It's raining: do we go inside or stay under the parasol?
Imagine you're enjoying a family meal in the garden, sheltered in the shade of a parasol . You've just finished the main course, and... it starts to rain. What should you do in this situation: stay outside under the parasol or go inside to take shelter?
Both options have their share of advantages and disadvantages; we will review the different possible choices, depending on the situation.
Light rain, thunderstorm, prolonged downpour… what is the situation?
Just as the sun doesn't always shine with the same intensity, rain doesn't fall the same way on every bad weather day. It's important to distinguish between a light drizzle in Brittany and an Indian monsoon, and to be able to identify the specific conditions before making decisions about your parasol and your time outdoors.
Sometimes during the summer, a light rain will darken a sunny afternoon for about fifteen minutes. It's a light drizzle, not worth rushing indoors for shelter. Your parasol and its canopy won't be damaged by this type of rain either, which usually doesn't last very long.
On the other hand, if a heavy black cloud has been hanging over the sky for a good hour on a hot, overcast day, it likely heralds a heavy downpour that could last into the evening. The comfort, and even the safety, of people outdoors could be affected.
Temperature is also important: if the rain is light and the heat persists, we'll welcome the few drops as a welcome opportunity to cool down. On the other hand, if the temperature drops suddenly, we'll be more inclined to pack up and leave.
Staying under the parasol: a choice to be accepted.
If the humidity and temperature aren't too bothersome, you can decide to stick with your plan for an afternoon outdoors, keeping the parasol overhead as a makeshift umbrella. Belveo parasol canopies are high-quality and easily withstand a light, passing shower, although that's not their primary purpose.
A garden in the rain on a summer's day possesses a certain poetic charm: the plants release more fragrance than usual, the air seems cleaner and more invigorating, and the climate can feel less stifling. The experience can be relaxing and a little different from the usual summer weather. Be careful, however, not to catch a cold without realizing it, and don't let your parasol get damaged by excessive moisture.
In a garden, an additional risk is getting your shoes and clothes dirty in the mud that forms, or in seats that start to get wet.
If the weather turns stormy and lightning is threatening, or if some guests begin to feel obvious discomfort, it is probably advisable to retreat indoors.
Escaping the rain: comfort and safety
Putting a roof over everyone's head primarily prevents them from getting soaked and catching a cold. From a practical standpoint, it's best to take care of bringing in the parasol: prolonged exposure to rain can cause mold or stains, or even damage the frame. It's best to fold the parasol and put a waterproof cover on it before going inside to warm up.
The garden furniture is undoubtedly designed to withstand the elements. However, in the event of a storm or severe thunderstorm, it is best to store the garden furniture in the garage.
Once inside, you can resume a number of activities: chatting, eating… unless the meal came from the electric barbecue! If the plan was a game of pétanque or badminton, it's best to have some indoor games on hand as an alternative in case of rain. A card game or board game is a great way to pass the time on a gloomy day.
Your attitude towards the rain says more about you than about your parasol.
Between staying on the patio and going inside, there's a strategic choice to be made, a decision to be taken together. To do this, you first need a clear picture of the situation: you can quickly check the weather forecast for the next hour on your phone to see if things are about to get worse. If not, you need to assess the amount of rain and the current atmosphere. Is the parasol well-maintained or a recent purchase? If so, it will be able to protect everyone. Do the guests have a sweater handy to cope with a slight chill in the air? If so, they can comfortably enjoy the outdoors even if it's drizzling.
Some people will seize the opportunity to sing and dance in the rain, which can reflect a romantic spirit. Photographers will want to capture the place in its flooded state. Those who are more cautious will ensure maximum comfort for as many people as possible. If there are very young children or elderly people, sheltering indoors seems the wisest option to avoid health problems.
