We’re all familiar with April’s infamous downpours – the April showers are a spring staple, just like lambs in the fields, the blossoming of daffodils and Easter egg hunts. On the fourth month of the year, the heavens open and the UK experiences that well-known (but not so well-loved) spring rain. The term ‘April showers’ is so well-known that it got us thinking: why does it rain so much in April and where does the famous phrase come from?
Environmental Factors
April is a transitional period in many parts of the world, especially in temperate regions like the UK. Winter’s icy grip is loosening and the warmer air from spring begins to take over. This shift in temperature and air pressure creates a perfect environment for the type of rainfall we associate with April showers.
One of the main drivers of this rainfall is the changing patterns in air masses. In spring, the atmosphere is often unstable due to the clash between warm, moist air from the south and cooler, drier air from the north. This collision causes the warm air to rise quickly, which leads to condensation and the formation of clouds. These clouds can release heavy rain in short bursts, resulting in the typical April showers.
Additionally, springtime in the Northern Hemisphere often sees an increase in the number of low-pressure systems. These systems bring unsettled weather, including rain, which tends to be more frequent in April, compared to the drier months of summer. This combination of warmer temperatures, changing pressure systems and increased moisture in the atmosphere leads to the brief, intense showers that we expect during April.
April Showers Origin
The phrase ‘April showers’ is part of a centuries-old longer rhyme: ‘March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers’. The rhyme’s origins can be traced back to the General Prologue of The Canterbury Tales, 1387, by Geoffrey Chaucer. The Prologue begins in April and mentions how the rains and winds of spring produce fertile land. Then, in the 16th century, the rhyme that we know today was first recorded and has been a popular expression ever since.
People long understood that rainfall in April was crucial for the growth of crops and the showers that watered the earth would eventually lead to lush growth and late spring flowers. As a result, the rhyme became a way of celebrating the cyclical nature of the seasons and is a steadfast staple in society’s lexicon.
Keeping Yourself Dry This April
Here at Grangers, we love all kinds of weather, including rain, and we aren’t going to let the seasonal April showers put a dampener on yours or our days. Thanks to our powerful cleaning and waterproofing solutions, you don’t have to postpone your outdoor adventures for a little rain. Luckily keeping April showers at bay is easy. Simply clean with Performance Wash and reproofed with Performance Repel Plus or Clothing Repel – or cleaned and reproofed with Wash + Repel Clothing 2 in 1. All offer durable repellency so the choice is yours. Due to the sheer unpredictability of the season, we recommend preparing for all eventualities when heading outdoors this April. For an in-depth dive into dressing for turbulent weather, check out our blog, Prepare for the Unpredictable.
So, as we all prepare for the transitional period of spring rain and sun, remember, with Grangers-treated gear, there is no excuse to not get outside and explore this month. April’s unpredictable weather remains an iconic part of the season, one that reminds us of nature’s cycles and the beauty that can come after a storm. Let’s get out there and embrace it.
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