Almanac

The prevailing onshore winds from the Pacific Ocean bless Hillcrest with a fine moderate Mediterranean climate. Cool ocean breezes and clear skies are the norm. The weak El Niño of 2002-2003 brought slightly higher than normal rainfall, but this has rapidly dissipated.

This Year’s Outlook for Our Neck of the Woods

• Summer: Look for generally warmer than average conditions in Hillcrest. A stronger southwest monsoon system may create a few heavy thunderstorms drifting in from the east.
• Fall: Cooling of the tropical Pacific will signal the onset of the opposite phase of El Niño, now referred to as La Niña. Rain showers should begin in November, but expect below average amounts.
• Winter: Below normal rainfall and slightly warmer temperatures persist. 
  
• Spring: The eastward invasion of the marine cloud layer makes its greatest expansion. Overcast mornings with clearing skies in the afternoons will be common. Terms “May Gray” and “June Gloom” are in effect. Rainfall after April will be scarce.