Reed College - Weather

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Remember the passage in the Bible about how it rained for 40 days and 40 nights? Well, most students equate Portland to that biblical world of yore, except that Portland, for the most part, receives proper drainage. Portland, like most of the Pacific Northwest, possesses a reputation for rain, and it does not live down the stereotype, for it rains almost all the time. Most students have accepted the rain as a way of life, believing that the right weather gear and a positive attitude about hardly ever seeing the sun can guide any weary student through the trial-by-water that is Portland. Although students do gripe about the conditions, most accept and eventually come to cherish Portland’s weather. However, if you can’t stand rain, then you need read no further . . . if you don’t mind rain or believe that you can deal with the constantly depressing weather, then read on.

Beyond being constantly inundated with a deluge from the sky, Reed suffers from a constant cold front from October to early March. During that period, in which most of the year’s education falls, the weather hovers around the upper 40s, occasionally dipping into the 30s when it feels especially cruel. However, most Reedies remedy the near-freezing weather through warm winter clothing; and, if you spend a few dollars at any clothing outlet, then you too can be adequately prepared for the cold Portland winter. However cold the winter may be, the rewards it offers greatly trump any inconveniences the cold weather might present. From warm chocolate milks in front of roaring dorm fires to building snowmen when the weather gods grace Reed with a rare glimpse of snow, the cold weather only hurts if you run outside without adequate preparation.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

It’s Oregon—kind of wet and rainy.... It’s Oregon—kind of wet and rainy. Good library weather, though. And when it’s beautiful, it’s really beautiful. 12345 Weather Report

Anonymous says:

I don’t think this year was... I don’t think this year was normal. At first it was insanely hot, and now it’s freezing. I’d say bring everything just to be safe. Bring rain gear definitely because we are in the Northwest. 12345 Weather Report

Anonymous says:

Rain, rain, and more rain. And... Rain, rain, and more rain. And grey. And rain. All winter long. Bring waterproof clothes. You will get used to it and will eventually come to be baffled by people who use umbrellas. When it’s not raining, it’s absolutely gorgeous. The hottest it gets in the summer is the mid-80s (with perhaps an occasional jump into the 90s, but rarely, and it’s not humid), and it doesn’t often snow or get below freezing in the winter. But rain at 40 degrees Fahrenheit is still very cold. 12345 Weather Report

Anonymous says:

It’ll be wonderful summer through... It’ll be wonderful summer through September and then become cold in October. Sometime in November, it will start raining and not stop until May. Then you’ll have summer again. Bring scarves, hats, and rain gear. Don’t forget waterproof shoes. 12345 Weather Report

Anonymous says:

Normally, it is warmish and rainy.... Normally, it is warmish and rainy. Wool sweaters are always good. Bring socks. 12345 Weather Report

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