The journey home when the weather has changed

Short answer: Afternoon weather is rarely the same as the morning's. A thin layer in your bag covers most changes without taking up space, so the trip home does not turn cold.

The temperature drops after four

From late afternoon the temperature falls quickly, especially as the sun goes down. You left home in mild weather and now face something quite different. It is one of the most common reasons for feeling cold on the way home. A layer such as a bamboo hoodie for men covers the gap.

Wind makes the big difference

Five metres per second feels like five degrees colder, and wind is often strongest in the afternoon. It is the wind more than the temperature that makes the trip home cold. A close fitting layer such as a bamboo tank top for men keeps warmth near the body so the wind cannot reach your skin.

Rain rarely gives warning

A shower can arrive with little notice, especially between seasons. A thin layer that copes with getting damp saves the trip home. Your feet are covered by bamboo socks for men and women that still keep you warm when damp. That matters when your shoes are not fully waterproof.

Pack your bag in the morning

The easiest approach is to make a habit of keeping a thin layer in your bag every day. Then you do not need to check the afternoon forecast before you leave. Roll the layer up and put it at the bottom. It takes almost no space and is there when you need it.

Check the weather before you leave work

A quick look at temperature and wind before you leave work tells you whether to pull on the extra layer. It takes a moment and saves you from feeling cold for the first few minutes. Put the layer on indoors so you are ready as you step into the wind.

Close fitting clothes keep wind out

Loose clothing lets the wind in to cool your skin. A close fitting inner layer holds warm air near your body. Paired with an outer layer that covers well, the trip home is more comfortable even on a windy day. You do not need much clothing, just the right layers in the right order.

When you get home damp

If you got wet on the way, change into something dry as soon as you are inside. Damp clothes cool you, even indoors. Hang the wet things up to dry and put on something soft and dry. Your body then warms up faster, and the chill does not linger all evening.

Learn from the days you were cold

Every cold trip home is a lesson. Was it the wind, the rain or simply the temperature? Use that the next time you pack your bag. After a few weeks you will know what to bring, and the trip home becomes something you no longer think about.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the temperature drop

Often three to six degrees between four and six in the evening, and the drop is most noticeable as the sun goes down.

What should go in the bag

A thin layer and perhaps a spare pair of socks, so you are covered if the weather changes in the afternoon.

What does the wind do

Every five metres per second feels like roughly five degrees colder, so a windy afternoon feels much colder than the thermometer shows.