Current and past featured photos - Temecula, California Weather Pages

Currently 56°F in Temecula, California, USA

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Tuesday, April 23, 2024 5:37 AM PDT

Temecula Current and Past Featured Photos

Editor's Note: Older photos are available.

Summer Flower: In bloom in a Temecula backyard. Photo courtesy of Larry Steager.

Dark Skies: A thunderstorm on approach to the Temecula Valley Wine Country. Photo courtesy of Kim Yarger.

Blossoming Tree: Flowers at the start of spring on this tree near Temecula's old city hall. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Wild Horses: Artwork near Vail Lake along Highway 79 South. Photo courtesy of Ron Ellis.

Lake Colors: The docks at Lake Skinner, at sunset. Photo courtesy of Rachel Petricka.

Tree Cone: A Magnolia Tree Cone, from the eastern Temecula area. Photo courtesy of Bob Finley.

Storm Clouds: Clouds gathering at dawn for some rain. Photo courtesy of Rachel Petricka.

Holiday Wagon: Holiday decorations transform this wagon at the Diamond D ranch. Photo courtesy of D. Johnson.

Like Snow: Graupel, a form of soft hail, also known as popcorn snow, accumulated along this De Luz road during a recent thunderstorm. Photo courtesy of Pete Johnson.

Hailstorm: The result of hail and/or graupel along a De Luz hillside. Photo courtesy of Justin Roy.

Grapevines: Autumn grapevines have turned color against a cloudy sky. Photo courtesy of Rachel Petricka.

Planes at Sunrise: The sun rises over French Valley Airport. Photo courtesy of Ken Hannan.

Hot Air Balloon: From the inside, over the Temecula Valley Wine Country. Photo courtesy of Rachel Petricka.

Sunrise Colors: Clouds glow at sunrise to the east over the Temecula Valley. Photo courtesy of David Allec.

Fall Decor: Fall decorations adorn this wagon at the Double D. Ranch on Pauba Road. Photo courtesy of D. Johnson.

Lightning Strike: A bolt zigzags to the ground during a summer thunderstorm. Photo courtesy of Shane Gibson.

Storm Damage: Winds gusting to 60-65 mph flattened fences in this Temecula neighborhood. Photo courtesy of Heather Caalim.

Cooper's Hawk: Hunting in a Redhawk neighborhood. Photo courtesy of David Weeks.

Orange Glow: Clouds are a fiery shade at sunset. Photo courtesy of Maria Strack.

City Sign: A sign of the times at the Temecula City Hall. Photo courtesy of Rachel Petricka.

Meadowview 5K: Walk, bike or run on a picturesque day in Temecula's Meadowview area. Photo courtesy of Edward Kostjal.

Cumulonimbus Cloud: This thunderhead over the Santa Rosa Mountains led to a flash flood warning. Photo courtesy of Jim Purpura.

Moon and Mercury: A brilliant Mercury is to the right of the windmill, crescent moon to the left. Photo courtesy of Jim Sappington.

Obscured Fireworks: Marine stratus begins to affect viewing of the July 4th fireworks in Temecula. Photo courtesy of Reginald Stanley.

Spring Sunflower: A sprout from wild birdseed meets Temecula's sunshine. Photo courtesy of Deborah Gaede.

June Lilies: These Easter lilies bloomed a couple of months late in a Temecua backyard. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Courter.

April Rainbow: This rainbow appears to touch down among some Temecula homes. Photo courtesy of John Oliphant.

Solar Eclipse: A rare annular eclipse above Southern California. Photo courtesy of Dan Mueller.

Don't Touch: Poison oak covered with dew after a rainy morning. Photo courtesy of Enya Preston.

Morning Glory: Dew drops cover a morning glory flower following an April shower. Photo courtesy of Enya Preston.

Granite Hills: Temecula's western hills, viewed from several miles east on Temecula Creek. Photo courtesy of Reginald Stanley.

Sky Rainbow: A sundog rainbow, with wispy tail, in the De Luz sky. Photo courtesy of Bruce Reid.

Street Ice: A sign drawn in the ice following hail and graupel on an early Sunday morning. Photo courtesy of Mimi Gomez.

Soft Hail: Graupel falls on a city street in South Temecula. Photo courtesy of Deborah Gaede.

Rugged Wildflowers: Wildflowers crop out from granite rock in the Southwest Hills, not far from the proposed quarry. Photo courtesy of Dave Shepard.

Above the Clouds: A training flight from the French Valley Airport leads to this spectacular view. Photo courtesy of Kylie Giffin.

Mother Ship: Contrails flow into a cloud formation that almost looks like an alien ship. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Stormy Sunrise: Clouds gather at sunrise before an incoming storm. Photo courtesy of Rachel Petricka.

Morning Colors: A winter sunrise over the Temecula Valley Wine Country. Photo courtesy of Rachel Petricka.

Fire Hydrant: Firefighters wrestle with the results of a knocked over fire hydrant in a Temecula neighborhood. Photo courtesy of William Todd.

Moon: A full moon, as seen though a Vail Ranch telescope. Photo courtesy of John Jordan.

Ice Skate: New Year's Eve revelers skate the night away at the Old Town ice rink. Photo courtesy of Sandy Wood.

Breaking Dawn: December's lunar eclipse at dawn, as seen from Temecula. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Moon Tonight: The moon rises above Temecula's southern foothills. Photo courtesy of Denise Murico.

Balloons Against Sky: Hot air balloons rise underneath clouds on a recent December day. Photo courtesy of Rachel Petricka.

