Five Things You Need to Know Today: An Assortment of Rainy Day Entertainment

1. If you’re tired today, that’s probably because you were woken up by last night’s thunderstorm. Today won’t be a change of pace, either – periods of rain accumulating up to between a quarter and half of an inch are expected to dominate the afternoon’s forecast, along with a possible thunderstorm. Tomorrow, however, is expected to be 64 degrees and sunny, giving you (and your soggy raincoat) a day or two to dry off.

2. We’ve all heard the debates about hydrofracking, but what are its real ramifications upon our ecosystem? The Greenburgh Nature Center is screening “Gasland,” a documentary by Sundance special jury prize documentary winner  Josh Fox, tonight at 7:30 p.m. The movie will run for two hours and a special Q & A and discussion segment will follow the presentation. Visit the center’s website or call (914) 813-1812 for more information.

3) Feeling poetic as you watch heavily pelting raindrops streak down your windowpane? You can either nestle into an armchair with a volume of Emily Dickinson or shrug on your slicker and head to Sarah Lawrence College for a live poetry reading celebrating the forthcoming book publications of alumnae Cami Zinzi, Catherine Wald and Carolyn Whittle. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the college’s event calendar or call (914) 395-2412.

4. A café latte and a jazz vocalist’s smooth strains are the perfect way to unwind mid-work week. Hit up the Watercolor Café in Larchmont at 7:30 to witness a free performance by vocalist Judi Mari Canterino. Check out the café’s online domain for directions or dial (914) 834-2213.

5. Norman Mailer made headlines – and now he’s making history. Today, the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville will screen the film “Norman Mailer: The American” at 5 p.m. Tickets are $11 for non-members and $6 for members. Call (914) 773-7663 for more information