I know it's probably the wrong category - maybe not - but it's my first post.

I have an idea to construct a sheltered drying room for the outdoors of buildings but it will need some kind of sensor to gauge whether it is raining or not. My first thought was a simple plate, but then I thought there must be something more sophisticated but quite cheap. I tried the staff in a Maplins (the UK version of Radio Shack) but the guy was busy and less than helpful with this "girlie".

Does anyone have any ideas? I should add - in case you haven't guessed - that I'm not very technically-minded!

This is what they use for irrigation systems.

http://www.rainbird.com/homeowner/products/timers/RainCheck.htm

Not sure if it would work for you. If I can ask, why do you need to know if it is raining?