I haven’t had to say this too often lately but here I sit writing my column with a steady barrage of raindrops pelting my windowpane, dripping off the sill upon the dry and thirsty soil below. My rain gauge shows nearly one-half inch of rain shortly after noon Friday in the north county.
The official weather station in Vancouver had nearly a quarter-inch of rain with reports in our foothills of a half to three-quarters of an inch. A decent little rainstorm for early October. Too bad it didn’t linger a while but alas, it was a quick mover allowing Friday night football games to proceed under clearing starlit skies.
The weekend will be dry and warm with highs a few degrees above average so outdoor errands, chores or play are on tap. The pumpkin patch is waiting for many children and adults too. The ground may be a little wet and muddy today but why not? It goes along with the memories you will be creating. Sunday the ground will be much drier. The only caveat with the weather today will be dense morning fog giving way to afternoon sunshine. Fog again early Sunday but more sunshine. The longer hours of darkness, recent rains and calm winds make October our foggiest month, it seems. We usually observe about 12 or 13 days with fog in October.
Looking to next week I expect another risk of some light rain midweek perhaps but plenty of fair weather with highs about normal or so. No sign of the beginning of the autumn rains quite yet. No doubt they will begin before too long so get outdoor projects wrapped up in the next two weeks. Harvest the garden and begin the annual cleanup of the garden and yard. And, yes, those leaves will be falling at a good clip the rest of the month with cooler temperatures and occasional breezy conditions.