Town Square: A view of the park outside Temecula's City Hall in Old Town Temecula. Photo courtesy of Maria Strack.

City Hall: Clouds flow over Temecula's City Hall. Photo courtesy of Maria Strack.

Lunar Eclipse: An early morning view of the December, 2011 lunar eclipse. Photo courtesy of Brad Tade.

Moon Rising: The moon rises on a crisp fall night in South Temecula. Photo courtesy of Donna Z..

Fall Colors: Leaves of orange and gold are set to fall from this tree. Photo courtesy of Jim Kramer.

Passing Clouds: An army of clouds marches slowly across the Wine Country sky. Photo courtesy of Eva Solis.

Moon Ring: Overcast skies create a ring of light around the moon in this time-lapse picture. Photo courtesy of Reginald Stanley.

Meteor: A meteor falls from the sky above the Santa Ana Mountains. Photo courtesy of Reginald Stanley.

Sunset Glow: The horizon glows between layers of clouds at sunset. Photo courtesy of Marietta Schreiber.

After Rain: Layers of clouds fill the sky as the sun sets after a recent rain. Photo courtesy of Marietta Schreiber.

Bright and striped: Shadow and sun on the petals of this flower. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Mesmerized: A young toddler stares down a grasshopper. Photo courtesy of Caiden L..

Banner Day: The entrance to Old Town Temecula on a clear, warm day. Photo courtesy of Georgia Foreman.

Country Sunset: A beautiful sunset from the Temecula Valley Wine Country. Photo courtesy of Lani Chin.

Friendly Visitor: A friendly visitor hops through a local pumpkin patch. Photo courtesy of Enya Preston.

First Snow: The first snowfall of the season on Mt. San Gorgonio. Photo courtesy of Reginald Stanley.

August Lightning: A bolt of lightning hits the ground somewhere in the Anza area, as seen from Sage. Photo courtesy of Duncan Shand.

Praying Mantis: This large insect clings to a stucco wall near a patio light. Photo courtesy of Duncan Shand.

Before Lift-off: A hot air balloon preps for take-off in the Temecula Valley Wine Country. Photo courtesy of Kelly Morrison.

Wine Tasting: A summer scene at the Oak Mountain Winery, with green vineyards in the background. Photo courtesy of Maria Strack.

Longest Truck: This 399 foot big rig, the longest in the world, works its way through Temecula. Photo courtesy of Bob Hagel.

Monsoon Weather: A thunderhead looms to the east, over the Anza Valley. Photo courtesy of Jim Purpura.

New Friend: A dragonfly befriends a car antenna. Photo courtesy of Lauren Toman.

Lake Sunset: A thunderclouds in the distance, the colors of sunset settle on Harveston Lake in North Temecula Photo courtesy of Steve Tidwell.

Clinging Clouds: Morning low clouds hug the foothills above Pechanga Casino on a summer morning. Photo courtesy of John Toman.

Cloud Buildup: Subtropical moisture is responsible for this thunderhead rising to the east. Photo courtesy of Reginald Stanley.

Winery Sunset: Sundown colors the horizon behind a tower at a local winery. Photo courtesy of Ed Townsend.

Summer Monsoon: A set of clouds at sunset from the foothills near Pechanga Casion. Photo courtesy of Denise Murico.

Summer Corn: Rows of vegetables grow in a Temecula family garden. Photo courtesy of Ron Ellis.

Summer Cookout: Kabobs cook on a backyard barbecue, a summer tradition. Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Whitfield.

Grand Entrance: Native American dancers at the ppening of the 2011 Pechanga Pow Wow. Photo courtesy of Bob Hagel.

Street Painting: A chalk drawing takes shape at Old Town Temecula's street painting festival. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Treatment Pools: A couple of treatment pools are the dominant feature from atop the west hills, looking across parts of Murrieta. Photo courtesy of Reginald Stanley.

Mountain Peak: The afternoon silhouette of Mt. San Jacinto is visible to the east beyond the Temecula Valley. Photo courtesy of Reginald Stanley.

Harveston Ducklings: These young ducks stick together on a warm, sunlit rock. Photo courtesy of Jason Stewart.

Surfacing Duck: This mallard duck comes up from some underwater fun at the Temecula Duck Pond. Photo courtesy of Duncan Shand.

Sunday Clouds: Leftover clouds from a Sunday morning rain storm drift slowly east. Photo courtesy of John Gluth.

House Guests: Little doves inhabit a nest in the Rancho Del Sol area. Photo courtesy of Dave Shepard.

California Poppies: The state flower blooms in an Oakridge Ranches meadow. Photo courtesy of Thomas McClure.

Cloudy Skies: A cluster of palm trees is silhouetted against streaming clouds. Photo courtesy of Stacey Wheeler.

Valley Rainbow: Not exactly a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow in French Valley. Photo courtesy of Duncan Shand.

Spring Flower: Anticipating a sunny spring, this flow opens to bask in the sunlight. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Vintage Shine: A vintage car shines at the Temecula Rod Run. Photo courtesy of Maria Strack.

Dark Clouds: Storm clouds loom above these Temecula homes. Photo courtesy of Alyssa Saunders.

Plum Blossoms: Blossoms on this plum tree signal the turning of the season; spring is on the way. Photo courtesy of Marietta Shreiber.

South Mountains: The Palomar Mountain range pokes up on the horizon, as seen from the Santa Rosa Ecological Plateau's vernal pools. Photo courtesy of Jim Lockyer.

