Though the Southwest Monsoon finally reached the Front Range last week, our Littleton farm had yet to receive a drop of rain. So, when I went out back at noon and saw a wall of dark clouds across the western sky, I was both thrilled and hopeful. As if to signal the coming deluge, an American white pelican circled high above, just ahead of the advancing storm.
Taking a seat to watch the atmospheric dynamics, my hope gradually faded. Blue sky opened within the amassed clouds and they scattered in different directions, mostly to our north.
Due to the abrupt change of topography to our west and, less so, to our south, the behavior of storms is remarkably unpredictable across Metro Denver; perhaps another will form later this afternoon. Needless to say, I don't blame the pelican for the broken promise.
