We had a record amount of rainfall in the Los Angeles region in December, 2021. Over four inches fell in one day in December in downtown LA and some suburbs had as much as eight inches. It was crazy.
But now, six weeks later we have not seen a drop of rain. A high pressure system has settled over the southwest and temperatures have exceeded eighty degrees. It feels more like summer than winter. The east coast has experienced a major snow storm and freezing temperatures but we are basking in sunshine in southern California.
This warm sunny weather feels more like June than February. Fruit trees are starting to bloom and it feels like spring is arriving early this year. However I always say that February will fool you. The unusually warm weather will soon give way to cooler winter temperatures. I predict we will see some more rain too. Don’t be fooled by the recent warm weather. Winter will return.
I remember similar warm temperatures forty years ago when I was building a room addition in Tucson, Arizona. The new room was on the south side of our house and we have pictures of me laying the exterior block walls wearing a T-shirt and shorts. I vividly remember how warm it was to be working on this project in the middle of February.
I haven’t checked on the history of the lack of rain and warm weather in southern California in the month of February. But I suspect this has happened more than once in the past 50 years. I don’t hear people complaining about the wonderful weather but I know we all agree we need more rain and cooler temperatures to preserve the snow pack and increase the water captured in regional reservoirs.
There is an interesting passage in the Bible when it did not rain for over three years. It is hard to imagine conditions like that. The people in Israel did not believe the prophet Elijah when he predicted rain was on the way (First Kings chapter 18).
Let me encourage you to not put away your rain coat, umbrella or winter wardrobe yet. I am not a prophet but I do believe more rain is still on the way. Winter is not over. Don’t let February fool you!
For 365 more stories by the author ( a story for every day of the year) read a copy of his book Let Mark Encourage You by Mark Hopper. Order your copy at markh@efreedb.org. You can purchase your copy for only $20 plus postage $5.
Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper 