Awnings

Let's get the obvious out of the way: it rains here in Portland. A lot.

According to NOAA, 5.83 inches of rain has fallen here since January 1, which actually is 0.20 inches less than normal. But a more telling statistic, based not on government data but my own observations, it that it's rained every day. Or at least every day since I've arrived.

Which is not a problem - I'm not complaining. I've bought a waterproof shell and have gotten reasonably accomplished at walking around warm and dry in cold, wet weather, a skill at which I believe I will only continue to improve.

But my point is that it's no secret that it rains here a lot. Everyone knows it. "The rainy northwest" is practically a cliche. So, since it rains so much, I wonder why stores and businesses along Portland's streets don't have awnings.

Wouldn't it make sense for a business to put up awnings, not as a public service, but to attract customers? Pedestrians would tend to loiter under the awning for protection from the rain, and would be more likely to then notice the "Sale" signs, or the window display, or the quality of the merchandise. Sales would skyrocket, the awnings would pay for themselves, and everyone would win.

But instead, every storefront is open to the elements, and pedestrians are totally exposed to the rain as they walk past the businesses. I don't understand.

Maybe they're worried about the city's rampant homeless using the awnings for overnight protection, but that shouldn't be a problem - the awnings could be rolled up at night for the dubious purpose of depriving the needy of shelter.

Maybe they're worried about the wind, but that shouldn't be a problem either, what with modern design and engineering.

Maybe they're afraid that awnings would be an insult to the prowess of the local population at keeping warm and dry in the cold and wet.

Maybe they've never seen awnings, but that doesn't seem likely.

I've got so much to learn . . .