In defence of rain

AS NOVEMBER ended, so December has begun. Wet. Very wet.

There are all kinds of rain, just as there are many kinds of other weathers. There’s summer showers, heavy downpours, and scattered bursts. What we’ve been having, for at least the past month, is just filthy. Filthy, cold and miserable.

Unsurprisingly, twice as much rainfall as normal last month and its unabated continuation this month has created something of a dark mood in most of us. But, more than ever (certainly in the 15 years since I’ve been here), people are wishing for hotter climes, planning holidays, or simply just shouting at those relentless low skies to give us all a break.

But rain is a fundamental part of Wales. It informs our culture, our poetry, and the built environment. It causes our hosepipe-less neighbours to glance across the border with not a little envy. It could even be argued that rain – or, rather, the surplus of water that comes with it – was the basis of events that led to the modern Wales we have. After all, could you imagine the Assembly without Treweryn?

I say we should enjoy our rain more. I say that slate always looks better when it is soaked. I say a roaring fire (particularly when it is found in a fine public house) is never more welcoming than after a wet and wild wander through the Welsh countryside. And you haven’t lived unless you’ve climb a peak in Snowdonia, only to have to stumble around in the mist trying to find the summit.

And do we really want good weather at this time of year? Surely December is the time to hunker down with loved ones and enjoy family and friends? If the rain brings more people together this Christmas, then it can only be a good thing.