I've been wanting to build a cover for my patio for just that reason. I use a 10x10 tent now and I enjoy sitting out and listening to the rain. The tent is not ideal though. I'm fighting the wife on the cover because she likes sitting out in the sun during the summer.
I think I'll stick with the tent for now because last time I checked:
Tent + happy wife =
If it ain't broke don't try to fix it.
Bummer about your weather tough. It's fixen to get pretty cold here this week too. Need to find some local brothers with a shack.