Seriously Dry Rain Season

Welcome to 2012!!  We are at the middle point of our rain year.  

Right now, San Jose has received only 31 percent of our average rainfall for July through December, 1.55 inches.  The average is 5.01 inches.  This time last year we were at 103 percent, 5.07 inches.  The 31 percent is the lowest in the Bay Area.

Right now, San Francisco has received only 37 percent of our average rainfall for July through December, 3.37 inches.  The average is 9.11 inches.  This time last year we were at 128 percent, 11.68 inches.  

Right now, Livermore has received only 33 percent of our average rainfall for July through December, 1.91 inches.  The average is 5.81 inches.  This time last year we were at 111 percent, 6.47 inches.

Here are some other Bay Area totals:

Today's Perfect Pet - Guinea Pigs

Suzanne Gollin, Babs & Lucia
3 year old
Female Guinea Pigs

Babs and Lucia are a wonderful pair of Guinea Pigs and are the best of friends. They recently paid a visit to Santa when he stopped by the Marin Humane Society for pet photos and told him that they would love to find a new home for the holidays!
 
Guinea Pigs are active animals so you’ll want to make sure to provide them with as large a cage as possible. They will need a couple of boxes/tunnels to hide in as well, but make sure they still have space to exercise. The bulk of their diet should be grass hay such as timothy and orchard grass, along with clean, fresh water. For the lucky family who adopts this festive pair, Babs and Lucia will be cheerful companions for years to come.

For more information about all of the animals available for adoption at the Marin Humane Society, please call 415.506.6225

Weekend Hiking Forecast

Hi, Mike, my name is Alex. I am going on a big hike in the area on Saturday, December 17. I know it's still almost 3 weeks away but I was wondering if there's any way to tell right now if we'll have some storm system passing that day over our area or if I'll be lucky enough and the weather stays dry?

Thank you for your time.  Regards,
 
Alex

Hi Alex,

While it’s possible, a forecast nearly two weeks out can change rapidly from one day to the next.  We are mostly looking at trends more than anything else.

Our medium range computer forecasting models reach 16 days.  I first looked at your request December 1st.  At that time, the trend was dry.  Any storms were going to stay north in Oregon and Washington.  Today, the models show a storm sliding south from the Gulf of Alaska with showers spreading across the Bay Area from Friday evening through Saturday evening.  Right now, it begins as rain.  By sunset Saturday, it will be cold enough for snow down to 3000’.

Best advice, stay tuned…  The forecast will be more complete the closer we get to your date.

Hope this helps.

My best,

Mike

Freezing Temperatures Tonight

FROST ADVISORY tonight for the East Bay Valleys from 1AM - 9AM.  Sensitive plants need to be protected.  If not, the may sustain some damage.  Tonight will not be a killing frost as temperatures will dip to 30 - 35°.

FREEZE WARNING tonight for the North Bay Valleys along with the Carquinez Strait and Delta from 1 AM - 9AM.  This could be a killing freeze for isolated areas when temperatures drop to 28° or cooler for 2 to 4 hours.  Along with sensitive plants, find a warm shelter for your pets and make sure exposed pipes are free of water or wrapped.