at 36%.

Fall made No. 2 with an approval of 27%. Summer was No. 3, approved at 25%. Winter made No. 4 with the lowest approval of 11%. (Gallup Poll)

What may be the favorite season in upper New York state may not hold true in Southern California.

What about the Crescenta Valley? Email me with me with your favorite and I’ll post the findings next week!

Tomorrow brings a little warming, followed quickly by a tiny chance of rain on Saturday. Hold onto your hats as warm desert-born winds blow into next week. Fall is the season for hats, umbrellas … and pumpkins!

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