rainy weather

USAGE SUMMARY

"rainy weather" is correct and usable in written English
For example, you could use it in the sentence, "The rainy weather kept us inside all day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Does rainy weather affect how we feel?

Independent

But foggy, rainy weather delayed his plane.

The New York Times

And rainy weather is often the clincher.

The New York Times

Numbers were highest in periods with warm and rainy weather.

Applied Soil Ecology

In rainy weather, four-wheel drive is advisable.

The New York Times - Travel

There is a backup battery compartment for rainy weather.

The New York Times

Rainy weather only added to the traffic issues.

The Washington Post

The teenagers reportedly complained to friends about the "cold and rainy" weather in Lancashire.

Independent

And with the day's rainy weather, Londoners will be right at home.

The New York Times

A waterproof curtain will be lowered in rainy weather to keep the musicians dry.

The New Yorker

(NASA says there is a 70 percent chance the launching will be delayed by rainy weather).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rainy weather" when you want to describe a general period of rain in a neutral or descriptive tone. It is universally understood and appropriate for both casual and formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using phrases like "wet rainy weather". Since rain is by definition wet, the adjective "wet" adds no new information and results in tautology. Opt for either "wet weather" or "rainy weather" individually.

Linguistic Context

As a noun phrase, "rainy weather" functions as the subject or object within a sentence to identify a specific meteorological state. It follows the standard English adjective-noun structure and is confirmed as a correct and usable phrase by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rainy weather" is a highly reliable and grammatically correct noun phrase used extensively across all major English registers. According to Ludwig AI, it is most frequently found in news reporting and educational content but maintains a strong presence in scientific and academic writing. Whether you are describing a simple atmospheric condition or documenting the impact of precipitation on biodiversity, this phrase is a versatile choice. It is most effective when used to describe the general state of the environment without redundant modifiers like "wet" or "damp".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wet weather

A very close synonym often used interchangeably in casual and news contexts.

rainy conditions

Focuses more on the state of the environment rather than just the atmospheric activity.

inclement weather

A more formal and professional term typically used in official reports or travel advisories.

damp weather

Implies a general state of moisture and humidity that may or may not include active rain.

overcast and rainy

Provides a more descriptive visual of the sky alongside the precipitation.

showery weather

Specifically denotes light or intermittent rain rather than a constant downpour.

stormy weather

Suggests more intense conditions involving wind, thunder or heavy rain.

gloomy weather

Adds an emotional or atmospheric connotation suggesting a lack of light.

precipitous conditions

A highly technical or scientific term referring to any form of falling water.

pluvial conditions

An academic or geological term relating specifically to rainfall patterns.

FAQs

How to use "rainy weather" in a sentence?

You can use it to set a scene or explain a delay, such as "The outdoor concert was postponed due to the expected "rainy weather"."

What can I say instead of "rainy weather"?

You can use alternatives like "<a href="/s/wet+weather" target="_blank" rel="alternative">wet weather", "<a href="/s/inclement+weather" target="_blank" rel="alternative">inclement weather" or "<a href="/s/rainy+conditions" target="_blank" rel="alternative">rainy conditions" depending on the desired level of formality.

Is "rainy weather" appropriate for scientific reports?

Yes, it is used in scientific journals such as ScienceDirect and Springer, though you might also encounter more specific terms like "<a href="/s/pluvial+events" target="_blank" rel="alternative">pluvial events" or "<a href="/s/high+precipitation" target="_blank" rel="alternative">high precipitation".

What is the difference between "rainy weather" and "wet weather"?

While often used as synonyms, "<a href="/s/wet+weather" target="_blank" rel="alternative">wet weather" can also refer to the aftermath of rain (damp ground and mist) whereas "rainy weather" specifically denotes the active occurrence of rainfall.