It was sunny at our elevation when I stepped outside just before 7:30am on Monday but a heavy marine layer had created a wall of clouds between us and the Port of Los Angeles below us. Starting the day with a marine layer is a good thing as it helps to keep our peak afternoon temperature down.
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The cloud cover topped out below our elevation, which is about 830 feet above sea level. The garden glowed in the sun's filtered light.
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This is the view looking northeast
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And this was the view looking southeast. The harbor below was invisible.
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I assumed that the marine layer was moving out but less than half an hour later we were socked in.
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This is roughly the same view as shown in my first photo. The blue sky was gone and the sun's glow wasn't discernible but my plants stood out against the pale gray clouds.
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The house across the canyon, visible in the second photo above, could no longer be seen
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A fuzzier view looking southeast
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The fog wasn't so thick that I couldn't see in front of me so I
proceeded with my morning walk, twice around the large circle that makes
up our neighborhood. This is the view as I walked up hill toward a neighbor's 2 large trees, recently pruned.
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The longer the marine layer remains intact, the lower the afternoon temperature is likely to be. Unfortunately, this one cleared relatively quickly. Our temperature later that afternoon peaked just below 90F/32C. Yesterday, with no visible marine layer, it was over 80F by 8am and the afternoon temperature peaked at 94F/34C. It remains to be seen what today will bring. All things considered, we've been luckier this summer than many other areas that historically run cooler than we do.
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material © 2012-2022
by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
The marine layer is one of our favorite things about living on the west coast. It is not as present in the summer although this past week we've had several days with it. Heavenly!
ReplyDeleteThe marine layer seems to have become more unpredictable here, Phillip. We usually have next to nothing at our elevation on our side of the peninsula during the summer months, although the harbor below us is often foggy during the morning hours; however, the morning marine layer hung in with us during most of June and July this year, generally dissipating by 10am. Sadly, scientists are predicting it'll become yet another casualty of climate change.
DeleteThe marine layer made a gorgeous atmosphere for your dreamy views. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteThe marine layer is wonderful whenever we get it, Susie. It isn't usually present during the summer months. The terms "May gray" and "June bloom" are well-known expressions for it but few people are familiar with "no sky July" and "Fogust" ;)
DeleteGosh, your photos are so beautiful! I need to get out to SoCal again in the next few years. We're planning to retire here, but leave Wisconsin most Februarys. I think a February in SoCal is on my wish list. :)
ReplyDeleteI usually see the early signs of spring by mid-to-late February so that's a fine time to visit, Beth. I've tried to talk my husband into buying a tiny house somewhere cooler where we could go when summer's at its peak but that suggestion hasn't gained any traction (yet).
DeleteMarine layer heaven! It's gone missing here since last week.
ReplyDeleteYour baby Ginkgo is looking good, nicely silhouetted against the Fogust. How is it handling summer?
Unfortunately, the marine layer seems to have given up since its Monday visit. The Ginkgo's leaves are already turning yellow, which is far earlier than those on the neighbor's tree across the street, although the same thing happened last year. The neighbor's Ginkgo is well-shaded on both sides by larger trees whereas ours is in full sun all day.
DeleteLovely atmospheric shots. Is it just me, or is your dwarf jacaranda looking a little lusher?
ReplyDeleteEverything looks better with a foggy background, Horticat ;) The dwarf Jacaranda has produced more fluffy foliage around its base but it still looks geeky with its tallest stem bearing a just a bit of foliage at the top. I continue to waffle about what to do with it.
DeleteThose images having thinking of running away to the beach. We're headed to nearly 100 again this week.
ReplyDeleteThe marine layer has been intermittent and patchy here this month but getting any of that in August is a major win. I heard that your temperatures are expected to soar again - I hope it isn't bad and doesn't hang on long.
DeleteLooks positively dreamy. I love foggy mornings! And, of course the temperature reduction that follows. It's wonderful to experience a Swedish summer again. We'll hit 84 today, and people around here are bracing for the heat. I just smile and feel enormously grateful to be here, and not in Portland (especially after reading Loree's comment above.)
ReplyDelete84F is warm but still pleasant ;) Enjoy it while you can, Anna!
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