Fall Rain

Late-night showers put a quarter inch of rain in the gauge by 0600. By 1630 hours, when a weak sun peeked between clouds, an almost steady rain had brought the level up to one and three quarters inch, bringing the month's total to more than four inches, or just about the right monthly amount where we receive an average of some 49 inches per year.
Statistically, February is the driest month and May the wettest, averaging some three and five inches of rain respectively. Because most of our leaves have fallen, this rain adds to our aquifers and rivers but little to plant growth for the remainder of this year. With tight buds awaiting next spring's warmth, our vegetation is ready for winter's ice and low humidity.
Because ice breaks rain gauges, ours comes in for the winter tomorrow.