Every fall in Northern California, the coastal zones get a taste of the torrid heat the interior zones have been sweating under all summer, and such an event is shaping up for this coming week. Highs will be well into the 90s, even in coastal areas, and just inland from the coastal hills the temps will be up around 110.
I have decidedly mixed feelings about this: on one hand, it is nice to be able to go to the beach and wear something lighter than a parka (I'm only slightly exaggerating): on the other, no one near the coast has air conditioning, so trying to drop off to sleep when the temperature in your apartment is 85 degrees is not much fun.
One thing nice about it is what it portends: fall heatwave = rainy season coming soon, which means green grass and new life. Sweet.
Showing posts with label Seasons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seasons. Show all posts
Friday, September 18, 2009
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Rain
Northern California has a "mediterranean" climate - summer drought, winter rainy season.
During the dry season, the air is very dry, grasses turn golden (hence California's nickname "The Golden State") and native trees adapted to the climate send taproots deep to chase the previous wet season's receding moisture. Away from the ocean, the air begins heating in May, and by July, the temperatures in the Central Valley are over 100 degrees on a regular basis, with occasional heatwaves sending the mercury north of 110 degrees. The only redeeming feature of those days is the humidity is very low; however, a temperature of 115 degrees is hot enough that coming out of Safeway is a bit of a shock - the superheated air actually hurts your skin.
Fall is a time of increasing humidity, as Pacific storms begin their annual assault on the summer high pressure system over the west coast. The first shower usually tantalizes the parched flora some time in mid-October, and the dry season finally releases its hold in early November, and first soaking rains fall.
And indeed, last night the first pouring rains fell on parched earth and doused the last remnants of the summer fires. Yes, the rains have returned like a friend too long away; today the native Live Oaks are drinking deeply, joyously of the waters of renewal, the grasses are preparing the first green shoots, and the Manzanita and Toyon bushes are releasing aromatic oils and perfuming the air.
The air is humid, the clouds dark, but the air is filled with promise.
Change is in the air.
During the dry season, the air is very dry, grasses turn golden (hence California's nickname "The Golden State") and native trees adapted to the climate send taproots deep to chase the previous wet season's receding moisture. Away from the ocean, the air begins heating in May, and by July, the temperatures in the Central Valley are over 100 degrees on a regular basis, with occasional heatwaves sending the mercury north of 110 degrees. The only redeeming feature of those days is the humidity is very low; however, a temperature of 115 degrees is hot enough that coming out of Safeway is a bit of a shock - the superheated air actually hurts your skin.
Fall is a time of increasing humidity, as Pacific storms begin their annual assault on the summer high pressure system over the west coast. The first shower usually tantalizes the parched flora some time in mid-October, and the dry season finally releases its hold in early November, and first soaking rains fall.
And indeed, last night the first pouring rains fell on parched earth and doused the last remnants of the summer fires. Yes, the rains have returned like a friend too long away; today the native Live Oaks are drinking deeply, joyously of the waters of renewal, the grasses are preparing the first green shoots, and the Manzanita and Toyon bushes are releasing aromatic oils and perfuming the air.
The air is humid, the clouds dark, but the air is filled with promise.
Change is in the air.
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