Streaming Sunset: From atop Rancho California Road, the clouds stream from the west across De Luz. Photo courtesy of Scott Reed.

Snow Blanket: Snow covers the Anza Valley after a cold winter storm, in a view from the air. Photo courtesy of John Randazzo.

Valley Snow: An aerial view of Lake Riverside, in the Anza Valley, after snowfall. Photo courtesy of John Randazzo.

Morning Mist: From a Temecula Valley winery, where the sun shines through the mist. Photo courtesy of Ron Ellis.

Park Sunset: A layer of clouds colored orange at sunset, seen through the trees at Redhawk Community Park. Photo courtesy of Evangi Bello Nielson.

Ground Fog: Thin marine layer clings to parts of the Temecula Valley, as seen from this Morgan Hill vantage point. Photo courtesy of Marc Fimbres.

Rain Aftermath: Flooded vernal pools at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve. Photo courtesy of Reginald Stanley.

Vernal Pools Trail: A peek at the peaks of the San Bernardino mountains from the vernal pools trail at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve. Photo courtesy of Jim Lockyer.

White Peak: Snow-capped Mount San Jacinto at dusk looking east past a Pauba Road church. Photo courtesy of Ron Ellis.

Skating Rink: New Year's revelers skate at a temporary skating rink in Old Town Temecula. Photo courtesy of Sandy Wood.

City Hall: The new Temecula City Hall on New Year's Eve just hours before a grape drop marked the New Year. Photo courtesy of Sandy Wood.

Mountain Top: Snow caps the rugged Mt. San Jacinto, towering above the wine country. Photo courtesy of Glenn Romine.

Storm Drain: Rain from a recent storms goes into the drain, to flow out of the city and eventually into the Santa Margarita River. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Flooded Park: Parts of Pauba Ridge park were underwater after nearly three inches of rain fell overnight, capping eleven inches of rainfall in Temecula. Photo courtesy of Chezy David.

Hazard Ahead: Floodwaters overwhelmed culverts on this part of Los Caballos Road, in the Temecula Valley Wine Country. Photo courtesy of Jim Sappington.

Full Creek: A very full, storm-swollen Murrieta Creek flows underneath Rancho California Road. Photo courtesy of John Ward.

Storm Crest: Murrieta Creek crests in the early morning hours, not far below the main street bridge in Old Town Temecula. Photo courtesy of Greg Turbeville.

Seventh Day: A heavy afternoon shower pounds the neighborhood asphalt on seventh straight day of rain in Temecula. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Rained Out: No baseball or soccer today! A sports park in the French Valley doubles as a flood control basin. Photo courtesy of Brad Tade.

Warm Day's End: A sunset marks the end of a warm autumn day, as pictured from the Temecula Valley Wine Country. Photo courtesy of Connie Bathrick.

Vivid Sunset: The sky's on fire for this autumn sunset. Photo courtesy of Anthony Battiato.

Breaking the Ice: This fountain lady pours water through a hole in the ice after a frosty morning. Photo courtesy of Dave Hollinshead.

Take Cover: A sign twirler takes cover from the elements on a rainy day. Photo courtesy of Stan Fader.

Runoff: Even the seagulls are shivering as rain runs off into the Temecula Duck Pond. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Autumn Flight: Hot air balloons on a morning flight over the Temecula Valley Wine Country. Photo courtesy of Nellie Hathorn.

Dawn Color: Streaks of color across the clouds at dawn, as seen from South Temecula. Photo courtesy of Nellie Hathorn.

High Perch: A hawk watches alertly from a backyard fence in the Morgan Hill area. Photo courtesy of Carlos Fimbres.

Lake Sunrise: Lake Skinner at sunrise while storm clouds gather. Photo courtesy of Bill Bruner.

Fall Day: A chilly fall day at the park, with the leaves beginning to turn color. Photo courtesy of Chezy David.

Western Sky: The glow on the horizon ends a Temecula Valley day. Photo courtesy of Ron Ellis.

Lightning Storm: Lightning fragments and strikes near Lake Skinner, as seen from French Valley. Photo courtesy of Daniel Brincat.

Vibrant Sunset: Over eucalytpus and palm trees, the descending sun leaves behind orange hues. Photo courtesy of Dorena Johnson.

Last Sunset: September goes out with a multi-colored bang following a round of showers. Photo courtesy of Susan Besancon.

Lightning Bolt: Lightning energizes the night sky, as seen from Vail Ranch. Photo courtesy of Stephen Conley.

Juxtaposition: Just offset from a rainbow, a bolt of lightning reaches down from the Temecula Valley sky. Photo courtesy of Elaine O'Neil.

Rolling In: Marine layer crawl over Temecula's western hills. Photo courtesy of Allyson Jacobs.

Illuminated Landspout: What appears to be a landspout rises in orange hues into the evening sky. Photo courtesy of Kyle Quackenbush.

Raindrop Splatter: Large thunderstorm drops splatter off backyard pavement. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Stormy Sky: Clouds swirl in the evening sky following a downpour in central Temecula. Photo courtesy of Alan M. Winkelstein.

Country Sundown: An autumn sunset bring twilight to the Temecula Valley Wine Country. Photo courtesy of Allyson Jacobs.

Swirling Clouds: Wind currents lead to curiously angled clouds in the valley sky. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Mushroom Cloud: A large thundercloud, mushroom-shaped, looms to the east. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Calm after Storm: Sunset at the end of a day marked by thunderstorms, with only a few, thin, wispy clouds leftover. Photo courtesy of Dorena Johnson.

