The Neverending Story: How Many Weekends Has it Rained in NYC?
New Yorkers, are you starting to sprout gills? Have you fashioned yourself a chic, rainproof cape a la superhero (because let's face it, the umbrellas are rebelling at this point)? If so, you're not alone. Our fair city has been playing host to a seemingly endless downpour, specifically targeting those precious weekend hours.
The Great Washout of 2023: A Tale of Drenched Dreams and Soggy Brunch
Cast your minds back to a simpler time, October 2023. The leaves were turning a beautiful shade of "drab brown" thanks to the constant rain, and outdoor activities were officially renamed "indoor activities...while staring longingly out the window." News outlets were having a field day with headlines like "Why Does it Rain Every Weekend in NYC? Your Soggy Saturday Explained" (https://www.kcrg.com/2024/03/07/rain-returns-thursday-lasting-into-windier-cooler-friday/). Seven – yes, SEVEN – weekends in a row, the rain gods decided to turn Central Park into a temporary lake.
A Brief Respite (or Was it a Mirage?)
There were whispers of sunshine in the forecast, a glimmer of hope for November. But alas, it seems like even the sun was too scared to peek through the clouds. While the rain may not have been quite as relentless, the spirit of the weekends remained dampened.
Is This the New Normal?
While meteorologists are still grappling with the exact reasons behind this weekend-specific wet streak, some finger-pointing is being directed towards climate change (https://www.fastcompany.com/90970799/new-york-rain-every-weekend-coastal-storms-climate-change-explained). So, should we start investing in inflatable kayaks and waterproof backpacks? Maybe not just yet, but it certainly is something to keep in mind.
A Plea to the Weather Gods (and a Word of Encouragement to Our Fellow New Yorkers)
Dear Rain Gods, we get it. You're powerful. You can make grown men cry with a single downpour. But can we please have a weekend truce? We just want to enjoy a picnic in the park, or pretend to be tourists and take bad selfies in Times Square – raincoat-free!
To our fellow New Yorkers, chin up! We've survived this long, and surely a sunny weekend is on the horizon (cue the dramatic music). In the meantime, let's embrace the spirit of the city – grab your best friend, your rain boots, and maybe a flask (because sometimes, adult beverages are the best way to deal with a downpour), and find some fun, rain or shine.
