Well, it wasn't fifteen seconds. It was more like two.

And I think if I had to give it a purpose, it would be like Larry said--grounding. Gilmore Girls does pay a lot of attention to the weather and the season; it's the sort of show where the characters DO remember to grab a sweater before they head out the door.

But honestly, as far as the show was concerned, this was no big deal. It was just a transition.