February’s starting out dry, and it could last through Valentine’s Day

In the heart of our rainfall season, the European Model and NOAA’s Global Forecast System (GFS) are indicating mostly dry weather will continue through next week.

It’s rare to have a parched February, but it has occurred; 2014, 1996, and 1958 were mostly dry throughout the Central Coast.

The lack of rainfall has driven about a third of California into the D0 (abnormally dry) category, according to the United States Drought Monitor. San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties are not yet listed as abnormally dry, but if we don’t get rain soon, the Central Coast may find itself there.

On a positive note, the long-range models do advertise the possibility of some rain starting after Valentine’s Day. Of course, March can also produce massive amounts of rain, as evident by our Miracle March in 1991 and the floods of 1995.

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, it’s right around the corner. While many of us take this time to dote on that special someone in our lives, I like to take a moment to think about water. This isn’t just because I’m a marine meteorologist; it’s because, for the last several years, I’ve spent my Valentine’s Day morning helping raise funds and awareness of the global water crisis.

And there is a crisis.

As of today, more than 785 million people live without access to clean water; that is almost one in every 10 people worldwide. Unfortunately, women and children typically bear the brunt of the water burden.

In regions that don’t have clean water, women, on average, walk nearly four miles each day, hauling about 40-pounds of water. The time wasted collecting water is time that could be spent caring for family, working, or improving her quality of life. Children are affected even further.

Frequently, collected water is contaminated with diseases that cause illness and even death to those who are most vulnerable: children. Persistent illness caused by dirty water keeps children from attending school. In other words, a vicious cycle.

But change is possible, even with the global water crisis. Between 1990 and 2015, the U.N. reported that 2.6 billion people gained access to improved water sources. Organizations such as Water.org, and Lifewater International work tirelessly to improve the lives of those who lack access to clean, drinkable water.

So, back to my Valentine’s Day routine.

Cannon, a local engineering company, started a charitable campaign they call Well Worth It. Since 2010, with the help of our community, the campaign has raised over $140,000 to fund water wells in developing countries through fundraisers and awareness initiatives.

One of their fundraisers is a Valentine’s Pancake Breakfast, and I’ve been a proud “flapjack flipper” for this event since 2017. I will be with the spatula on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, at Cannon’s office, 1050 Southwood Drive, San Luis Obispo, from 7 to 8:30 a.m. You can be part of the change. To participate in the Well Worth It Pancake Breakfast or learn more, please visit cannoncorp.us/well-worth-it-pancake-breakfast/