Leave a Little Earlier on Rainy Daysdaily

The stop that's ten minutes away on a clear morning can feel farther in the rain. You open the umbrella, go around a puddle, then stop to fold it at the entrance. None of it takes long on its own, but you arrive feeling as though you've been rushing the whole way.

When rain is forecast, check the journey before you finish getting ready. Look at relevant weather warnings and transport updates, then consider where the usual route might take longer. In severe conditions, postponing the trip or changing the plan may be more sensible than simply leaving earlier.

If the journey is suitable, have what you need ready: an umbrella, appropriate shoes, and perhaps a bag for wet items. Leave a few minutes earlier if your circumstances allow. There's no extra ten-minute rule that works for every shower or every route. Choose a margin that makes sense for your journey.

The extra time isn't there so you can walk faster. Take slippery surfaces slowly and stop somewhere safe if you need to check your phone. It may simply give you room to miss one bus and take the next without turning the rest of the trip into a race. On a rainy day, that can be worth preparing for before you open the door.