“Meteorologists have the right perspective. They ground themselves in the current conditions (today’s highs/lows). They briefly acknowledge significant events of the past (record temps). And they keep an eye on the future (five-day forecast). Honor your past accomplishments, live in the present moment, and look to the future.”

~ Clifton Anderson, Jazz musician, trombonist and composer

Do winds howl at any other time of year? No, I don’t believe so – only in October. During the other months they simply blow. October is inimitable. The sky is clearer and the color bluer. Remnants of summer linger in the day while hints of winter slide into night. Snows begin falling at the higher elevations in the mountain as waves crash onto the sand during the finest of beach days – weather-wise.
        

So, what’s going on in our “neck of the woods” when it comes to the weather? Cold winds out of the north came with howling force through the Crescenta Valley this past week. A few days prior, we collected .25 inches of rain. Hey … it might not sound like much, but it’s a start. There was a report of a few snowflakes in Big Bear. Five hours up the 395, Mammoth welcomed its first snowstorm of the season. Further north a few roads into the Tahoe area were closed due to the heavy snow. Things are a happenin’!

Winds are predicted to switch direction as northeasterly Santa Ana winds come howling through the canyons on Friday and Saturday in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Concurrently, the temperatures will rise to the upper 80s. Come Sunday and into next week, expect onshore winds with the associated near normal or even slightly below normal temperatures. Yes, October comes with change.        

Speaking of “happenin,’ last Thursday night at a local book signing I had the pleasure and honor to meet Dallas Raines, the much loved and well respected meteorologist on KABC’s Channel 7 News. He and his wife, journalist Dannie, co-authored the book, “Chester and the Hot Air Balloon.” The story tells of the antics of Dallas and Chester and introduces basic meteorology as Dallas and Chester (a fluffy white rescue dog) ascend in a hot air balloon.                         

Thank you to Dallas, Dannie and Chester for the delightful evening!