Rainfall numbers so far show sky must play catch-up Rainfall numbers so far show sky must play catch-up (November 23, 2005)

It may be too soon to estimate whether this winter will be dry, wet or normal. But here is a statistic for would-be weather prognosticators.

According to Menlo Park resident Bill Russ, as of November 15, Menlo Park has had three days of rain since July 1, for a total of 0.7 inches so far in the current "rainfall year," a 12-month period that ends June 30, 2006.

Last year at this time, 2.9 inches of rain had fallen on Menlo Park, said Mr. Russ, who measures rainfall in a calibrated cylinder and keeps a rainfall journal at his Cotton Street home.

The total last year was 24.35 inches of rain, nearly 10 inches more than in the previous year. "Every day that goes by without rain means the remaining days will have to provide that much more if we are to reach a desirable level of 16 to 18 inches," he said.

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