Portland weather (work, home, quiet)

[suncat]

Did you know that the last time Portland had a five-day consecutive stretch of dry days was back in September?

[suncat]

Here are some numbers from Portland's 2007 weather statistics:

Fair days: 50
Partly cloudy days: 161
Cloudy days: 154

[aalverson]

Originally Posted by Squidlo

It always cracks me up to see the weather getting defended as vigorously as any political point. The point is hours of real sun hitting the ground. 8 or 9 months of the year Portland's sunlight is filtered through some sort of cloud cover most days. Its not a crime, just the way it is. I worked outside last few years in Portland. I loved the really cold clear days that brought the sun. Even with the wind chill dropping into the teens it sure beat 34 and drizzle any day. Get some goretex and go out and play. The truth isn't negative, it is what it is. Born and raised in Portland, and a resident for over 40 years. You get used to it, or you move.



Squidlo

Well, nothing about my post was intended as a fierce defense of the Portland weather; that would be ridiculous. My intent was simply to interject a reality check into the 9 months of darkness comments. I do certainly realize we deal with a lot of gray and rain in the PNW but we occasionally get a break and they become more frequent once February is over. I think the exaggeration over the weather reality is a reflection of how people react differently to the weather. For those who are really affected, it can certainly be a drag. The key is to know whether you are one of those people.

[Squidlo]

Perhaps not your post specifically, just what I've seen in the past here. I'd like to think of it as weather denial. I think Portland has a beautiful 8 week window of perfection every year. The rest of the year you are saving up for that perfection.

The weather in summer sucks where I am. Honestly you do get used to it. Plan on sweating a LOT. The rest of the year is pretty pleasant just cool or cold for 5 or 6 weeks and its back toward warm to blazing hot. I found it easier to cope with than Oregon though, I miss it.


Squidlo

[seven of nine]

Gotta pay the rain god for all that beautiful green!

[tiffela74]

hows Portland today? because out here on the Oregon Coast, its a clear bright blue sky. Not a cloud in sight and only a slight breeze. Dont get me wrong, its chilly!!! but its sure a beautiful blue!

[lifes2short]

Pretty icy roads this morning. We had snow for a few minutes, and lots of sleet. Nothing now.

[suncat]

Originally Posted by Squidlo

I think Portland has a beautiful 8 week window of perfection every year. The rest of the year you are saving up for that perfection.

And occasionally, we get gypped out of even that. I can't begin to tell you how disappointing this past summer was. About every 10 years, Portland gives us a bummer of a summer, with cooler temperatures and low clouds that refuse to burn off.

[PSP2PDX]

It is really amazing to me that in this thread that there seems to be so much discontent with the weather in Portland. It really is what it is and people can complain all day long but nothing can be changed about it. So basically we should either accept the way it is or leave the area. When you think about how this area's weather compares with the rest of the nation, it really isn't that bad. Sure there are low clouds, drizzle and lots of rain, but there is rarely any snow, no hurricanes, no tornados or humidity. The midwest and east coast have tons of snow and cold this time of year. The south is miserable in the summer time with thunderstorms and disgusting humidity. The desert southwest broils 5 months of the year in 100 to 120 degree weather. Even California has it's earthquakes, firestorms and smog to deal with. Basically I believe that a person's attitude is what will determine how they feel about the day, week or month. If you wake up miserable because of dark, cloudy or wet days, you will be miserable. If you accept it for what it is and have a good outlook, then the day, week, or month will be fine. Portland has way more pluses than minuses and for those that think otherwise, there are many wonderful places in this country that will probably fit their needs much better.

[aalverson]

Originally Posted by PSP2PDX

Basically I believe that a person's attitude is what will determine how they feel about the day, week or month. If you wake up miserable because of dark, cloudy or wet days, you will be miserable. If you accept it for what it is and have a good outlook, then the day, week, or month will be fine. Portland has way more pluses than minuses and for those that think otherwise, there are many wonderful places in this country that will probably fit their needs much better.

Thank you, PSP2PDX; how nice it is to hear a voice of reason. Life among a bunch of malcontents can really be a drag. I notice this not only about the weather, but about life in general here in this Portland forum. I guess what I want to say is if it's that bad, move. It's a life lesson: we're all in control of our own lives so make the choice that will make you happy instead of poisoning everyone else with your unhappiness.

OK, off my soapbox now!