Much Needed Rain

Yesterday, it rained in the Rio Grande Valley. It was a nice change of weather. The rain did not last very long, but it was welcome nonetheless. Looking at radar, it appeared to be coming from the direction of Monterey. In Mission, you could see the rain clouds coming in from the south looking dark and ominous against a sunny sky to the north. Eventually the storm system made its way over us and for a short time dropped water and had gusty winds. The clouds cleared somewhat in time for a gorgeous sunset.

 

Usually, when it's going to rain, the air gets really thick with humidity. You can somewhat predict what the day will be like based on humidity. On those days when it's foggy in the morning, you know that the day will have oppressive heat. This is the kind of weather that makes you question your desire to keep living. There is absolutely no evaporation of your perspiration on these days. The good news is that on those terribly muggy days, you know that it won't be long before it rains.

 

If it does rain, you hope that it stays overcast or that it rains at night. One of the worst feelings is when it rains and then the sun comes out. All the moisture on the ground then gets heated and you're right back to high humidity. It's like walking through steam.

 

The Rio Grande Valley can use some rain, but we can survive just fine if it rains in the mountains in Mexico. The rain out there feeds the Rio Grande, which gives us water for drinking and irrigation. Let me modify that; we can survive if it rains out there in the Mexican mountains and the Mexican water officials allow the water to flow to the Rio Grande. They have been known to hold back water. Perpetual sunny days are not all they are cracked up to be.

 

It's just boring to watch the weather on TV or hear it on the radio when the forecaster can only say "It looks like this week will be hot and sunny with zero percent chance of rain. Most of the week will have highs in the 100s and lows in the 80s." They are hard pressed to stretch it out into something interesting. Of course, it gets exciting around here when a hurricane seems to be headed in our direction. It also gives our weather forecasters something more to do. I live far enough inland that I don't worry about hurricanes so much. They always hit La Pesca anyway. The danger here are the tornados that spawn off of a decaying hurricane, should one hit near the RGV.

 

Today, it looks like we're right back at hot and sunny with no change in pattern in sight.