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.
Bill, I’ve got my rain dance shoes on… trying my hardest! I’ve always been fascinated by the weather differences between Pasadena and Altadena. If I REALLY want to know what’s going on I check out your weather station. It has saved me a few times! I’m considering buying a weather station. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Michael
Thanks, Bill, for providing the great weather underground service. Those of us, obsessed like you, with weather and rainfall in particular are so lucky to have several stations around town. We live by Marengo and Calaveras, and often don’t get as much rain as other parts of town. Our rain gauge broke, we need a new one! Any recommendations?
I’m a native Pasadenaen who moved to Altadena 2 1/2 year ago and, at first, was struck by the differences in the weather, just 2 miles north of where we used to live.
In all, though, just as a lay person, I’ve noticed how dry this year has been and even commented that in all my life I’d never recalled a dryer year (although I am sure there were) and that we are going to be in for trouble if we don’t get some appreciable rain.
Doing a daily rain dance here.
Thanks, bill. I’ve always advocated doing rain dances, though it involves shedding one’s clothes, therefor best done in the back yard after dark, at least for those of us who are challenged by the passage of time. I have also wondered about our micro-climates. The two rain gauges I know of here near Eaton Canyon consistently show greater rainfall than reported by other Altadena gauges. Any ideas about that?