Let's talk about the weather...
More than one person I talked to about this SnowBird Expedition expressed surprise/disbelief when I talked about the possibility of snow and rain during our stay here in Southwestern Arizona.
Why is that?
Think Florida - Think Sunny and Warm!
Think Texas - Think Sunny and Warm!
Think SoCal - Think Sunny and Warm!
Think Arizona - Think Sunny and Warm!
TV adverts, movies, tourism offices, they all perpetuate this stereotype. However true this may be, it is only half the story. And the other half of that story is elevation.
Green Vally sits at 2,900' elevation and this is why we have seen some low temps in the 20s and predictably low temps in the low 30s. And when a weather system moves in which brings precipitation it can be rain, sleet or snow or all 3. In fact, we had one of those on Valentines Day.
On Valentines Day morning Betsy and I drove up to the Tortolita Mountains to lead a hike with
Tucson Hiking Meetup Group. The gloomy low clouds when we arrived quickly enshrouded the mountains. Soon it started to rain and the wind began to howl. Those of us who showed up decided to hole up in the Ritz coffee shop and wait to see what happened. As we walked over to the Ritz the rain turned to sleet, then snow and back to rain. When we left the Ritz an hour later there was heavy rain. Hike cancelled.
Since we were around Tucson, Betsy and I decided to go to the Trader Joe's on North Oracle. By the time we arrived it was snowing again. When we got out of TJs all the mountains which were visible were snow covered. Gorgeous! When we got back to Green Valley the Santa Rita Mountains had a fresh coating of snow down to around 5000'. WOW!
Here in Green Vally the temps stayed in the 50s for 4 days. Contrast that to the temps in the Santa Ritas:
The above chart shows the Low/High temps for the major peaks of the Santa Ritas from February 16th through the 22nd. Now it will become clear why, once it snows up top, it sticks around for a while. And, any rain in Green Valley is likely to be snow up in the Santa Ritas.
And, that elevation thing is why we can be sitting in the warm sun in Green Valley drinking a brew while admiring the snow capped peaks in the Santa Ritas.
This typical early morning view of the Santa Rita Mountains is the first of several contrasting photos to show the dramatic changes in the weather - often during a 24 hour period.
This is what we saw on February 16th.
Where did the mountains go!!??
Another typical Green Valley day with sun and few high clouds
The same view on February 16th.
Ahhhh... SUNSHINE!!!
The same view on February 16th.
And, here, for your viewing pleasure are a few more snaps of the lovely Santa Ritas.
A little bit closer - an enshrouded Mt. Wrightson on a sunny Santa Rita day.
Don't you love talking about the weather?
'Till next time...