No, we get 6 inches precipitation per year (arid Columbia Basin). Cascade range stops most rain. No mold here — it won’t grow. There are a few small cactus. High temp 117 while I have been here.
I like California weather and geography also — never said I didn’t.
Yep, east of the Cascades ya lose all the Pacific Ocean influence, that’s why it gets so much colder on the east side. Wet on the west side, cold on the east.