alternative

Instead of speaking of the weather, let's go straight down to  speed post. (If you haven't been following, Kay and Ann over at Mason-Dixon Knitting have blazed the form).
First up, a lighter, and even quicker Decibella:
 
Modified from the original pattern, it's knit on size 11 needles, using 1 skein each of Berroco Peruvia Quick in Gris Marengo and Rosa. Cast on 60 inches, and off you go. It's a one day knit, if, say, it is raining on top of the weekend's 38" snowfall and you don't feel like going out. The stitch  never fails to entertain, it is so much easier than brioche, and the stripes reverse themselves on the wrong side. Not that there  is a wrong side... Anyhoo, this is still  voluminous cowl, if you want something even more everyday, I'd say cast on 42 stitches and take it from there. Half-day knit! Times saved for shoveling!

Over on Ravelry there are some nice lighter weight versions too, take a peek.  Although in my experience lately, being able to hide in your cowl has some advantages. 
original version, for comparison sake.