Check the weather for the destination

A sheltered town can feel calm while an exposed coast or hillside has a very different afternoon. Check the forecast for the actual destination and the period you expect to be there.

Look at more than the rain symbol. Wind, temperature, warnings and the timing of changes can all affect whether a route suits the day. Check again before departure, then pay attention to conditions as they develop.

Have an alternative that does not depend on the same weather. A lower, sheltered route is not automatically safe in a severe-weather warning; sometimes the appropriate change is to postpone the outdoor plan entirely.

If thunder is possible, plan access to a substantial enclosed building or a fully enclosed hard-topped vehicle. Open shelters and isolated trees are not safe lightning shelters. When you hear thunder, seek proper shelter promptly rather than waiting for rain.