The Woman in the House: Is the fear of rain a real thing?

In Netflix’s newest original series The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window, Kristen Bell plays a heartbroken and grieving woman who has suffered a traumatic loss that has forever changed her life.

Minor spoilers from The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window spoilers ahead.

Without spoiling anything for those who haven’t yet completed the film, Bell’s character Anna loses someone close to her which leads her to become somewhat of a recluse who spends every day sitting in front of the window drinking wine and watching life pass her by.

As we learn, this traumatic event also leads to Anna developing a debilitating fear of rain so bad that she avoids going outside if the forecast calls for rain. When she does find herself outside when rain strikes, Anna becomes overwhelmed by her fear which causes her to faint or become immobilized.

Given the series is a satirical comedy, Anna’s fear of rain has raised a lot of questions among fans who have become quite curious to know if it’s a legitimate fear or a work of fiction created solely by the writers.

Is the fear of rain a real thing?

If you’re watching The Woman in the House and wondering whether the fear of the rain is an actual phobia, we can confirm it is a confirmed and recognized phobia in the medical community.

According to FearOf.net, a fear of the rain often manifests during childhood; however, according to Psychologist Arturo Bados it can also be triggered by a negative experience in an individual’s life related to torrential rains or storms.

As explained within the show, Anna’s fear of the rain stems from its connection to the traumatic loss she experienced in her life which is true to how the fear of rain can develop within adults.

What is the fear of rain called?

The fear of rain is often referred to as Ombrophobia or Pluviophobia. The term Ombrophobia originates from the Greek words “Ombros” which means “rain, rainfall; excessive moisture,” and phobos which in Greek means “fear” or “horror.” Phobos is also the god and personification of fear and panic in Greek mythology.

The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window season 1 is streaming now on Netflix.