72 Microseasons of the Pacific Northwest
62/72: Nov 7 to 11
Atmospheric rivers drench the coast. Pineapple Express, tropical moisture bombs.
風物詩 · Fūbutsushi
An atmospheric river making landfall on the Olympic Peninsula in November — horizontal rain, rivers rising by the hour, the ocean air carrying warmth from somewhere near Hawaii.
物の哀れ · Mono no Aware
After the storm passes, the rivers will be brown with sediment and the forest will be full of new windfall. What was standing will not always be standing.
What the season brings?
First Major Winter Storms Arrive November marks the beginning of the most intense rainy season, with atmospheric river events ("Pineapple Express") bringing tropical moisture in horizontal rain and fierce winds. These powerful storm systems deliver 2-6 inches of valley rain in single events, with Olympic Peninsula locations receiving 10-15 inches. Watch for dramatic cloud formations, rapidly rising rivers, and the transition to persistent winter weather patterns. Winds can reach 40-50 mph in valleys and 75-90 mph in extreme events. This is the Pacific Northwest's most reliable weather transition—November through December are consistently the wettest months.
Foods to Mark the Season
Dungeness crab season begins in earnest, offering sweet meat perfect for crab boils and feasts. Fresh oysters reach peak plumpness in cold waters, while late-season chanterelles still fruit prolifically after the first major rains. <br>
Things to Do
Experience storm watching from coastal headlands or oceanfront lodges as atmospheric rivers bring dramatic wave action and horizontal rain. Watch from safe vantage points at Tofino, Kalaloch Lodge at Olympic National Park, Cape Disappointment, or Westport's viewing tower during high tide for the most spectacular displays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visions of the Season
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Each microseason is approximately 5 days, marking the subtle changes in nature throughout the year.