“Even when you’re feeling warm
the temperature could drop away.
Like four seasons in one day.”
Four Seasons In One Day, Crowded House.
***
I know this is a fairly common complaint about Melbourne. But, really, the weather here is just f*cked.
It rains all the goddamn time.
We’ve been here for five weeks now, and I’m fairly sure I can count the number of days it hasn’t rained on one hand.
Sydney has, on average, a higher yearly rainfall of Melbourne. But it rains for more days of the year here than in New South Wales.
The difference, I’m discovering, is that when it rains in Sydney, it rains. It pours down, sets in, and may not leave again for a week.
While in Melbourne, it showers lightly. But often. So, so often.
Case in point– if you happen to be eating outside in Sydney, and it begins to rain, you pack up shop and move inside. Quickly. Because it is raining.
In Melbourne, no one moves when the rain starts. Everyone stares blankly at the sky for half a second, then resumes their conversation. Because, guaranteed, the rain will stop in two minutes time and your table will be dry again in five.
It’s certainly taking some getting used to. I drop the kids off at school wearing a beanie and a scarf. It’s not unusual to pick them up that afternoon wearing a short sleeved t–shirt.
I’m learning to wear lots of layers, in order to be prepared for any and every weather possibility. I’m also learning to take an umbrella with me wherever I go. No wonder every one here carries such huge bloody handbags.
I just need to work on my adaptive flexibility, and not let it mess with my mental health. Just because it’s raining and cold and horrible now, doesn’t mean it will be that way in half an hour.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Dont worry, you’ll love, love LOVE the low-humidity summers. I’m an ex-Melbourne girl living in Sydney & I still miss Melbourne’s dry heat summers. Just prtend youre in Europe :0)
Suzy Mac recently posted…Help me Obi Wan kenobi..
It’s one of the joys of Melbourne – never boring! I’m sure if the scouting movement hadn’t started in the UK it would have here, as we learn – Be prepared! (and yes, always carry an umbrella). And also make the most of the sun when it is out – but you will discover summer can be very long and hot. Enjoy! (I do actually like the diversity – maybe because I am so used to it. But rain at school pick up time is particularly annoying …)
Oh, I get the SAD’s so easily. Maybe that’s why I haven’t yet moved to Melbourne. Sydney might be lame at times, but the weather helps. UV Lamp?
Whoa, Molly recently posted…Chernobleh
You need to make sure you’re getting enough sunshine, Sunshine. If you start getting blue from the frequent rain, you might need to look into getting one of those light dealie-bobs. They work wonders.
Marianne recently posted…Marvelous, Magical Meg
I just love this post. There is something about it that says to me it’s about so much more than the weather.
Miss Pink recently posted…Dust Yourself Off
Ah, Australia. We’re getting a regular 19 to 29 through the day and night with clear skies. The tropics are beautiful this time of year. Remember though; you can grow a multitude of flowers and/or vegies with your Summer weather, if you have some room for a garden or pots.
It would be strange to adapt to that kind of rain…I’m in Qld so rain means summer storm at the least!
Vanessa recently posted…A Bat Story
When we were in the drought it hardly rained at all! School pick up time is a favourite time for it to rain too, that is most annoying!
Basically excellent writeup. The idea if truth be told used to be some sort of fun accounts the item. Glimpse challenging to far more launched acceptable from you! Having said that, the best way might all of us continue any communication?
I remember being told that if you don’t like the weather in Melbourne, just wait five minutes and it will change. I never got used to the cold Victorian winters, strange rain patterns and blaring hot summers. Hence we are back in Qld with the summery spring weather and the Cane Toads!
Michelle Holland recently posted…Anxiety and the Need to Pee
In time you will learn that march, April and October are the most fun. They are our Katy Perry months. Lol.
It’s part if the charm.
Xx rah rah
Spagsy recently posted…The self and a lesson on forgiveness