As I sometimes reflect on the memories that linger most vividly, it’s rarely just the facts that stand out, but also it’s the weather that shaped those moments. A summer afternoon soaked in sunlight or a stormy night filled with the sound of howling winds. This connection between weather and memory lies at the heart of Matt Gaw’s In All Weathers, an exploration of how the elements shape not only our experiences but also the stories we carry through life.

Gaw invites us to step outside and truly experience the weather. Through his year-long journey of braving storms, basking in sunshine, and immersing himself in nature’s extremes, he redefines what it means to live with the weather. His quest takes him to remote corners, chasing the raw power of wind or the serene beauty of snow. Along the way, he reminds us that every drop, flake, and gust holds its own kind of magic if we let ourselves notice it.

I particularly loved his reflections on the character of different weather types. Rain, often tied to misery, becomes something more complex under our gaze. Mist and fog evoke confusion, while snow transforms the mundane into something rare and otherworldly. Gaw describes wind as “the world’s breath,” a force both elusive and essential, with the power to balance and disrupt. It’s a poetic yet grounded take on the elements, blending diary-like observations with snippets of science that enrich the narrative.

In All Weathers is about weather and it’s about our relationship with it. Gaw’s writing encourages us to look again at the sky, to step into the rain or the wind, and to embrace the wonder and discomfort of the elements. This book reminded me to find beauty even in the most unpredictable days. And isn’t that what weather—and life—are all about?

Author: Matt Gaw

Publication date: 16 January 2025

Number of pages: 223 pages