Almost 3" of rain later...

When I saw rain pop up in the forecast early last week, I was skeptical because I’ve been disappointed so many times. But as the week wore on, the possibility of precipitation became more tangible even as the timeframe kept being pushed out.

Saturday brought intermittently cloudy skies and a few sprinkles, but not enough to register on any rain gauge. On Sunday, things became serious: rain was starting to fall, slow and hesitant at first, then heavy at times. I thought it would peter out on Monday, but just the opposite happened: rain on and off in the morning and afternoon, turning into a full-blown multi-hour event with lightning, thunder, and at times pelting rain.

Here’s a 1-minute video of the front yard in early evening. The rain was so loud, it’s hard to hear the claps of thunder throughout:

When all was said and done, we’d received 1.24" (31.5mm) on Sunday and 1.58" (40.1mm) on Monday for a total of 2.82" (71.6mm), all according to the UC Davis climate station:

Precipitation totals as per UC Davis climate station

Depending on where you live and what you’re used to, this may not seem all that impressive. But this much rain in September is exceedingly uncommon for us. I checked the climatological data for Davis as far back as I could (2004), and in the past 18 years, this is the most rain we’ve received in September—by far. Typically, our rainy season doesn’t start in earnest until mid- or late-October.

Not everyone is thrilled about so much rain so early. Cannabis growers are worried about mold developing on unharvested flowers, and native plant enthusiasts are concerned that seeds might germinate too early, just to dry out and die in the higher temperatures that are sure to come before fall arrives for good.

Me, I’m excited. We’d had a long and scorching summer—remember our record-breaking heat not long ago?—and even tough succulents are badly in need of an H₂O infusion. It’ll take a week or so, but our garden will look so much better very soon. Already, our largest Mangave ‘Mission to Mars’ has lost much of the bleached look, and its leaves have begun to lie down flat again instead of folding themselves over the middle of the plant to protect the growth center:


And the flower stalk on our Agave bovicornuta looks to be an inch taller than before the rain:


Another benefit: I won’t have to hand-water my potted plants for at least another week!



© Gerhard Bock, 2022. All rights reserved. To receive all new posts by email, please subscribe here.

Comments

  1. Blessed rain! I'm thrilled for you and your thirsty plants.
    Chavli

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  2. You won the rain lottery! Enjoy the wealth that is moist soil.

    Bovicornuta sure is a beautiful Agave.

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    Replies
    1. Honestly, this came as a complete surprise. It's sprinking again this morning (Wednesday, September 21).

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  3. There is something so incredibly moving about seeing desert plants under rain, and that distant thunder really added to the ambience, like water was rushing down an arroyo somewhere -- wonderful video, beautiful garden!

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    1. I was in Arizona one year at the height of the summer monsoons. I'll never forget that. In fact, every summer I toy with the idea of making a quick trip...

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  4. That's wonderful! I can't clearly recall that much rain falling within a 2-day period here. I guess the "March Miracle" of 1991 may qualify. Sadly, none of NorCal's rain reached us this time but I'm hoping this La Nina year (the 3rd in a row, which is reportedly rare) won't be as bad as anticipated.

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    1. This came as a total surprise to most people (maybe not to weather professionals?) so who knows what's in store for the rest of year. Fingers crossed you'll get your own miracle. You need it as badly as we needed this one!

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  5. Growing up in a rainy climate I dislike rain but as the summers continue to be drier I am becoming more of a fan. Have even perfected a rain dance. Just watching your plants respond to the rain is rewarding. Even desert plants need a drink now and then.

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    1. Years ago, rain seemed more like a nuisance to me. Now, it's the lifeblood of the garden. How things have changed.

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  6. So much rain! Thanks for the Agave bovicornuta shot. Such a beauty.

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