What is the origin of the idiom "dry spell" and when to use it?

The idiom "dry spell" originated from the English language and is used to describe a period of prolonged absence or scarcity of something, particularly referring to a lack of rainfall in the context of weather or a lack of success or productivity in other areas of life. The term "dry spell" draws its metaphorical meaning from the concept of a prolonged period without rain, signifying a period of drought or unproductivity.