“He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, and away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim ’ere he drove out of sight…”

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

~A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Moore

Today is Christmas. More than 1 billion Christians worldwide celebrate the birth of the Christ, the Messiah, who is believed by these devout to have been born on this day. For others today is a time for family and friends – a time of good tidings and peace. As the sun rose on this day, the tradition of giving and receiving gifts got underway.

The week began quite warm, as weather was dictated by a “strong wind advisory event” or Santa Ana winds. A few days later, temperatures dropped. A cold air mass, accompanied by winds, hopped the sleigh as Santa Claus flew south. Wrapped in sky blue paper and tied with a golden sun yellow ribbon, the weather gift box holds a 60-degree day and a 40-degree night. Hopefully, gifts of warm robes and cozy slippers awaited us under the tree this Christmas morning!

Santa and his loyal sleigh pulling-team encountered a myriad of weather conditions when flying through the night. Going from one hemisphere into the next, all the seasons were covered. Over the years, Mr. Claus has become a self-educated meteorologist, perhaps earning the honorary title of Dr. Claus. Scientists hoped to glean information and data by welcoming him into their “exclusive circle.” The wise and “right jolly old elf” agreed only after consulting with Elf & Coursers Law Firm. Approved, his travels are now tracked by North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

NORAD is a joint Canadian/U.S. organization. They provide aerospace warning and control, in conjunction with the radar and satellites of the USAF, NOAA and NASA. In collaborating with NORAD, Santa became technology-savvy. Rudolph’s nose provides an infrared (warm) signature for instruments to focus on. The benefits include:

– Safer trip for Santa and team.

– Satellite data alerts Rudolph of approaching heavy fog.

– Microwave data allows precise landings in snow, rain and ice.

– GPS provides faster and accurate gift delivery.

– No limits to gift delivery due to weather.

Check http://www.noradsanta.org for more information.

Current weather is forecast to continue as 2014 concludes.

~

Blessings of the Season ~

Sue Kilpatrick is a

Crescenta Valley resident and

Official Skywarn Spotter for the

National Weather Service. Reach her at  suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.

  Sue Kilpatrick