June gloom, the cool and intermittently overcast conditions likely to dominate the beach and coastal areas through the remainder of this month, mocks the already sizzling temperatures inland. If it weren't for the ocean's enormous resistance to changes in temperature, the hottest weather along the coast would occur soon after the summer solstice -- June 20. Our warmest beach weather will probably not arrive until August or September, just about the time the ocean water temperatures are peaking.
Elderberry, two species of which range over most of San Diego County, is in full bloom this month. The flat-topped, creamy-white blossoms of this large shrub or small tree can be seen in the natural coastal canyon areas such as Tecolote Canyon and Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, as well as in the more moist areas of the foothills and mountains. The elderberry's tiny fruits, which ripen in late summer, have traditionally been used for various drinks and preserves.
The chirping of crickets tells us the warmer weather of summer is well on its way. Their plaintive pleadings for mates are heard wherever bits of semi-natural scenery cut across the urban tapestry of San Diego. Try the Spruce Street suspension footbridge, just west of Balboa Park between Front and Brant streets. From the swaying deck of the 70-foot-high bridge you can admire a canyon filled with green and gold grasses, nasturtiums, and eucalyptus, pepper, and palm trees. Sound effects begin by mid-afternoon.
Earliest sunrise this year, reckoned in Daylight Saving Time, occurs June 14 at 5:38 a.m. This event occurs about a week before the longest day of the year -- the summer solstice -- because of factors related to the shape of Earth's orbit and the angle between Earth's axis and the plane of its revolution around the sun.
June's full moon, which occurs Wednesday, June 18, is sometimes called the "rose moon," "strawberry moon," or "honey moon" because of its tinted color. Especially when seen from the high northern latitudes, the June full moon always stays quite close to the horizon, where its light is filtered and reddened by the atmosphere. From San Diego, June's full moon reaches a maximum altitude of about 33° above the horizon-- about as high as the sun gets at noon in December.
June gloom, the cool and intermittently overcast conditions likely to dominate the beach and coastal areas through the remainder of this month, mocks the already sizzling temperatures inland. If it weren't for the ocean's enormous resistance to changes in temperature, the hottest weather along the coast would occur soon after the summer solstice -- June 20. Our warmest beach weather will probably not arrive until August or September, just about the time the ocean water temperatures are peaking.
Elderberry, two species of which range over most of San Diego County, is in full bloom this month. The flat-topped, creamy-white blossoms of this large shrub or small tree can be seen in the natural coastal canyon areas such as Tecolote Canyon and Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, as well as in the more moist areas of the foothills and mountains. The elderberry's tiny fruits, which ripen in late summer, have traditionally been used for various drinks and preserves.
The chirping of crickets tells us the warmer weather of summer is well on its way. Their plaintive pleadings for mates are heard wherever bits of semi-natural scenery cut across the urban tapestry of San Diego. Try the Spruce Street suspension footbridge, just west of Balboa Park between Front and Brant streets. From the swaying deck of the 70-foot-high bridge you can admire a canyon filled with green and gold grasses, nasturtiums, and eucalyptus, pepper, and palm trees. Sound effects begin by mid-afternoon.
Earliest sunrise this year, reckoned in Daylight Saving Time, occurs June 14 at 5:38 a.m. This event occurs about a week before the longest day of the year -- the summer solstice -- because of factors related to the shape of Earth's orbit and the angle between Earth's axis and the plane of its revolution around the sun.
June's full moon, which occurs Wednesday, June 18, is sometimes called the "rose moon," "strawberry moon," or "honey moon" because of its tinted color. Especially when seen from the high northern latitudes, the June full moon always stays quite close to the horizon, where its light is filtered and reddened by the atmosphere. From San Diego, June's full moon reaches a maximum altitude of about 33° above the horizon-- about as high as the sun gets at noon in December.