I love this rainy weather. (Pittsburgh, Portland: house, price, activity)

[nuwaver88]

A lot of people do not like the fact that Pittsburgh gets a lot of rain compared to a lot of other cities, especially midwestern and western cities, save Portland and Seattle. There is no denying the fact that it can ruin outdoor activity and there is also no denying that sunlight produces serotonin and can ward off depresssion.
However, when I look at how green and plush the lawns and hilsides are here compared to other parts of the country, I realize that would not be possible without ample rainfall. Later this summer, if Pittsburgh goes a few weeks without much rainfall, there will be plenty of ground water to get us through a drought. Other parts of the country really have to conserve water and the landscape takes on parched look. Sure, Pittsburgh lawns have also turned brown in July and August. It is just that we get so much precipitation through winter and spring that it gets us through the tough times when it just does not want to rain. Getting a lot of rainfall is a blessing that many parts of the United States, and the world, would love to have.

[Hopes]

If it weren't for the humidity, I'd be in complete agreement with you!

[BrianTH]

I have also come to appreciate the rain for just that reason. In fact, I recall very clearly when we bought our first house here in 2000, one of our friends commented that one of the little differences was that we would now start appreciating the rain because that meant no watering . . . and he was right.

[Johnland]

You are sooo right. I actually miss the rainy weather in Pittsburgh. Here in Tampa, we are in a years long drought. We had our first real rains the last two days, and you would think it was the end of WWII the way people were rejoicing. Our winters are dry and Spring is really bone dry. It makes for beautiful weather. Blue skys and no humidity. Real post card type days. But the price you pay is dropping water levels and watering restrictions. here in the city, it now illegal to water your lawn with an irrigation system, which is how the majority of people with nice lawns maintain them. You can only water 'by hand' (with a hose, watering can, etc., during the two hours of 6-8 pm or 6-8 am on the one watering day allowed (Sunday for me). You cannot wash your own car, pressure wash your house yourself - you can only hire a professional presure washing company.

People familair with Tampa may recall the torrential thunderstorms that characterize our summers. Yes, they are monumental rains. It comes down in great, blowing, subtropical sheets. However, it usually is so violent and heavy, 90% of it runs off into the sewers and out to the bay. Also, 90% of our rain comes in just 90 days of summer. So it is a case of extremes. Pittsburgh is lucky to be more moderate.

[fleetiebelle]

I always wonder about the western desert cities like Phoenix, Vegas, LA, etc. and their water usage. Pittsburgh and most other eastern cities were founded where they are primarily because of water access. Those western cities never had much water to begin with, and now their populations are soaring way beyond their abilities to provide water to their residents.

[Coopers3y]

I agree that is the GREEN side of all the rain but I could do with just a little less. I'd rather have what we have then not enough!

[otters21]

I agree with the OP! I myself cannot stand long stretches of sunshine and dry weather. Unfortunately there is going to be a high pressure ridge building up out in the west early next week and most of the country is in for several days of sunshine. I hope it does not last. I would rather have an over abundance of rain over a drought any day.

[nuwaver88]

Yet, Pittsburgh still gets it's share of sunny days to enjoy the outdoors. I mean, could it be any than today.

[Copanut]

I love it when this area turns green from all the rain. Today was a great one.

[raubre]

I'm going to be honest. I don't mind the storms during the week (at least until I get home from work.) I think storms and rain can be relaxing and helps me sleep. I don't care for it on the weekends as much though. I'd rather see the sun and low humidity.)