White Lightning: Lightning portends thunderstorms on a hot August afternoon. Photo courtesy of William Todd.

Owl Couple: This barn own couple moved into an owl box at Howling Hound Hill on Pauba Road. Photo courtesy of Brian DeClerk.

Rainbow Clouds: Up in the sky over the valley, moisture in the clouds mixed with light equals little rainbows. Photo courtesy of Reginald Stanley.

Western Days: A handshake ends a high noon gun fight in Old Town Temecula. Photo courtesy of Sandy Wood.

Storm Approach: Clouds from an incoming storm approach at sunset in the Temecula Valley. Photo courtesy of Charles Monica.

Western Peak: Snow in the Santa Ana Mountains near Lake Elsinore, as seen from Temecula. Photo courtesy of Ted Leitereg.

Hot Air Balloons: A flotilla of hot air balloons is captured by a helicopter over the valley. Photo courtesy of Marianne Parker.

Morning Flight: A pair of hot air balloons float above the neat rows of grapevines in the Temecula Valley Wine Country. Photo courtesy of Marianne Parker.

Stormy Skies: Lots of glowing clouds at sunset as rain takes a break. Photo courtesy of Debbi Vesey.

Freeway Fire: Firefighters begin salvage work on the trailer after a fire burned this Can-am hauler. Photo courtesy of Carl Bratschko.

Flowing Creek: Storm waters in Murrieta Creek, underneath the Rancho California Road bridge in Temecula. Photo courtesy of Stan Fader.

Fire in the Sky: A red sunset over the Windsor Crest area. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Driving Rain: A downpour from a recent storm partially obscures the trees behind a local business. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Sunset Glow: Evening colors follow clouds in the valley sky. Photo courtesy of Dorena Johnson.

Cloud Phenomenon: Swirling clouds in the inland sky on New Year's Day. Photo courtesy of Bruce Reid.

City Landing: This balloon missed its landing spot and set down in the Crowne Hill area. Photo courtesy of Bob Walton.

Storm Waters: Lots of water in Temecula Creek following a strong pre-winter storm. Photo courtesy of Marjie Preston.

Afternoon Rainbow: Color follows a break in the clouds, as seen from French Valley. Photo courtesy of Mark Monroe.

November Rose: The chill of the first November morning leaves a rose covered with dew. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Feathery Clouds: Glowing clouds at sunset as seen from the Temecula Valley Wine Country. Photo courtesy of Bernadette Harvey.

Wine Country Evening: Clouds at sunset in the Temecula Valley Wine Country. Photo courtesy of Joe Sulak.

Warm Sunset: A grand view from the Temecula Public Library at sunset. Photo courtesy of Ron Ellis.

Grass Fire: Another small fire is knocked down, this one near the border of Temecula and Murrieta. Photo courtesy of Stan Fader.

Meadowview Fire: Flames burn brush in the Meadowview area in what has been an early and busy fire season. Photo courtesy of Eric Kazakoff.

Dry Creekbed: Shrubs and vegetation line Santa Gertrudis Creek just off the bike trail. Photo courtesy of Reginald Stanley.

De Luz Rainbow: A partial rainbow sits in the morning sky above the west hills. Photo courtesy of Stan Fader.

Cloudy Sunday: Thunderheads loom to the east of French Valley. Photo courtesy of Athena Stafford.

Distant Thunderheads: Thunderstorm activity looms over the deserts to the east at sunset. Photo courtesy of Reginald Stanley.

Scattered Clouds: Lots of clouds color a Temecula Valley sunset, as seen from the wine country. Photo courtesy of Dennis Kitchel.

Sidewalk Musician: Electric cellist Marston dances as he plays just outside Rosa's Cantina in Old Town. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Little Photographer: A budding photographer frames a shot of a community band in Old Town Temecula. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

In Character: Temecula's own undertaker Otto Baron waits next to Boot Hill for his next customer. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Sunrise Sky: From a balcony in South Temecula, a sunrise over the valley in all its glory. Photo courtesy of James Boyd.

Mountain Lilacs: Lilacs bloom above the Rainbow Gap, southern entrance to the Temecula Valley. Photo courtesy of Enya L. Preston.

Local Waterfall: A pleasant landscaped waterfall adorns the Temeku Hills area in central Temecula. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Courter.

Glorious Morning: Early morning sky, briefly ablaze with flamingo colored clouds. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Williams.

Valley Moon: A full moon rises in fading light over grazing horses in French Valley. Photo courtesy of Marianne Parker.

Flaming Clouds: Faux fingers of flaming clouds hold position for a few fleeting moments. Photo courtesy of Stan Fader.

Seasonal Color: Red, yellow and orange leaves hold on to their respective trees just before winter's start. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Clear Moon: A December full moon, brilliant on a clear valley night. Photo courtesy of James Boyd.

Celestial Alignment: The Moon, Jupiter and Venus align over the Temecula Valley. Photo courtesy of Dennis Kitchel.

Anza Sunset: A crsip sunset from the higher altitude of the Anza Valley, east of Temecula. Photo courtesy of Tom Shields.

Altocumulous Clouds: A backyard view of scattered altocumulous clouds as daylight wanes. Photo courtesy of Ike Maldonado.

Old Glory: The flag flies on a clear, breezy day in the valley at the Temeku Golf Course. Photo courtesy of Robin Ellis.

Lake Skinner Sunset: Final light on the waters of Lake Skinner, from the campground there. Photo courtesy of Larry Steager.

