Belfast Weather Primer

The weather in Belfast is akin to a 15 year old hormonal girl: its mood changes unpredictably from one minute to the next.  An umbrella is a must when venturing out into the elements, even if it is blue sky overhead and the BBC Weather forecaster has said there is only a 1% chance of showers.  This can make running in Belfast a bit of a challenge.  Don’t get me wrong, I have run in my fair share of weather, such as hail, sleet, snow, rain, and am accustomed to weather not being perfect when I run.  However, this is not just any weather, it is Belfast weather.  The other day I went out for a run, and halfway through the skies opened up with rain and sleet.  Luckily I was at a turnaround point, so I headed back, thinking it would be like other times I had been caught in the rain on a run.  Then the weather seemed to take a direct aim at my unprotected face, as though I had personally offended it and now was reaping the consequences.  As if the forceful precipitation wasn’t enough, the wind decided to jump in the mix and try with all its might to push me in every direction but straight.  Finally, I made it home and safe inside from the brutal and punishing weather, which is naturally when the clouds rolled away and the sun took center stage amidst the blue backdrop.  Getting used to so much precipitation takes some time, and I think I finally may be starting to pick up the rhythm.  When I see clouds starting to peak over Cave Hill (which incidentally we were told is the location that the police would use to scout trouble brewing between the two Christian sects of Belfast pre-Good Friday Agreement, but I digress), I know I have roughly a 7 minute window before the moisture of the clouds reaches my doorstep.  The variety of weather rolls quickly through Belfast thanks in part to the winds that blow off the North Atlantic.  In fact, the other night we experienced the howling of 60 mph gale force winds brought to us from that sea.  Most days I don’t have to look very hard to witness the clouds getting pushed around like forgotten plastic bags by the blustery air above.  Umbrellas frequently get turned inside out by an unwelcome gust, and birds often seem to fly in place as they flap against the punishing air stream.  Those few priceless days, when the rain holds off for a full 24 hours, generates immense celebration and merriment within us, and allows us to safely exhale and put down our guard against the rain.  One piece of weather we were told not to expect while we were here was snow; however, when we woke up one morning to fluffy flakes on our front step, it essentially completed the weather package we’ve experienced thus far.  Belfast’s skies have trained us well within a short period of time: we always travel with insulated raingear and windbreakers, preparing as best we can for the fickle climate.  The weather keeps us alert, keeps us tuned in, and keeps life interesting on the Green Isle.