It isn't Second Summer by any means, and it's certainly not the standard summer everyone knows on the coast. But winter does have its shockers: at least a few pretty nice days in between the stormy squalls and near-gale force winds, that either chase valley visitors away or draw them to watch the tidal drama.

Pleasant, even sunny, slightly balmy days do exist with some regularity on these shores between December and February, and altogether the coast is much more moderate than inland. While the valley lays freezing or near freezing, high temperatures during coastal days are usually above 40 degrees, often around 50 degrees - whatever the clouds are doing or not doing.

Talk to locals, and you'll often hear how December can yield days warmer than some days in June. In fact, to this day, many still talk about those stunning, unforgettable few days in late December 1993 when it was windless, a clear blue sky and temperatures were around 60.

Coastal weather has a schizophrenic quality. This past mid-November, it was rainy and windy on one particular Tuesday. On Wednesday morning, it was sunny, a little balmy, and more than a few locals (at least in Manzanita) were wearing shorts. As the day wore on, the sun disappeared a bit and the sunset was hidden. However, it was the archetypal weather switch-a-roo this region is known for.

Weather data collected over the years by the Hatfield Marine Science Center backs this up. It fortifies another bit of local wisdom about weather trends as well: things tend to get a little drier and nicer until you get a host of really nice days in February.

According to the Hatfield's web site, http://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/weather/summaries/index.html, you can see an increase of pleasant days over the three months.

If you look at December 2001, there were five days where there was zero precipitation, and a total of five days where there was only about a tenth of an inch of rain. Temperatures were usually in the low 40's and winds were around 28 mph. While none of the data indicated anything about whether it was sunny or not, you can bet there were more than a couple of days that were. Only two days rained over an inch, and temperatures throughout that month ranged from 47 to 54 degrees.

The following month, January of 2002, had a total of seven days that had a tenth of an inch of precipitation or none at all. Two days were at 60 degrees, but these had winds of around 50 mph and precipitation of two inches, however.

In February 2002, a total of eleven days had zero rain, and four had .02 inches or less. Highest wind gusts on those days ranged from 19 to 30 mph, and temperatures on these days were generally in the low- to mid-50's. Half the month was less than .02 inches of rain - or less.

Fast forward a year. According to the site, six days in December of 2003 had either zero precipitation or less than .02 inches (nearly nothing). All these happened after the 15th, and were in the 40 and 50 degree ranges.

In January of 2004, only four days were .02 inches of rain or less, with most days in the low 50's. Three days of the months rained more than three inches, so it wasn't a banner month for sunbathing. But last February continued the legend, with ten days mostly in the low 50's and less than .02 inches of rain. Winds were 20 mph or less on these days. Two days were about 60 degrees, however. Most of the other days had half an inch or less of rain.

In short, it means most years have the same pattern: about a week or slightly more of absolutely dry days - or almost completely dry days - in December and January, with temperatures floating around the 50's. By February, you've often got almost two weeks of no rain and somewhat spring-like temperatures that beat that stereotype of nasty coastal weather.

Slightly warmer than winter in the valley? You bet. And the data from these years - and other years - seems to show a general tendency that corroborates the locals.

Then there was the unforgettable run of extremely warm weather last winter, which saw temps on the coast in the high 60's and low 70's from January through to March. That was, of course, a freakish fluke, but notable nonetheless.

The data on this site doesn't even address those days when it was a mix of weather, with sunny, warm temperatures alternating with rainstorms. These are quite typical, and probably raises the occurrence of really nice days that are waiting for you (even if the whole day may not be super swell).

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

I was in Yachats on the day after Christmas in 1993 and personally witnessed that really warm day. It was more like spring than anything winter-like, and I've since discovered many coastal locals still talk about day too. I headed back to my then-home of Salem to find it still in a deep, icy freeze.

I can't count how many times I've encountered beautiful, sunny days on the beach between November and February, but especially in February. Often, they can be quite chilly and windy, but almost as often they're surprisingly warm.

Again, February seems to be a bright spot in winter. So many trips - especially in Seaside, for some reason - were nearly windless, remarkably warm; even hot at times. Even the water was quite warm for wading in. Back in 1997, I spent an amazing, cloudless day bounding around the Wreck of the Peter Iredale at Fort Stevens, between Seaside and Astoria. In February of 2004, I was in Seaside for more than one of those eleven days of sunny heaven. I distinctly remember goofing around the beach and the town, and sweating in a rather thin suit, and having to drive with my windows down.

All I can say is keep checking those weather reports. These incredible days happen. A bit of a warning, however: you might get hooked on the coast like I did.

Meanwhile - stay tuned to this website as soon we'll have coastal weather and coast range road reports.