Welcome to Southern California.
While we have perfect weather for most of the year, our winter can be pure torture. Quite frankly, as soon as Thanksgiving comes around, I am already shopping for a vacation home in a more tolerable part of the world. Good luck on your first winter, I hope you don't decide to break your lease and move back home to a more inhabitable region.
I'll help you out, after barely surviving 25 winters in Southern California, I feel like I can give you some advice. In fact, I have eleven tips for your first winter in these parts. Before you get started, be sure to check in at Rainapocalypse on 4square and see what your company policy says about 'rainy day schedule'.
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| Current temp in Southern California vs. Helena, Montana |
- Buy another umbrella, because you lost the one you bought last year
- Shift your traffic complaints from general slowness to how 'nobody can drive in rain/snow!'
- As soon as that first droplet hits the pavement, we're on Storm Watch. Glue yourself to the TV and watch the numerous mud slides, flooded reservoirs, and news anchors talking to passerby about 'the storm of the century'
- "There was traffic" is the most common excuse/lie used around these parts...the "weather" is an added 10-15 minutes! Sleep in a bit, accept that extra cup of coffee, or just take the scenic route. You've got an excuse that doesn't need googling
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| Looking bloggable in CA. Socks=too hot, jacket=left at a bar, and scarf=useless, mittens=WHY?? |
- Splurge on winter accessories you really don't need, but are dying for an excuse to use: beanie, leg warmers, boot socks, ear warmers, scarf, etc.
- Put those rainboots down, dear, you won't need them
- Long sleeved shirts/hoodies are commonly matched with shorts and Ugg boots. Just go with it.
- Don't pack away those shorts/tank tops/sandals just yet! You're in for at least one more heat wave before March.
- Below 70 degrees? Yes, now would be the time to wear your pea coat! It will look great as you order the first hot apple cider of the season
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| Taken in Utah. I was so surprised to see this number registering! |
- Change your windshield wipers - probably haven't changed them since last year, anyway. Double check to make sure you know the location of the switch to turn them on for practice
- Be sure to complain a lot about how it is freezing in your house because it dropped below 70 outside. It will make everybody back east and in the midwest really love you
I hope these tips on surviving your first winter in Southern California really help. I know it felt like yesterday when it was 75 degrees and perfect outside, but these are tough times. Make sure your dog walker puts a sweater on your pup and to have Siri remind you to bring an umbrella when you leave the house, you're in for a long four months.
What tips do you have to survive winter in your neck of the woods?
Kam is the writer and creator behind Campfire Chic. She shares helpful information about organization, the geekier parts of blogging, and being an outdoor adventurer. Popular topics include Search Engine Optimization, creating SMART goals, and getting organized. For additional updates, subscribe to the Campfire Chic newsletter.
I'm from San Diego and never even bothered with an umbrella. I didn't even own one until I moved to Utah. lol It's amusing when my friends from SD complain about frost on their windows. They haven't a clue.
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