Sonoma County Weather

I suppose if we weren’t talking about snow while the cherry trees are in bloom it would be some other weather related topic. Whether the discussion is about rain or snow, sun or fog, or if we’re going to freeze if we go out in shorts (I’m talking about you, Jim Brush), it’s hard to get away from talking about what’s happening outside. In Sonoma County, we can usually forget the snow, but this has been an exceptionally interesting winter.

We started with a lot of rain early in the season. By the end of December we were significantly above average rainfall. Then from the middle of January to the middle of February we were treated to one of the dream seasons of Northern California. Sunny crisp days perfect for shirt sleeves and shorts. It was still a little cool, but the sun was toasty on bare skin and perfect for gardening and other outdoor recreation. So of course it snowed.

The snow is almost gone from the highest peaks, but snow on Mt. St. Helena was a visual treat for weeks. We’re now back to our alternating rain and sunny weather typical for this time of year. I just don’t know if we’re going to be able to call it typical anymore. If we get another snowy winter next year, maybe that will become the new wine country weather standard. For the sake of my orchids and other frost-phobic plants, I certainly hope not.