Scientists say some people have the ability to smell when rain is coming

Some people claim they can detect rain before it even starts.
Most of Europe may be experiencing a heatwave right now as temperatures saw above the 40 degrees mark, but for those of us in Ireland, it’s all too familiar with the past few weeks of rain.

Predicting the outcome of the weather is often foolish, as it’s likely to change five minutes later.

Some people, however, believe that they are able to detect it before it even arrives.

Scientists say some people have the ability to smell when rain is coming.
Usually, if it rains after a prolonged period of sunshine, you are able to smell rain but now others have said that they can pick up its scent before it has even arrived, while others have dismissed the idea altogether.

Yet, with the help of scientific research, it has been revealed that there is evidence to prove some people have the ability to smell the rain before it arrives in what is known as ‘petrichor’.

Petrichor originates from the Greek language word ‘Petros’, which means stone (as in petrify), and ichor, which was the substance that flowed through the veins of the Greek gods.

That smell is produced by a solid bacteria known as ‘geosmin’ and the ability to even smell it is considered quite extraordinary given that it is more powerful than a shark’s ability to be able to detect blood.

You’ll often be able to detect this smell after a spell of rain, as when raindrops hit the ground they flatten out and trap little pockets of air before bubbling up and taking any other chemicals and microorganisms into the air with them.

Another chemical, ‘Ozone’, also plays a role in the smell of rain and is much sweeter than petrichor and can sometimes indicate that a storm is on the way.

Related Posts

Barbara Eden, 91: A Living Legend Still Thriving Decades After I Dream of Jeannie

At 91 years old, Barbara Eden is proving that age is no barrier to an extraordinary career. With a remarkable 70 years in the entertainment industry, Eden…

The Function of the Loose Tip

Why Measuring Tapes Have a Loose Tip — And Why It Matters If you’ve ever noticed the metal tip of your measuring tape wobbles slightly, you might…

How to Use This Strange-Looking Kitchen Tool — Explained Simply

Start your morning right with a perfectly soft-boiled egg—firm white, gooey yolk, and crisp toast soldiers for dipping. But cracking that delicate shell with a spoon or…

Heroic Dad of 3 and Camp Counselors Brave Texas Flood to Save Lives

Amid the devastating floods that swept through the Guadalupe River region in Texas, stories of remarkable courage have surfaced. One of the most powerful is that of…

My Husband Puts Up a ‘Do Not Disturb’ Sign Whenever I Ask for Help with the Kids — Until I Taught Him a Lesson He’d Never Forget

I was up to my neck in diapers and midnight feedings when my husband found a new way to say, “Not my problem” He didn’t say it…

He Sat Beneath A War Memorial In Silence—But His Dog Told Me Everything

People were posing for selfies in front of the statue. Smiling. Peace signs. One couple argued quietly, like the granite soldier might overhear. But I only saw…