Why would I suddenly be gleeful at the prospects that a chance of rain tomorrow might dampen the plans Zach and I made to spend one day this weekend at Discovery Park?
Well, we need the rain. Lots.
Stop any Seattleite* on the street and ask him/her about the weather, and you'll no doubt be lectured on how this has not been your typical winter. No constant days of clouds and drizzle. Indeed, Cascade ski resorts have bemoaned the fact that, throughout this winter, snowpacks have been abysmal. Snow levels across the state, but particularly in theh Cascades, have been low. After an unusual cold front sat on the city for two weeks in November, the weather cleared... with only a few drizzly days to offset sunny ones. Of course, most Seattleites* enjoyed the unexpected sun. We usually forget that the big, yellow disk in the sky even exists for 3 or 4 months, then recoil in horror (much like Nosferatu) when the rays first pierce through the clouds halfway through spring, thinking Helios is some stranger reaching out to molest us.
But, not this winter.
I'm sure I wasn't the only one out there realizing that we depend on winter snowfall and rains to keep the streams and rivers full during the dry summer to
1. drive our hydroelectric dams
2. provide us with water.
But, since no one was saying anything about it, I feared that Seattleites* were thinking too short term... stupidly enjoying the sun while ignoring the larger consequences of a nearly-rainless winter and nearly-snowless Cascade and Olympic Ranges. Finally, though, Governor Gregoire confirmed earlier this week what I'd been thinking: drought.
Not exactly a panic-and-rampaging moment. But, still noteworthy for any Washingtonian** in any situation. This summer will be dry. Bone dry. And hot.
But, on the way home from work today, I saw a sign posted up in someone's window:
"Gov. Gregoire wants us to conserve water. Shower with a few friends. And don't forget to turn the water off when you soap each other up."
I doubt that sign will be there tomorrow. But, let's all do our part!
*I'm torn on the proper spelling of the word that describes a resident of Seattle. I prefer Seattlite, but others have corrected me, saying it must be Seattleite.
**I also think the term Washingtonian is entirely unacceptable.