Hiking in the rain

[hikingshoes]

I enjoy a hike in the rain but Thunderstorms on the other hand is a little much. I'm going with some friend to hike Fontana to NOC on july 13,2012 . The weather is calling for:
fri. 60% rain/thunderstorms
sat. 20% rain/thunderstorms
sun.50% rain/thunderstorms
What would you guys do?

[coheterojo]

I'd make sure I packed my rain gear!

[kayak karl]

i would hike. any chance to do that stretch again would be great. at least you will have water (not joking. heard it was dry)

[Rasty]

I would go. Pretty much a normal July forecast. It going to be hot and its cooler hiking in the rain. I usually don't wear my rain gear unless I'm getting chilled.

[Malto]

You have it wrong. Forecast...
40% chance of no rain friday
80% chance no rain saturday
50% chance no rain sunday

See, it's a whole lot better!

[moldy]

It won't rain at all. This is wishful thinking for drought relief by the weather guessers.

[Wise Old Owl]

Its Scattered T-Storms... Suggest going!

Moldy is leaning towards conspiracy theory!

[Biggie Master]

I would go... Just be careful if it's raining on that last day -- the last 6 to 7 miles (after Cheoah Bald) are a pretty steady descent, and on a rain slick trail you could slide all the way into the Nantahala river at NOC.

[Miami Joe]

I'll be in the GSMNP this weekend with my oldest son and I'm praying for rain and cooler conditions. We did a three-day loop last weekend in Cherokee in oppressive conditions. Water was scarce, 100+ degrees during the day and 85+ degrees at night. Did see two black bears, four boars, two piglets, a big rat snake and two "mountain tarantulas," so it was worth it. Bringing my rain gear.

[rocketsocks]

I'd go, but I love a good Thunderstorm, scary as they may be at times, it's almost a prerequisite.

[chiefduffy]

What would you guys do?

Go hiking.

[hikingshoes]

UPDATE!!! Looks like Im hiking...Just got my new tarp so due to rain I think i my take my hammock/tarp, if i get my rope for my tarp tie outs.

[MkBibble]

Enjoy your trip!

[Astro]

I would go... Just be careful if it's raining on that last day -- the last 6 to 7 miles (after Cheoah Bald) are a pretty steady descent, and on a rain slick trail you could slide all the way into the Nantahala river at NOC.

As I remember from last summer there are parts with lots of rocks, so be careful if they are wet and slippery.

[MuddyWaters]

Pretty uncommon to find a forecast without chance of rain in the summer. Basically the weather service is saying "we dont really know".
>80%, it will probably rain , < 30, probably not, in between, flip a coin.

I have gone with forecast of 60% and scattered thunderstorms for the week, and had beautiful weather If there is a frontal system approaching, you can probably count on t-storms.

[coach lou]

You have it wrong. Forecast...
40% chance of no rain friday
80% chance no rain saturday
50% chance no rain sunday

See, it's a whole lot better!

I like your positive view point!

[Praha4]

go for it. You'll welcome the showers in this heat. of course lightning is another matter.

[Deadeye]

I'd bring my umbrella. Most breathable raingear available!

[MuddyWaters]

Also look at accuweather and see how much rain expected. sometimes the forecast shows 60% chance thunderstorms. Looks horrible. Then the amt of rain is like 0.5 hr and .1 inch. Again, they are just coveing their butts, someone will have a thunderstorm, somewhere, in hot weather in the afternoon.

[hikingshoes]

Update!! Had to chg my plans anyway so I didnt get to hike at all..