I started getting interested in weather after moving to Altadena. I was fascinated by the difference in conditions here in Altadena compared to Pasadena and Los Angeles. It always seemed like we had more rain, more wind and different temperatures. So, I purchased some weather station equipment and started paying more attention to forecasts and conditions. I have been recording weather data in Altadena for 10 years now.
Of particular interest to us here in Southern California is the rainfall. We usually get more along the foothills than Pasadena and Los Angeles. So far this season, we have had only 1.66” of measurable rainfall at my station. (The “Season” that the National Weather Service uses is July 1 to June 30). My average for an entire season is 22.5”. The chart above shows rainfall totals for each season.
This season is on track to be the second driest that I have recorded. Long range forecasts and predictions vary. Farmer’s Almanac predicted the 2013-2014 season to be cold and wet, but we have certainly not seen that yet. And we are not experiencing an extreme El Nino or La Nina this year which makes long term predictions more difficult.
Other parts of the country are currently experiencing bitter cold conditions while we are enjoying this warm sunny weather. I’m hoping we get a lot more rain (in manageable doses of course). You should be too. So, do a little Rain Dance. We need the rain.
Community correspondent Bill Westphal runs the Altadena Weather Cam and Critter Cam. With interests ranging from weather to photography to radio to being a sheriff volunteer, he was Altadena's Citizen of the Year for 2011.
