Fall in Southern California

Fall is officially here in Southern California, bringing with it a host of changes in the weather, vegetation, and of course activities. While folks outside of California, particularly those in area that really experience the change of seasons, may think the weather is always the same here, the reality is that we experience changes too - they are just not as dramatic.

The mornings are cooler now, but it can still get warm during the day...into the 80s. In fact, late September and early October can be some of the hottest times because of the Santa Ana winds which bring warmer area from the inland mountains and which can cause temps to hit the 90s along the coast and well into the 100s inland.

Fall is also a time of serious fire risks because of the hot dry air and the lack of rain. We can have fires at any time of the year but the fall seems to be a time when there is more risk because of the Santa Ana winds.

We often see more of the marine layer in the evenings and morning, even at ground level.

Outdoor activities are popular year round, but in the fall thoughts turn to apple picking in Julian and a round of art fairs and festivals (Art Splash takes place in Carlsbad tomorrow and Sunday, the 26th and 27th); one of the largest 1-day art fairs occurs in Carlsbad in early November...more on that in a later post. Of course there is Halloween, with a wide range of activities, haunted houses, pumpkin patches, and The Scream Zone at the Del Mar Fair Grounds.

The vegetation changes as well. Grasses blossom, and the leaves of some tree change color and drop. Not nearly as dramatically as New England, but enough to be very noticeable.

And soon the Bird-of-Paradise flowers will bloom again - their second blooming season of the year.

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If I can provide more information about Encinitas and Carlsbad real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits