We're only two days shy of November, and today was sunny and a balmy 81 degrees. There is still a part of me that is waiting for the leaves to change colors, to see my neighbors emerge from their houses bundled up in sweaters and scarves.
Admittedly my acceptance of this new climate is slow...I'm not sure I'll ever adjust to the idea of wearing shorts in November/December/January - it's just not in my blood. And while I'm still trying to adjust to the typical SoCal autumn months Mother Nature is throwing in yet another twist... the 'winds'.
The winds, AKA ‘Devil’s Breath’ are more commonly referred to as the Santa Ana winds. I've heard the Santa Ana winds mentioned in various forms of pop culture, I suppose; I've never paid much attention to it. And yet, the other day I found myself standing in a parking lot....a head of typically obedient hair was protesting the static electricity in the air. Somehow this minor inconvenience felt overwhelming in significance and left me feeling defeated....
Something about my experience and mood that day resulted in me coming home from work to research the Santa Ana winds. Of course I know that there is a scientific explanation regarding the origin and effects of these winds, but I was more interested in the perceived psychological effects....
Admittedly my acceptance of this new climate is slow...I'm not sure I'll ever adjust to the idea of wearing shorts in November/December/January - it's just not in my blood. And while I'm still trying to adjust to the typical SoCal autumn months Mother Nature is throwing in yet another twist... the 'winds'.
The winds, AKA ‘Devil’s Breath’ are more commonly referred to as the Santa Ana winds. I've heard the Santa Ana winds mentioned in various forms of pop culture, I suppose; I've never paid much attention to it. And yet, the other day I found myself standing in a parking lot....a head of typically obedient hair was protesting the static electricity in the air. Somehow this minor inconvenience felt overwhelming in significance and left me feeling defeated....
Something about my experience and mood that day resulted in me coming home from work to research the Santa Ana winds. Of course I know that there is a scientific explanation regarding the origin and effects of these winds, but I was more interested in the perceived psychological effects....
Case in point, consider this statement that I pulled from http://www.angelcityart.com/so-cal-weather.html;
'Mysterious, seductive and strong, the Santa Ana Winds are one of the unique phenomena that helps gives Southern California its allure. '
How can winds possibly be mysterious? Seductive? Please. It's wind, and there is clearly a very basic scientific explanation regarding it’s origin, right?
After another five minutes of internet research I answered my own question with 'yes......and no'. While there are certainly scientific explanations that support the cause and effect of these winds, there is still a bit of mystery concerning how these winds can affect one's mood. After all, even native Angelenos claim that the winds have effects, both physical and psychological.
Wikipedia’s (scientific) summary of the effects of Santa Ana winds on a person’s mood is as follows;
The adverse pulmonary health impacts have been understood by local doctors for decades; the winds pick up and transmit grit, dust, pollens, mold spores and other irritants and allergens for considerable distances. Gastrointestinal effects such as hypermotility and psychological effects such as anxiety and irritability can be produced by these winds.[5] These effects are thought to be produced by increased levels of serotonin in the body.[6] It has been hypothesized that the positively charged CO2 ion, produced by these winds prevents the naturally occurring breakdown of serotonin in the body, giving rise to the increased levels.[7] These serotonergic effects have been reported to be successfully reduced with ambient anionization.[8]'Winds that can make you feel anxious and irratable? Great. Yes, I need just a little more anxiety in my life, please.
The winds have died down for now, but I'm sure there are more 'wind experiences' in store for me this season. Until then, the Santa Ana winds will remain as yet another way of interjecting a bit of humor into my everyday life. When I find myself waking up in the middle of the night, slightly spooked, I can't help but think that the winds may be at fault. These ominous winds aren't through with me yet....
...ghost winds...
ReplyDeleteGreat post:)