Great Oak: The sun shines through the great oak tree, with 500 foot limbs, near Pechanga in south Temecula. Photo courtesy of Sarah Queen.

Hazy Morning: Balloons in flight on a hazy morning over the Temecula Valley Wine Country, taken from the California Dreamin' balloon. Photo courtesy of Chris Groll.

Billowing Smoke: Smoke rises into the valley sky from a recent fire near Vail Lake. Photo courtesy of Kyle Quackenbush.

Morning Sunflower: A sunflower opens in a field at the old school house at Lake Skinner. Photo courtesy of Sandy Wood.

Evening Clouds: An array of clouds and sunlight at Lake Skinner. Photo courtesy of Sandy Wood.

Farmer's Market: Brightly colored bell peppers for sale at the Farmer's Market in Old Town Temecula. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Old Town Trolley: Passengers are ready to ride the Old Town Trolley on a Saturday morning. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Trolley Power: The Old Town Trolley's two-horsepower engine preparing to take passengers to their destination. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Summer Clouds: An evening view to the northwest from Linfield School in Temecula. Photo courtesy of Ron Ellis.

Blooming Cactus: A field of cactus in summer bloom in the Rainbow area. Photo courtesy of Sandy Wood.

Eastern Thunderclouds: A large, multicell thunderstorm, that eventually produced hail, grows to the east over the desert near Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of Kyle Quackenbush.

Lake Reflections: The setting sun reflects on Harveston Lake in northern Temecula. Photo courtesy of Marjie Preston.

White Heron: A white heron rests during a breezy afternoon at Harveston Lake in northern Temecula. A white Heron rests during a breezy afternoon at Harveston Lake in northern Temecula. Photo courtesy of Ricky Casillas.

Hay There: Bales of hay randomly dot the fields of Big Horse Farm in southeastern Temecula. Photo courtesy of Stan Fader.

Drawing in Progress: Elder Spangler adds his touch to a chalk drawing at the Street Painting Festival. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Dark Eyes: Pastels and water sit on the pavement as a face begins to take shape at the Old Town Temecula Street Painting Festival. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Evaporative Misters: Water cools the landmark Mad Madeline's on a hundred degree day. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Aguanga Sunset: From the easternmost fringe of the Temecula Valley, the setting sun falls low in the sky. Photo courtesy of Brent Wyatt.

Lone Contrail: The setting sun casts an orange glow on a contrail over the Temecula Valley. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Bird Cloud: Clouds like wings on the Temecula Valley horizon at sunset. Photo courtesy of Donna Blackmon.

Heavy Rain: A noon thunderstorm leaves lots of water on the ground in a central Temecula neighborhood. Photo courtesy of Dave Corrasa.

Western View: An egret enjoys a view of the Temecula Valley, stretching over Country Road Estates, Crowne Hill, and on to the western foothills. Photo courtesy of Allyson Jacobs.

Sinking Sun: The sinking sun illuminates wispy clouds during a spring sunset. Photo courtesy of Joshua Aaron Rondael.

Daylight Moon: Pine branches and cones frame a daylight moon in the eastern sky. Photo courtesy of Stan Fader.

Saucer Clouds: A cloud formation over Palm Desert resembles the Starship Enterprise. Photo courtesy of Rick Patecell.

Stars and Stripes: A flag near Tower Plaza in Temecula flies in brisk spring winds. Photo courtesy of Stan Fader.

Spring Meadow: A windmill and water tank situated in a green meadow north of French Valley, with golden poppies filling the hills. Photo courtesy of Mick Herod.

Wildflower Display: Flowers of purple and white along the rocks north of French Valley. Photo courtesy of Mick Herod.

Lavender Wildflowers: A batch of wildflowers in the countryside north of French Valley. Photo courtesy of Mick Herod.

Roadrunner Meal: A roadrunner carries an unlucky lizard back to a nest near the Temecula Public Library. Photo courtesy of Jo Daugherty.

Golden Poppies: A field of the California State flower at Vail Lake. Photo courtesy of Tim Wood.

Packed Sky: The underbelly of a spring-time storm passing through the Temecula Valley. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Wildflowers Closeup: Wildflowers return on schedule to color the Temecula Valley. Photo courtesy of Stan Fader.

Hazy Flight: Three balloons float through morning haze above the Temecula Valley wine country. Photo courtesy of Chris Styner.

Boiling Clouds: Billowing cloud formations towards the end of two days of rain and thunderstorms. Photo courtesy of Stan Fader.

Road Wildflowers: Golden poppies and assorted wildflowers along Mesa Road, east of Temecula and Murrieta and south of Hemet. Photo courtesy of Ron Murray.

Redhawk Egret: Reflections of a steadfast egret at the Redhawk waterfall pond. Photo courtesy of Stan Fader.

Palomar Range: Agua Tibia and Palomar mountains on Valentine's Day, from the Temecula Valley Wine Country. Photo courtesy of Denise Scarria.

Lunar Eclipse: A view of February 20th's total lunar eclipse. Photo courtesy of Jeremy Crippen.

Eastern Snow: Mid-afternoon Valentine's Day snowfall at an Aguanga RV resort, east of Temecula and Murrieta. Photo courtesy of Nancy Maisenbach.

Big, Wet Snow Flakes: Brief snowfall comes down in an orchard in the Temecula Valley Wine Country on Valentine's Day. Photo courtesy of Jim Sappington.

Agua Tibia Snow: Evening light on Agua Tibia mountain, from the Redhawk Golf Course. Photo courtesy of Robert J. Navarro.

