We think we know what we want when it comes to weather.  I submit that what we think we want is mostly counterintuitive. So here it goes for all those ‘know-it-alls:’

#7 – Tornadoes

Tornado in sparsely populated area

How would you like it if a train was coming towards you at 175 miles per hour?  You would be scared to death!  That is what a tornado probably feels like when it hits head on.  We would never root for a tornado hitting us. However, wouldn’t everyone want to personally witness a tornado once in their lives?  Of course! It is a force of nature that is so out of the ordinary, our human nature of curiosity takes over.  A tornado also allows ourselves to harken back to the Wizard of Oz, so there is a romance factor in its imagery.  We all want to see a tornado, but don’t want the destruction that comes along with it.  The best possibility is to see it for a minute while rolling over an area of sparse to no population.  We can’t guarantee that outcome – but if that happened – it would be the best of both worlds.

#6 – Thunder and lightening

Thunder and lightening’s majesty

Oh, how scary!  Yes…thats the point!  I think it is awe-inspiring to hear loud claps of thunder and see the sky light up from thunder strikes like the fourth of July, as long as I am prepared and at home in shelter. We glance out the window, as if peaking into someones private dispute to try to engage with Mother Nature.  Big mama is saying to us “Hey Peons….so you think you can screw with me?”  It is humbling, and for that, we are better being aware to respect our planet and being conscious of what we do to harm it.  A thunderstorm keeps us in check so we never have any doubts over who is the boss.

#5 – Hurricanes

Hurricane’s aftermath

I do not know anyone who enjoys being subjected to a hurricane.  Why would we?  They leave people and communities in utter destruction and can literally be life threatening.  So why is it that invariably when you watch the hurricane warning get updated – as long as we are not in its path – we always root for “strengthening” rather than “weakening?” Why is it that the weatherman is most excited when the hurricane hits a new higher category?  “Joe the weatherman” will have his sleeves rolled up, the tie will be slightly loosened and his voice will modulate with a sense of Armageddon.  Is this guy doing physical work to help create the ingredients for the perfect storm? If not, why is he dressing like he is actually helping victims who are stuck on tree branches while in the studio?  So yes…A severe hurricane is exactly what he and we are rooting for, as long as it is not in our backyard.

#4 – Rain

Rain is beautiful

We all tend not to look forward to a rainy day.  I get it.  Most outdoor plans have to be changed because of it.  However, look at California right now and thank your lucky stars if you live in an area with sufficient rain.  What is more important, the soccer game being played in slightly uncomfortable elements or a drought that results in severe rationing?  Life revolves around water.  Leave it alone!

#3 – Clouds

Partly cloudy skies

People look at the forecast and hear “partly cloudy” or “cloudy” skies in the warm months, and it’s often met with disappointment. Really?  Unless you are at the beach with the intent on getting a not-so-healthy suntan (circa 1960’s-1980’s), it feels much more comfortable when clouds pass over your head.  Why do you think everyone is searching for that elusive umbrella at the pool?  Embrace the clouds!

#2 – The nor’easter

Lonnie Quinn of WCBS-TV on nor’easter snow totals

There is nothing more paralyzing than a nor’easter. The shoveling, the airport disruptions, the dangerous driving and even walking become big impediments to everyday life.  However, why is it that when you watch the weather on TV, you instinctively root for MORE snow rather than less snow?  Why is it that you look to be in the “snow band” that gets 10-12 inches rather than 3-5 inches?  One would think that it would be less disruptive to have less snow?  Right…Right again you say?  I submit to you that your thinking is WRONG!  Be truthful to yourself…A big snowstorm is an event.  Regardless if it is a good event or bad event, it still is an event.  Many of our mundane life’s experiences change for a couple of days with an event out of our normality. Kids love it because they are off from school.  The weatherman loves it because he is perceived as the most respected and newsworthy person on TV that day.  We must listen to “Joe the Weatherman” or “Christine the Meteorologist’ (they prefer the latter title now, even though they get their weather from an outside source). So go ahead and be honest with yourself and admit you root to be in the heaviest bands of snow.

And Finally, the biggest weather myth of all time…

#1 – Florida

Florida’s unbearable heat and humidity in summer

Most people complain that they would like to move to Florida because the weather is so much better. It certainly is better in the winter, but what about the other 9 months?  People often say they hate the cold.  Well, what about the heat?  Is extreme humid heat a preferred climate element than below freezing cold?  I submit to you that it is almost identical, as if being on opposite sides of the same coin. Have you been to Florida between May and September?  If you like running from one air conditioned place to the next, then you will love it!  However, I do not subscribe to the belief that 365 days in Florida is superior to 365 days in the northern states.  Hey Florida…have you heard of the three other seasons – Spring, Summer and Fall – that is phenomenal up north?

 I hope this inspires debate and challenge our conventional wisdom about weather.