I have been born and raised in Mobile, Alabama; a city where people carry an umbrella and an extra rain jacket in their cars. The weather here can change drastically within 24 hours. When you wake up at 7am and the weather is a bitter 50 degrees and by noon it's 80 degrees. Dressing for the day is a talent down here.
As most know the state of Alabama has been in a stage four drought. Lighting a fire pit or bonfire will land yourself a $250 fine in this town. We also recently had a front come through bringing weather that actually fits the season. It's something I'm not used to, and I'm sure many locals aren't, but we are also used to adapting to the weather.
It's been different not having to use your rain boots at least once a week. I haven't had to worry about my backpack or the stuff in it getting wet. I haven't had to dodge puddles walking to class. I had to actually take my truck through a car wash. Allergies are at an all time high.
It's even been rough on the farmers without the rain. Even though it's almost December and we still have big trees with full green leaves, it's hard to get things to grow.
This past weekend was also open season deer hunting. Most of us are ready for a big fire when we come back in from a hunt, instead of this now we have to try and warm up in a small trailer.
A rainy town in a drought is something ironic. It's something we're not used to but at the same time we are thankful for it. It's not putting a damper on our day, but I think it's been long enough. We all want our rain back.
