The Stable Climate Of 1859

“The year 1859 was another exceptional year. In October the thermometer registered 110° in the shade, and in December occurred the most remarkable precipitation of rain ever known in the county. It was estimated that one foot of water fell within twenty-four hours. The rivers overflowed the lowlands, doing considerable damage. The starving cattle and sheep, unsheltered from the pitiless rain, chilled through, died by thousands during the storm. Large tracts of the bottom lands were covered with sand and sediment.”

EXCEPTIONAL YEARS: A HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA FLOODS AND DROUGHT

11 Oct 1859, 3 – Daily National Democrat at Newspapers.com

It was 110F in October 1859 – the same year when Santa Barbara reach 133F on June 17 and the largest recorded solar storm occurred in early August.

13 Jun 1877, Page 2 – San Francisco Chronicle at Newspapers.com

13 Aug 1859, 2 – Pointe Coupee Democrat at Newspapers.com

29 Jun 1859, 4 – The Sacramento Bee at Newspapers.com

“The only instance of the simoom on this coast, mentioned either in its history or traditions, was that occurring at Santa Barbara on Friday, the 17th of June, 1859. The temperature during the morning was be- tween 75° and 80°, and gradually and regularly increased until about 1 o’clock p, M., when a blast of hot air from the northwest swept suddenly over the town, and struck the inhabitants with terror, It was quickly followed by others, At two o’clock the thermometer exposed to the air rose to 133°, and continued at or near that point for nearly three hours, while the burning wind raised-dense clouds of impalpable dust. No human being could withstand the heat. All betook themselves to their dwellings, and carefully closed every door and window. The thick adobe walls would have required days to have become warmed, and were consequently an admirable protection. Calves, rabbits, birds, etc., were killed, trees were blighted, fruit was blasted and fell to the ground, burned only on one side; the gardens were ruined. At five o’clock the thermometer fell to 122°, and at seven it stood at 77°. A fisherman in the channel in an open boat came back with his arms badly blistered.”