Snow Panorama: Fading sun shadows a rare snow-covered Agua Tibia mountain. Photo courtesy of Jeremy Crippen.

Evening Contrail: Sunset highlights the contrail of a passing jet. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Vibrant Rainbow: The more brilliant end of a double rainbow as seen from the Redhawk area. Photo courtesy of Jeff Ornellas.

Sunday Flight: A balloon drifts across the Temecula Valley Wine Country on a calm Sunday morning. Photo courtesy of Chris Styner.

Tri-Color Sky: Blue, gray and white of a stormy sky, from near the Temecula Public Library. Photo courtesy of Stan Fader.

Northern View: The snow-covered San Gorgonio mountains are layered between sky, land and clouds. Photo courtesy of Stan Fader.

Full Moon: A ring of light around a full moon, backdrop to a partly cloudy night sky. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Moon Set: The early morning moon settles on a dusty horizon, browned by offshore winds. Photo courtesy of Sean Haight.

Fading Light: The last light of a late December sunset in Temecula glows on the horizon. Photo courtesy of Ron Ellis.

Morning Contrail: A lone streak across the sky left by a passing airliner. Photo courtesy of Stan Fader.

Stormcloud Sunset: The final clouds of an extraordinary November storm linger at sunset. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Storm Runoff: Foamy water from a 3-4 inch drenching flows out the Santa Margarita River in De Luz. Photo courtesy of Dave Norton.

Orange Sunset: Scattered clouds glow above the Temecula Valley at sunset. Photo courtesy of Daniel Brincat.

Poomacha Fire: Ominous nighttime flames rise from a flank of Auga Tibia, as seen from the Temecula Valley. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Torn Up: An uprooted tree along Margarita Road in south Temecula was a casualty of strong Santa Ana winds. Photo courtesy of William Todd.

Rosa Fire: Flames from the Rosa Fire in De Luz, as seen from Temecula cresting one of the western hills of the Temecula Valley. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Roadblock: Police, Sheriff and CHP vehicles block Rancho California Road in Temecula, leading up into De Luz, as part of the response to the Rosa Fire. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

From Space: Smoke winds across the Pacific Ocean in this view of the Southern California wildfires from space. Photo courtesy of NASA/U.S. Forest Service.

Wind Damage: A tree snapped in half from fierce Santa Ana winds. Photo courtesy of William Todd.

Fall Scene: Colorful fountain grass and a wood fence accent the post-storm sky. Photo courtesy of J.B. Wagoner.

Rose Raindrops: Red roses are fresh with droplets from morning rain. Photo courtesy of Douglas Leany.

Cloudy Array: An array of small clouds in the southeast sky are colored by dawn. Photo courtesy of Ron Ellis.

Cloud Bank: The marine layer sits just over the western hills in the evening, poised to spill into the valley. Photo courtesy of Doug Leany.

Fire Season: A California Department of Forestry helicopter helps fight the Colina Fire in De Luz. Photo courtesy of Dave Norton.

Smoke Plume: A winding column of smoke from the Colina Fire in De Luz blots the sun. Photo courtesy of Dave Norton.

Flag Dedication: Sailors from the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan participate in a flag dedication ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Sports Park. Photo courtesy of Tom Shields.

Sunny Mums: A pot of chrysanthemums enjoys the Temecula Valley sunshine. Photo courtesy of Suz Steager.

Night Bloom: Cactus blossom in De Luz opens at night, closes in the heat of day, for two nights of glory. Photo courtesy of Dave Norton.

Campground Storm: An afternoon thunderstorm prepares to dump rain on a bunch of campers at Lake Skinner. Photo courtesy of Sandy Wood.

Threatening Clouds: Mighty thunderclouds move west across the Temecula Valley, mostly missing on this particular day. Photo courtesy of Doug Leany.

Rainbow Sky: Moisture from a summer thunderstorm sends a rainbow across the Temecula Valley sky. Photo courtesy of Jim Turner.

Sunrise Spectacle: An orange array of clouds and a windmill at sunrise in the Temecula Valley Wine Country. Photo courtesy of Gary Altunian.

Morning Flights: A hummingbird and a balloon flying in Temecula's early morning sky. Photo courtesy of Dick Tripp.

Thirsty Visitor: A hooded oriole has some water at a feeder in South Temecula. Photo courtesy of Charlene Meers.

Daylily Bloom: A flower of summer blooming has its day in Redhawk. Photo courtesy of Steve Watson.

Pollen Harvest: A bee works the pollen from a bloom in a neighborhood garden. Photo courtesy of Doug Leany.

Street Painting: Families and friends come to Old Town Temecula to create, or to view, works of art made from chalk at the Temecula Street Painting Festival. Photo courtesy of Doug Leany.

Hole in One: A "hole in one" the hard way, with a car in a sandtrap on the 18th fairway of the Temeku Hills Golf Course. Photo courtesy of Garnett Lohrey.

Chalk Artist: Dappled sunlight highlights the face of a chalk-covered future artist at this year's Temecula Street Painting Festival. Photo courtesy of Doug Leany.

Engine Scrub: The hard-working fire fighters of Temecula Engine Company 12 scrub down one of their trucks. Photo courtesy of Doug Leany.

Mountain Vector: Wisps of smoke from a fire in Bonsall flow around the mountains at the Rainbow Gap. Photo courtesy of Doug Leany.

Pollinator at Work: A bee buzzes around a flower in south Temecula. Photo courtesy of Larry Steager.

