“The birds laugh, loud and long together
When Fashion’s followers speed away,
At the first cool breath of autumn weather.
‘Why, this is the time,’ cry the birds, ‘to stay!’”
Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850-1919) The End of Summer

The parrots are, at last, headed south to their winter homes … and warmer weather. Good thing because these “fashion followers,” dressed in their Halloween-worthy exotic colors, would be sorely out of place upon the shoulder of a scarecrow or snowman. Keeping with fall themes, crows and owls fit the bill – plus they don’t fear the approach of cooler days. Like us, the local birds agree “this is the time to stay.” The foothills make a fine autumn residence.

In response to last week’s Weather in the Foothills, local resident and observer for the Los Angeles County Flood Control District, Bob Gregg, wrote, “Enjoyed your article today. In case you are curious, in the last 38 years it has rained on Halloween only four times. The last time was a whooping 0.01 inches in 2008, but a half-inch fell in 2003. Interestingly it has rained 10 times on the 30th.

“Temperature-wise it has been as hot as 102 [degrees] in 1962 and down to 40 in 1971 and 1996.” Thank you, Bob, for sharing your archives of local records! Note of interest – Mr. Gregg wrote the weather column for The Ledger.

Bob, your records may change for Halloween weather. The forecast could be a “trick” for those out and about on All Hollow’s Eve or a real, much needed “treat” for the parched southwest. The NWS is watching as the first real rain of the season develops. Timing, amount and location remain up in the air as of Wednesday at 1 p.m. The meteorologists at NOAA in Ventura, with their finest technology and sense of humor, share this in regards to the upcoming forecast, “Temperatures will drop like a rock (on Friday). Rain looks pretty likely by evening. The only question is, will it rain before or after midnight?” Costume adjustments may be needed. A simple umbrella could be a perfect and inexpensive accessory. After showering the foothills with a predicted half-inch of rain, skies will clear by Saturday afternoon. The new week brings blue skies and a slow warming.

With rain a possibility, on Halloween night wet and slick streets and freeways will present dangerous trick-or-treating and driving conditions. Be alert, drive with caution and enjoy your evening.

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