So You Think You Can Outlast Portland's Dry Spell? You and Everyone Else in California, Apparently
Ah, Portland. The land of misty mornings, flannel shirts, and enough rain to fill a swimming pool... every other week, that is. But lately, things have been a little different. The drizzle has disappeared, replaced by sunshine so bright it could rival a teenage vampire's aversion to glitter. This has led many a person to wonder: just how long has it ACTUALLY been since Portland last saw a decent downpour?
Breaking Dry Records: A History of Parched Portlandians
Tip: Absorb, don’t just glance.
Portland's relationship with rain is a bit like your relationship with that ex who keeps texting you at 2 am. It's familiar, sometimes comforting, but let's be honest, a little predictable. However, even the most predictable relationships can surprise you. According to the good folks at the National Weather Service [those lovely people who warn us about rogue squirrels hiding in our attics... or maybe that's just me], Portland's current dry streak is inching closer to some record-breaking territory. We're not talking about a weekend without rain here, folks. We're talking about weeks, potentially even MONTHS.
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
The Great Portland Dust Bowl of 2024? Not Quite, But Here's What's Going On
QuickTip: Stop scrolling if you find value.
Now, before you start picturing tumbleweeds rolling down Hawthorne and people wearing bandanas to protect themselves from the dust, let's relax. This isn't quite a full-blown drought situation. But it is unusual for Portland to go this long without measurable rain. Some are calling it a "climate hiccup," others are using it as an excuse to finally wear those neon pink shorts they bought in a moment of questionable judgment (because hey, if you can't wear them in the sun, when can you?).
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
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| How Many Days Without Rain In Portland Oregon |
So, How Many Days Has it Been Exactly?
Ah, the million-dollar question (well, maybe more like a ten-dollar question, considering most of us don't actually own a million dollars). As of today, July 10th, 2024, the official count remains a mystery (at least to me, but I'm working on getting some intel from those weather nerds). However, if you're into unearthing weather data like it's buried treasure, you can try checking out resources like the City of Portland's rain gauge network or the National Weather Service's climate data for Portland [insert subtle wink here].
How To: Embrace the Portland Sunshine (Without Turning into a Sun-Dried Raisin)
- Hydrate Like a Houseplant: Just because it's not raining doesn't mean you shouldn't be chugging water. Rule number one: avoid dehydration headaches. Rule number two: avoid hangry meltdowns caused by dehydration headaches (trust me, they're a double whammy).
- Sunscreen is Your BFF: Unless you're a vampire (in which case, what are you even doing in Portland?), sunscreen is essential. Slap it on liberally and reapply often, especially if you're planning on joining the masses basking in the sun at Washington Park.
- Embrace the Sprinkler: Let's be honest, sometimes the best way to beat the heat is to get a little wet. Who needs a fancy water park when you have a strategically placed sprinkler and a playful spirit?
- Hit the Ice Cream Shops: Ice cream is good for the soul, and good for cooling you down. Portland has some of the best ice cream shops around, so take advantage of the sunshine and treat yourself to a scoop (or two, we're not judging).
- Channel Your Inner Mermaid (or Merman): If all else fails, there's always the Portland Saturday Market. Find a funky water feature, splash around a little, and pretend you're a mythical creature from the deep. Hey, whatever gets you through the dry spell, right?
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