Dinner Time: Hungry hummingbirds visit a De Luz feeder. Photo courtesy of Robert DeArmond.

Morning Balloons: A pair of balloons float above the Temecula Valley Wine Country on a fine Sunday morning. Photo courtesy of Jim Finlayson.

In Flight: A Hummingbird samples a flower in the Redhawk area. Photo courtesy of Larry Steager.

Sunday Rose: A spring bloom, glistening with morning dew, brightens a Redhawk backyard. Photo courtesy of Larry Steagel.

Morning Drink: A rose gets a drink and greets a new day. Photo courtesy of Ron Ellis.

Feline on Guard: A sentinel amongst the flowers in a Redhawk garden. Photo courtesy of Stan Fader.

Pink Geraniums: Brightly-colored spring flowers soak up the Temecula sun. Photo courtesy of Doug Leany.

Buzzy Bees: A trio of bees collect pollen from the stamen of a yellow rose. Photo courtesy of Doug Leany.

Dawn Silhouettes: Across a country setting in the city, the sun rises. Photo courtesy of Ron Ellis.

Crossing Contrails: Aircraft contrails form an "X" in the Temecula Valley sky. Photo courtesy of Stan Fader.

Rising Balloon: Framed by palms on the ground, a balloon flies above the Temecula Valley wine country. Photo courtesy of Leslie Wilson.

Morning Rays: Orange sun rays greet an array of clouds on a spring morning. Photo courtesy of Ron Ellis.

Southern Rainbow: A recent rainbow appears to touch the southern hills near Redhawk and Morgan Hill. Photo courtesy of Minjung Edall.

Rainbow Echo: A rainbow and its fainter twin arc from the sky on a spring evening. Photo courtesy of Katie Jones.

Inside Out: Recent storm clouds are framed in this Redhawk window. Photo courtesy of Stan Fader.

Sky Reflections: Reflections of a beautiful sky in the heat-blued exhaust pipes of a hot rod at the Temecula Rod Run. Photo courtesy of Dave Norton.

Pine Silhouettes: Clouds and pines at sunrise on a crisp winter morning. Photo courtesy of Ann-Britt Murchison.

Flower Time: Clusters of spring blossoms adorn a tree as it wakes from a Winter nap. Photo courtesy of Doug Leany.

Blossoming Arch: Purple plum trees form an arch to greet visitors of a local business. Photo courtesy of Doug Leany.

Back to Base: A USMC Helicopter motors home through storm clouds. Photo courtesy of Stan Fader.

Evening Moon: A nearly full moon rises above palms and pines in the evening sky. Photo courtesy of Doug Leany.

Morning Light: Sunrise highlights clouds from a recent storm. Photo courtesy of Doug Leany.

Flowers at Sunset: Flowers on the vine are silhouetted by a Temecula sunset. Photo courtesy of Lindsey Luzuriaga.

Sunset Bands: Bands of orange and crimson follow layers of clouds at sunset, from the Temecula Valley wine country. Photo courtesy of Dennis Kitchel.

Sunset Crescent: The tiny lunar crescent marks the coming night above layers of clouds at sunset. Photo courtesy of Laurent Creton.

Sky Streaks: High contrails follow military jets heading into a golden sunrise over De Luz. Photo courtesy of Dave Norton.

Passing Storm: Clouds from a storm grazing the Temecula Valley create a colorful sunset. Photo courtesy of Doug Leany.

River View: A tranquil winter scene along the Santa Margarita River, in the Temecula Gorge. Photo courtesy of Bett Cobb.

Ice Plant: Frozen leaves from morning sprinklers were one result of record cold. Photo courtesy of William Todd.

Pipe Break: Freezing temperatures led to a pipe break and ensuing icicles on this fence. Photo courtesy of Laurent Creton.

Mountain Dawn: The sky above Agua Tibia glows in the pre-dawn light. Photo courtesy of John Michaelson.

Country Color: A winter sunrise over a white fence in the Temecula Valley wine country. Photo courtesy of Sue Keller.

Crimson Sunset: A fiery December sunset bleeds through layers of clouds. Photo courtesy of Greg Turbeville.

Sunrise Through Clouds: Palm trees accent a December sunrise. Photo courtesy of Laurent Creton.

Twilight Vista: The colors of sunset retreat through a tree in south Temecula. Photo courtesy of Steve Watson.

Park Sunrise: Morning twilight in Kent Hintergardt Memorial Park, in south Temecula. Photo courtesy of Steve Watson.

Big Flag: Waving in the South Temecula winds, the American flag stands tall on Veteran's Day, 2006. Photo courtesy of Doug Leany.

Smoky Afternoon: Smoke and ash from the Esperanza Fire blots the sky and affects visibility in this Temecula neighborhood. Photo courtesy of Doug Leany.

Nasty Afternoon: Fallout from October's Esperanza Fire dulls the afternoon sun. Photo courtesy of Stephen Conley.

Thanksgiving Sunset: Wispy clouds are illuminated by the last light of the day. Photo courtesy of Bob Walton.

October Sunset: A cloud formation twists across the Temecula Valley sky at sunset. Photo courtesy of Ron Ellis.

Storm Remnants: The remainders of an October storm blow across the Temecula Valley. Photo courtesy of Doug Leany.

Country Wakeup: Sunrise over a white picket fence in the Temecula Valley Wine Country. Photo courtesy of Sue Keller.

Heavenly Ascent: Light glows through the morning clouds on a balloon ascent in the wine country. Photo courtesy of Sue Keller.

