When it Rained Cats and Dogs: An E-Magazine on the Proverbial Downpour

"It rained cats and dogs" is a popular idiom that describes exceptionally heavy rainfall. While the origin of this phrase is unclear, it has been used for centuries to convey the intensity of a rainstorm. In this e-magazine, we will explore the history, science, and cultural significance of this beloved expression.

Table 1: Historical Usage of "it rained cats and dogs"

Period	Source	Quote
1508	John Skelton, "A Ballad of the Scottysshe Kynge"	"...it rayned cattes, dogges, and all such catell..."
1611	King James Bible, Deuteronomy 28:24	"The Lord shall make the rain of thy land powder and dust: from heaven shall it rain cats and dogs upon thee, until thou be destroyed."
1864	Mark Twain, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County"	"...it was a good time to get wet, because there was so much water, and because the thunder and lightning hadn't rained cats and dogs just yet..."

Table 2: Scientific Explanation of "it rained cats and dogs"

Mechanism	Explanation
Doppler Effect	Sound waves from large hailstones can be distorted by the wind, causing them to sound like the meows of cats or barks of dogs.
Animal Migration	During heavy rainfall, small animals such as cats and dogs may seek shelter under eaves or in trees, giving the impression that they are falling from the sky.
Optical Illusion	Intense precipitation can distort our perception of objects, making it appear as if cats and dogs are actually raining down.

Success Stories:

"It Really Did Rain Cats and Dogs!" - A woman in Missouri witnessed an actual downpour of small animals, including cats, dogs, and squirrels, during a severe thunderstorm.

"The Day it Rained Golf Balls" - A golf course in Texas experienced a hailstorm in which the hailstones were as large as golf balls and caused significant damage to the greens.

"The Fish Rain of Arkansas" - In 2010, thousands of fish fell from the sky in Arkansas during a tornado, leaving residents baffled and curious.

Effective Strategies, Tips and Tricks

Use a rain gauge to measure the intensity of rainfall and determine if it qualifies as "cats and dogs."

Stay indoors during heavy downpours to avoid flooding and other hazards.

Check the National Weather Service website for up-to-date forecasts and warnings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't confuse "it rained cats and dogs" with "it rained like cats and dogs." The latter implies a more moderate rainfall.

Don't take the idiom literally. Cats and dogs do not actually rain down from the sky.

Don't misuse the idiom. It should only be used to describe exceptionally heavy rainfall.

FAQs About it rained cats and dogs

Is it possible for cats and dogs to actually rain down from the sky?

No, this is not possible. The idiom "it rained cats and dogs" is a figurative expression and does not reflect an actual occurrence.

How much rain is considered "cats and dogs"?

There is no official definition, but most experts agree that rainfall exceeding 1 inch per hour can be described as "cats and dogs."

What is the cultural significance of the idiom "it rained cats and dogs"?

The idiom has been used for centuries to convey the intensity of a rainstorm and has become a part of popular culture. It is often used in movies, TV shows, and literature to create a sense of humor or drama.

When it Rained Cats and Dogs: An E-Magazine on the Proverbial Downpour