Can You Actually Feel a Storm Coming, or Is That Just a Myth

Have you ever heard someone say, “I can feel a storm coming”? Maybe it’s your grandparent predicting rain because their knee aches, or a friend claiming they get headaches before a thunderstorm. Some people even insist the air "smells like rain" hours before the first drop falls. But can humans really detect incoming weather, or is it just a mix of coincidence and imagination? Science has some interesting answers.

How Changes in Air Pressure Affect the Body

The most common explanation for "feeling" a storm is barometric pressure—the weight of the air around us. Before a storm, the pressure drops significantly, and for some people, this change can trigger physical reactions.

• Joint Pain: People with arthritis or past injuries often report aches and stiffness before storms. The theory is that lower air pressure causes body tissues to expand slightly, putting extra pressure on joints.
• Headaches and Migraines: Some migraine sufferers notice headaches intensify when a storm is approaching, possibly due to pressure-related changes in blood vessels.
• Sinus Issues: A shift in air pressure can affect sinuses, leading to congestion, ear popping, or general discomfort.

Can You Smell a Storm Coming?

Believe it or not, there’s some truth to the idea that you can "smell" rain before it arrives. The scent many people notice is called petrichor—a mix of plant oils, bacteria, and chemicals that are released when rain interacts with dry soil. Before a storm, winds can carry this scent ahead of the actual rainfall, making it seem like your nose is predicting the weather.

Lightning also plays a role. When a storm is nearby, electrical activity in the atmosphere can create ozone, which has a sharp, slightly metallic smell. If you’ve ever noticed a distinct scent in the air before a thunderstorm, this could be why.

Animals Sense Storms—Can We?

It’s well-documented that animals react to weather changes. Birds fly lower before a storm, dogs may become restless, and cows supposedly lie down before rain (though science is still debating that one). Many animals have heightened sensitivity to pressure changes, humidity shifts, and even the low-frequency sounds of distant thunder.

Humans, on the other hand, aren’t as naturally attuned to these signals. However, some researchers believe that people who are more in tune with their bodies—such as those sensitive to migraines or joint pain—may pick up on weather shifts better than others.

The Verdict: Science Backs It—Kind Of

While it’s not exactly a superpower, there’s scientific evidence that some people can physically react to approaching storms. Whether it’s due to air pressure, scent changes, or electrical shifts, the body does pick up on subtle environmental cues. So the next time someone says they "feel" a storm coming, they might just be onto something.