Sunset Palms: The silhouette of queen palms against a recent Temecula sunset. Photo courtesy of Doug Leany.

Cloud Formation: An interesting cloud formation during the September 6th severe storm. Photo courtesy of Kyle Quackenbush.

Sunset Vista: A western view of the Temecula Valley wine country rolling hills at sunset. Photo courtesy of Gregg Weed.

Summer Balloons: A fleet of balloons launches across the Temecula Valley wine country. Photo courtesy of Gregg Weed.

Paloma Clouds: Afternoon thunderclouds threaten the Temecula Valley. Photo courtesy of Doug Leany.

Dust Storm: Winds blow in dust ahead of a raging September thunderstorm. Photo courtesy of John Michaelson.

Cloud Beast: A thunderhead rises up into the sky above the south Temecula foothills. Photo courtesy of Stan Fader.

Summer Moon: An evening moon rises above the southern Temecula Valley foothills. Photo courtesy of Chris Groll.

Twilight Palms: The faint glow of evening against the silhouettes of queen palms. Photo courtesy of Doug Leany.

Hottest Day: Sunset over the western hills from the Temecula Valley Wine Country, following thunderstorms on Temecula's hottest day in at least a decade. Photo courtesy of RoseMary Moote.

Cloudy Sunrise: A flow of heavy clouds across the Temecula Valley meets the glow of dawn. Photo courtesy of Greg Turbeville.

Mountain Sunrise: The sun peeks out from Mt. San Jacinto, as clouds flow westward. Photo courtesy of Jeff Carr.

Fruitful Vineyard: A fruitful summer at La Cereza Winery will lead to wine in due time. Photo courtesy of Ricki Drake.

Smoke Plume: The Border Fire cuts south across the Rainbow Gap, south of Temecula. Photo courtesy of Lauren Toman.

Tanker Drop: A fire tanker sprays a load of retardant on the Border Fire, south of Temecula. Photo courtesy of Sheldon Otto.

Border Fire: A fire helicopter battles flames in the Rainbow Gap that snarled traffic. Photo courtesy of Greg Turbeville.

Western Colors: A spectacular view through the clouds after a long, hot, humid summer day. Photo courtesy of Jeff Ornelas.

Vineyard Sunset: Sunset from the wine country, across the local vineyards. Photo courtesy of Carla Weed.

Balloon Festival: A balloon glides across a Temecula Valley wine country vineyard. Photo courtesy of Carla Weed.

Valley Sunset: The magenta-hued sky at sunset from Glen Oaks Heights in the Temecula Valley wine country. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Coco.

Twin Flight: Two balloons stay in close formation above the Temecula Valley. Photo courtesy of Tracy Spreier.

Wildflower: A red thistle blooms above the Cross Creek Golf Course in De Luz's Walker Basin. Photo courtesy of Dwight Kealy.

Poppy Field: California poppies, the result of April rains, and Englemann Oaks overlook Walker Basin in De Luz. Photo courtesy of Dwight Kealy.

Misty Oaks: A heavy marine layer descends on the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve among the Englemann and Coast Live Oak trees. Photo courtesy of Guy Bruyea.

Spring Snow: Snow is low in the local mountains in this view from Temecula. Photo courtesy of Dianna Kewley.

Hot Rod: Fender shine from the 20th Annual Rod Run. A brief hailstorm livened things up a bit. Photo courtesy of Dave Norton.

Rod Run: Two youngsters enjoy a dry game of checkers outside an Old Town coffee shop, oblivious to the rainy 20th Annual Temecula Rod Run behind them. Photo courtesy of Dave Norton.

Baby Hawks: Baby red-tailed hawks wait for a parent to return with food in their nest at the Santa Rosa Plateau. Photo courtesy of Darryl Medley.

April Balloons: Balloons float to the east on a cloudy spring morning. Photo courtesy of Irene King.

South Clouds: Clouds billow above the south mountains of the Temecula Valley. Photo courtesy of Sandi Sartini Mayer.

Snow Capped: The San Jacinto mountains, gleaming white with recent snow. Photo courtesy of Mike Halderman.

Evening Glory: The setting sun peeks through clouds over Camp Pendleton, seen from the top of Rancho California Road. Photo courtesy of Dave Norton.

Winter Balloons: Balloons drift across the Temecula Valley's warm, clear winter skies. Photo courtesy of Dave Norton.

Winter Sunset: An orange glow fills the Temecula Valley sky at sunset. Photo courtesy of Donnie Boyle.

Sunset Gleam: Clouds stream through the Temecula Valley sky at sunset. Photo courtesy of Mary Johnson.

Soaring Hawk: A Red-tailed Hawk with dark-morph plumage soars over the Santa Rosa Plateau. Photo courtesy of Darryl Medley.

Morning Glory: Early morning light above Butterfield Square in Old Town Temecula. Photo courtesy of Dave Norton.

Valley Moon: A hazy moonrise over the Temecula Valley on a recent autumn evening. Photo courtesy of Dave Norton.

Ranch Sunset: A fading sunset over the hills from the Oakridge Ranches in the Temecula Valley wine country. Photo courtesy of Thomas McClure.

Rolling Green: A flag reaches towards pines and the partly cloudy sky at the Rancho California RV Resort in Aguanga. Photo courtesy of Joe Bennett.

Oak Meadow: A rolling meadow from atop Monument Hill at the Santa Rosa Plateau, dotted with oak trees. Photo courtesy of John Hunneman.