05 May 2007
May Gray
Hello again... It's that time of year here now.... what we call May Gray and June Gloom. With global warming, it seems like it's happening a bit earlier in the year. Used to be the time frame was late May thru early June. Now, it starts in early May. So, what is "it"? This time of year, the desert starts warming up. That creates a thermal low, which acts like a giant vacuum cleaner, and sucks the marine layer in off the ocean. Marine layer is the typical cloudiness sitting on the Pacific Ocean when the water temperature is below the mid 60's. Right now the water temp is in the low 60's. Our prevailing breezes are from the west, off the ocean, as well. So, this time of year is actually the lousiest time of year to visit San Diego. Many days are totally overcast, occasionally drizzly, and generally yucky. Today's not too bad, the sun's out, but it's kind of chilly. Still, all in all, not a bad day.