Weathering

Friday, January 17, 2025

Here in Central Oregon, the weather has been warmer, a January surprise. I recall this time of the year more typically as finger-freezing wet and snowy. For years, I’ve had to be outside daily and in all kinds of weather, feeding and caring for my outside critters. I can attest that this is not a warmish month!

I’m prepared for the rough January weather I’m accustomed to. I have handy ski outerwear, snow goggles, and gear that offsets swirling winds against my neck and ears. These aren’t always necessary before March but are ready for possible earlier needs. However, I’m going outside nowadays wearing lighter jackets. My well-padded, heavy coats are waiting.

I’ve lived in this area for twenty years. Until recently, our fall and winter temperatures were reasonably predictable. Our first snow usually fell before Thanksgiving, with more occurring periodically before and around Christmastime. Last year and this one, our weather was relatively mild without snow before New Year’s.

Last year’s heavy winter weather hit us hard in early January and lasted until almost the Summer Solstice. I’ve anticipated this January to be the same, but that isn’t happening…yet, or maybe it won’t.

Climate changes have become serious matters, and they are now even worse after being driven to world attention by massive wildfires in California. Climate change and its possible aftereffects are high on our minds.

Dear Friends: Watching for what sort of weather may next occur in Central Oregon.