Not everyone has a cosy office job where they can stare out the window as the rain comes down. For some people, it’s a challenge to stay dry at work, either because they work outdoors or they walk or cycle to the office. Sometimes, it’s simply not possible to avoid the rain, especially in the UK. On average, it rains for more than 150 days of the year in the UK, although some parts see significantly more than others.
Thankfully, there are ways you can stay dry, even when working outdoors. With these tips, you don’t have to be jealous of your friends who are working inside their dry and cosy offices all year.
Waterproof Workwear
The easiest way to ensure you stay dry while working outdoors is to make sure you have waterproof clothing. If you know you’re going to be outside in the rain for a long time, simply having a jacket isn’t enough. Waterproof overalls are a good choice if you’re working outdoors in strong rain and wind with little break. Overalls can be worn over your normal clothes, so you can easily change in and out of them at the start and end of each day.
Even if you don’t go for overalls, you should definitely get some waterproof trousers if you’re working outside for many hours. When the rain starts to fall, regular trousers will quickly get wet, which can make moving around uncomfortable. Some materials don’t dry very quickly, which can result in chafing and other issues.
Aside from trousers and a jacket, waterproof boots are also essential. Taking care of your feet is very important, especially if you need to walk around a lot for your work. Get a good pair of boots and take care of them to ensure they stay waterproof. Having wet feet can lead to issues, as can having wet and cold hands. If you’re working in cold and wet environments often, invest in a pair of waterproof gloves.
Following the Weather Forecast
If you have a flexible schedule or the ability to choose when and where you work, you should be checking the forecast regularly. While weather forecasts aren’t always accurate, they can give you a pretty good idea of the upcoming weather. Watching the daily weather forecast will let you know when rain is expected, allowing you to plan your schedule accordingly.
These days, you don’t even have to watch the forecast on TV. You can check the weather on your phone, with many different apps giving real time updates and forecasts based on the latest data. If you’re worried about being caught out in the rain, set up an alert which warns you when the weather could change. That way, you’ll always be one step ahead and will be able to stay dry.
Seek Shelter When Possible
Even if you work outdoors, you may still be able to seek shelter when it rains in order to stay dry. Depending on the job you’re doing, it may not always be possible to stop what you’re doing and move somewhere dry. However, many jobs are more forgiving and don’t expect workers to continue when the rain is falling. If you’re working with electrical equipment, it’s also a safety hazard to keep working when the conditions are wet.
You may be able to set up a shelter outside that allows you to keep working even when it rains. Just remember to consider the wind when planning your shelter, as strong winds are able to drive rain horizontally. If you’re in an exposed area, the winds may be much stronger.
