THE HEATWAVE OF the last few weeks is over, at least for the moment. And we can look forward to several days of grey skies and rain.

From one angle, this is disappointing. But it DOES have a positive side.

Feel free to share this article with anyone who needs cheering up about the weather. Here are the reasons to be happy – secretly, at least – about the rain:

1. This terrible affliction is a thing of the past

Thank goodness, we can all enjoy our cuppas again.

2. You can stop pretending to enjoy wearing summer clothing

As we all know, wearing a lot of clothing is deeply and fundamentally comforting to the Irish soul.

3. You don't have to feel guilty about staying indoors any more!

We can all throw the frisbees to the back of the cupboard and go back to doing what we do best: bingeing on box sets.

Flickr/David Boyle

4. Let's be honest. Irish people were not designed to be topless.

And there have been WAY too many topless people around the last few weeks.

Flickr/the bbp

5. At last, a good night's sleep

Something is wrong when the entire country is sleeping like this. Also, couples were suddenly embroiled in furious fights trying to put the duvet on the other person.

STOP! YOU'RE GIVING ME ALL THE DUVET.

OK, LET'S JUST PILE IT UP IN THE MIDDLE AND LIE EITHER SIDE OF IT WITHOUT TOUCHING.

Flickr/Lizzie279

6. No more desperate searches for pubs with beer gardens

Our dark, windowless drinking establishments feel RIGHT once more. What a relief.

Flickr/Pretty/Ugly Design

7. And finally, we can complain about the weather again

No more awkward situations! Simply start with...

...and take it from there.

Enjoy returning to normality!

Warning! These images may upset some readers>

Floods and downpours! This is the scene in Galway city this afternoon>