Official rainfall records began to be kept in Waco in December, 1901. Apparently, it was a late decision, as the only rainfall listed for 1901 is December (1.50 inches). As of this year, the average rainfall is 36 inches per year. (I’m assuming that this number changes each year, as they should/might recalculate a new “average” each year, by incorporating each year’s actual rainfall into all the previous years, and creating a new average.)
Here are some rainfall totals over the years.
1905-60.20–This is the greatest rainfall listed.
1919-52.07–This was a good year, too.
1954-14.92–This is the lowest yearly rainfall total.
2004-59.69–This total, just a few years ago (well, a few years ago, considering the over one hundred years of records), was close to the record yearly rainfall (back in 1905).
Meanwhile, the constant, dripping, driving rainfall that we’ve seen for the past two or three days, has waned a little. When I went out first thing Thursday morning, there were some dry spots on the driveway.
This year, in Central Texas, we had substantially less rainfall than the average, with summer monthly totals of .20, .47, and .57. Then, in September, we had 4.9 inches. As of Thursday, we’ve had 9.53 inches for October. Now, we’re trying to recall what a sunny day was like.
The normal year-to-date rainfall total, as of yesterday, was 27.36. The actual year-to-date total, as of yesterday, was 24.04. The weather app on my phone shows little rainy-day icons for all day tomorrow, and several days in the coming week. We might make it!
Research can be so much fun. I’ve spent quite a while looking at the maps at the National Weather Service. I understand the green parts that show Flash Flood Watches and Flood Advisories in my part of Texas. (It has been raining a a lot.) But I’m also seeing freeze warnings and frost advisories for areas where family lives, and, I got a little side-tracked by “Special Weather Statements,” that come from parts of the country where I don’t think I know anybody.
The Lord will send rain to water the seeds you have planted—your fields will produce more crops than you need, and your cattle will graze in open pastures.
Isaiah 30:23 (Contemporary English Version)
Okay. I don’t actually have any cattle. The only animals I have in my backyard are squirrels. But I’m grateful for the rain that nourishes my plants and trees. I’m comforted to know that the large, local lake is filling up with water for drinking and cleaning and bathing. I thank God for the rain.