The "Dreary Index," developed and presented in the 2015 blog post, attempts to quantify how dreary a location's weather is by combining average cloud cover, precipitation frequency, and average daylight hours in winter. The index highlights areas with persistently cloudy, wet winters and short days, identifying the Pacific Northwest, parts of the UK, and other northern latitude coastal regions as particularly dreary. Conversely, the Southwest US and parts of North Africa score low on the index, indicating sunnier, drier, and brighter winter conditions. The author acknowledges the subjectivity inherent in defining "dreary" and presents the index as a starting point for discussion and further refinement.
This blog post, titled "Dreariness Index (2015)" and published in March 2015 on the "US Climate" blog, delves into the concept of quantifying meteorological dreariness across different locations in the United States. The author posits that dreariness, while subjective, can be approximated by considering a combination of factors that contribute to a generally gloomy or unappealing atmospheric condition. These factors, as identified by the author, include cloud cover, precipitation, and temperature. Specifically, the index emphasizes persistent cloudiness, frequent rainfall, and cool, damp temperatures as key components of dreary weather.
The author explains their methodology for calculating the Dreariness Index, utilizing data from the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC, now known as the National Centers for Environmental Information or NCEI). The index is constructed by assigning weights to each of the three aforementioned variables: cloudiness, precipitation, and temperature. Higher weights are allocated to days with substantial cloud cover, measurable precipitation, and lower temperatures, reflecting their greater contribution to the overall perception of dreariness. The weighted values are then summed for each location over the period of a year to yield an annual Dreariness Index score.
The post showcases the results of this calculation in the form of a color-coded map of the contiguous United States. This map visually represents the geographical distribution of dreariness, with darker shades indicating higher index values and, consequently, more dreary climates. The author then proceeds to highlight specific cities and regions that rank high on the Dreariness Index, discussing their characteristically gloomy weather patterns. Conversely, areas with lower scores, indicative of sunnier and less dreary conditions, are also identified and briefly analyzed.
Furthermore, the post offers a brief comparison of the 2015 Dreariness Index with data from previous years, providing a limited perspective on interannual variability in dreariness. This comparison, while not exhaustive, suggests potential trends or fluctuations in weather patterns across different regions. Finally, the author acknowledges the inherent subjectivity involved in defining and measuring dreariness, emphasizing that the index provides one possible, albeit imperfect, approach to quantifying this elusive atmospheric quality. The purpose of the index, they explain, is not to provide a definitive statement on dreariness, but rather to offer a framework for considering and discussing the various factors that contribute to the overall perception of gloomy weather.
Summary of Comments ( 11 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43899317
HN users discuss the Dreariness Index, generally finding the methodology interesting. Some debate the weighting of factors like rain and cloud cover, suggesting alternatives or questioning the subjective nature of "dreariness." Others point out the index's potential usefulness for those sensitive to weather, particularly regarding seasonal affective disorder. A few commenters share personal anecdotes about dreary places they've lived, and some discuss the correlation between weather and mood. The overall sentiment is one of curiosity and mild amusement, with a few skeptical voices questioning the index's practical value.
The Hacker News post "Dreariness Index (2015)" linking to a blog post about a "dreariness index" generated a moderate amount of discussion, with 17 comments at the time of this summary. While not a highly active thread, several commenters engaged with the concept and methodology of the index.
Several commenters focused on the subjective nature of "dreariness." One commenter questioned the weighting of factors, pointing out that some people might find cloud cover cozy rather than dreary. Another highlighted the importance of personal context, suggesting that factors like work satisfaction and social life could influence the perception of dreariness more significantly than weather. This subjective element was a recurring theme, with multiple commenters expressing their personal preferences and how they differed from the index's assumptions.
Some commenters engaged with the technical aspects of the index. One questioned the use of total precipitation rather than rainy days, arguing that a few heavy downpours wouldn't necessarily contribute to a sense of dreariness compared to constant drizzle. Another commenter suggested improvements to the data visualization, advocating for a more interactive map. One technically-minded commenter suggested exploring publicly available meteorological data to refine the index.
A few comments offered alternative perspectives on weather and mood. One commenter mentioned the concept of "Seasonal Affective Disorder" and how it relates to light levels, suggesting a connection to the dreariness index. Another pointed out the potential benefits of dreary weather for certain activities, such as reading or focusing on indoor tasks.
Finally, some comments simply expressed agreement or disagreement with the index's findings regarding specific locations. Some users corroborated the index's assessment of their local weather, while others disputed it based on their personal experience.
In summary, the comments section reflects a mixed reaction to the dreariness index. While some found it interesting and a worthwhile attempt to quantify a subjective experience, others focused on its limitations and the inherent subjectivity of "dreariness." The discussion touched upon technical aspects of the index, personal experiences with weather, and the broader relationship between weather and mood.