Tag Archives: weather

Senseless in Seattle, with the usual strangeness of its late winter weather

There’s a saying I’ve heard in this Emerald City of the Pacific Northwest…

If you like the weather, wait five minutes. Or, If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.

But, that’s not an exclusive saying to the city of Seattle. It’s said of many cities where shifting, unpredictable weather happens. The earliest version of that saying was quoted by famed writer Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain. His exact quote was said to be, “If you don’t like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes.” The context and where he quoted this remains unknown to the Internet. But who cares, it’s timeless to our hours of environmental unpredictability, where it can be the only notable occurance of an otherwise mundane day.

Still, there is something timeless about the joy of unpredictable weather. Constant weather patterns can be boring. TV morning news would be less exciting without our weather reports. Less banter, less small talk for sure. For me, I enjoy the opportunities of photography and inspiration that sudden weather changes bring..

Especially in Seattle.

Orion T

Pictures above are from the newish patio deck area of the upper, main floor of the Pike Place Market. It’s a good place to chill, with less people and more space than other parts of this popular tourist destination.

Foggy Seattle Weather Predictions

The good news is that Seattle is back to normal…with the weather.

Unpredictable, beautiful in own way through every condition. The other day it was sunny, but with low level fog giving moments of surreal blue haze. The next day, a spooky fog through the day, hiding the Space Needle from viewers afar. Then the next day, we got some needed rain.

The forecast today will be partly cloudy, partly sunny, higher humidity, maybe rain. We will see. For those living local and around, enjoy the moment when the Seattle weather can just be itself.

– Orion T

The Rainy Rain of Rain City

Another day of rain in Seattle…

Lately, I feel this city is getting that crazy reputation for rain, because that’s what’s been happening this winter season. Sure, Seattle has its overall reputation of rainfall. But, I am not impressed with the amount of rain we get in this crazy town over the years, after moving here in 2012. We get the showers a lot, but often not feeling very drenched or feeling the need for galoshes and durable umbrellas.

Yet, here we are after nearly a full month of rain in January. That’s 29/31 days with 9.23 inches average, beating the national January 2020 average at 5.57. Yep, it’s really raining, and not a drizzle.

Still, Seattle is not the rainiest city in the U.S., not even by a top ten from many studies. According to an updated report last year by worldatlas.com, the most wet action are in some cities of the deep southeast region.

But for now, it’s undeniable wet outside with a forecast of more precipitation ahead.

Hopefully by the end of winter, the showers will slow down and give us a pleasant, more walkable spring season. This wet weather also contributes to a healthy environment cycle, keeps farms going, helps small animals survive naturally, keeps everything growing. I also love looking at those wet streets, cleaned buildings, enjoy the calming sound of pitter-patter in-between.

So, for those in the area feeling a bit too drenched here from this downpour, don’t let the showers get you down. Instead, put on some happy music and let your smile be your umbrella.

– Orion T

The picture above was taken by me in the middle of this rainy season from atop the Columbia Tower. I recall being in a good mood, leading me to appreciate the moment that rain often brings.

Snowy conditions in the PNW

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Pacific Northwest weather report summary:

The area is still snowy with icy conditions on the roads. Some rain is mixed in with some breaks revealing the usual clouds.  More snow is likely the way in many areas. Remain extra cautious if driving, and don’t do anything stupid.

– Orion T

 

The sky suddenly changed…

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An hour after the noon during my lunch break, I enjoyed the warm weather with a mix of blue sky, passing grey clouds and sunshine. The calm was highly appreciated for my otherwise busy life.

What a beautiful day.

A few hours later, the rain suddenly poured heavy, with a little thunder mixed in. I borrowed an umbrella from work, which soon broke while waiting for the bus (came 15 minutes late).

Argh, stupid umbrella.

Eventually, the rain slowed, just in time for my long bus ride to finally end (traffic from Bellevue was a bit rough). The atmosphere of downtown Seattle felt a bit humid from the mix of warm weather and sudden dampness. I walked steady pace in a homeward direction, looking forward to a big bowl of tomato soup.

I forgot the broken umbrella, still on the bus. Oh well.

On the way, I passed by the public use ping-pong table in the outside recreational open of Westlake Park. I stopped, and admire its smooth, wet reflection of the world above, after these sudden changes of unresting weather.

Still, a beautiful day.

– Orion T

The Revolving Winter

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I feel there is a little confusion in recent weather changes.

In the Seattle area, we had a little snow in the recent days. Depending on what part, which can range from one zip code to another, can be very little or a lot of a little. Before the snow, there was a mix of sunshine and light rain, which helped push forward some early blooms. Now the air is chill, with predictions of slight temperature raises in the coming days. The snow in and around my area has become a memory, though may return. The blooms meanwhile, seem hesitant.

Just wait and see.

– Orion T

Picture of Today, 10/16/16, Fall Stormwatch…

So there was a rainstorm over the weekend…

For the Pacific Northwest, the storm was expected to be the worst in decades. So far in Seattle, there were some tough winds and infrequent showers. Much seemed like just another Fall weekend around here (while I heard the Oregon Coast received much harsher treatment). I found much of the passing rain soothing, and restful. I missed the power outages that occurred in some areas. I was almost looking forward to the possibility of such, with warnings around the front door and local newsfeeds. I would then take deeper naps before another workweek. Instead, I get the beeps and lights from the addictive mobile devices around, with more ongoing, yet not always assuring weather reports. 

The above picture was taken from a little secret area I go at times, somewhere in Downtown Seattle.

– Orion T

Picture of Today 4/17/16, Blue Days Ahead

  
Today in Seattle, the midday temp was around 75 degrees F. 

One here could definitely feel the warmth in the air. So much, that for the first time in 2016 I removed my jacket to enjoy much of the day outside in a t-shirt. Weather reports now point to more days coming like this. Yep, I think this is that turning point where we see summer as nearer than the winter left behind. 

We may have a hot summer ahead. After the cold and rainy stretch of last winter,  I look forward.

– Orion T

Picture of Today 11/1/15, The New November

 
Just a beautiful moment in a small city park (Denny Park in Seattle)…

This day is Sunday, and after Halloween. Also, overnight rain happened of which the Pacific lands need. The amounts did not overwhelm, yet were sufficient for the more leaves to fall. The time change also added to this new November, bringing the darkness in a little earlier. Add the notably colder temperatures, and I feelthe difference in this Fall season turning point. 

I look forward.