Lorraine is located in the east of France, where the rainy season starts months earlier than other regions. By early May, thunderstorms are frequent, and entering June, there is continuous drizzle with occasional heavy downpours.
Although it was morning in Metz, the sky was dark as if it were night. The rain fell like beans hitting the river with a "patter," splashing small water flowers, causing the river to swell rapidly.
Haig's command post was set up at the Metz Grand Theater, which he deemed the most suitable place for reorganizing the troops.
His reorganization was for the attack, to be the first to step into German territory and declare the prowess and victory of the British Expeditionary Force.
As for the defense of Metz, he hadn't considered it at all.
The Germans would not attack Metz, which is also a place belonging to the French, and as a British general, he naturally would not think of building its fortifications and defenses.
