How September's Heavy Rain Might Be Fuelling The Paranormal

Historically, extreme weather conditions are often linked with heightened reports of ghostly encounters. During the 2018 summer heatwave, for example, some ghost hunters reported a noticeable uptick in paranormal activity as temperatures soared. Thunderstorms are also often associated with hauntings, as the vast amount of energy released by lightning strikes - up to one billion joules - could theoretically provide spirits with the energy needed to manifest.

However, in the current wet spell, rain remains the dominant feature of the weather. Could this heavy rainfall also affect the paranormal? Some investigators believe it might. Theories suggest that water - especially flowing water - can act as a conductor of spiritual energy, and properties near rivers or with underground watercourses are said to have a higher potential for hauntings.

Rain itself might play a role too. When moisture falls from the atmosphere, it releases energy in the form of kinetic energy, which some believe could be harnessed by spirits. Additionally, distant heavy rain can cause infrasound, low-frequency vibrations that are often linked to paranormal experiences. Infrasound has been shown to induce feelings of discomfort, disorientation, and even apparitions, which may explain why more paranormal activity is reported during heavy storms.

In recent days, many parts of England and Wales have experienced significant rainfall and flooding, with roads and railways closed and homes evacuated. The London Fire Brigade responded to over 350 flood-related incidents, rescuing people from homes and cars, while National Rail and Transport for London reported widespread service disruptions. Even animals have been affected, with ponies and sheep being rescued from flooded farms in places like Marston Moretaine. 

With all this water, could ghosts be more active? There's some evidence to suggest that hauntings are more likely near bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and wells, and that spirits may use rainstorms as a sort of "trigger." Ghost hunters often use trigger objects, familiar items to which a spirit might respond. It's possible that rain could act similarly, particularly if the spirit is tied to a death that occurred during stormy weather.

This theory is supported by numerous reports of "weather-dependent apparitions" - ghosts that only appear under certain atmospheric conditions. Whether during fog, sunshine, or rain, these spirits are said to manifest when the weather matches the conditions of a significant moment in their existence, such as the day they died.

In modern times, rain has continued to be associated with ghost sightings. For instance, the Paranormal Database lists several ghosts linked to rainy weather, such as a phantom woman in a raincoat on the A435 in Warwickshire, who vanishes in front of drivers' eyes. Similarly, the ghostly sound of singing has been reported at Ewloe Castle in Wales, particularly when it is raining.

As we head towards another bout of rainfall midweek, now might be an ideal time for ghost hunters to test these theories. Documenting the weather conditions during an investigation could reveal patterns in paranormal activity. Does rain increase the number of ghostly occurrences, or does it make spirits harder to detect?

One caveat to keep in mind is that investigating during heavy rain presents its own challenges. The sound of rain hitting the roof, walls, or windows can easily be mistaken for unexplained noises, and the constant dripping of water in old, leaky buildings can produce strange sounds that could be misinterpreted as paranormal. Additionally, recording devices may struggle to pick up Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) over the background noise of the downpour.

But whether you're a sceptic or a believer, the connection between rain and the supernatural remains an intriguing one. The only way to truly know whether rain stirs up the spirits is to investigate it yourself. As parts of the UK continue to face ongoing weather warnings, including potential further flooding and road closures, it might be the perfect time to see if the rain brings the ghosts out - or simply dampens the spirits.