Feeling Under the Weather? Why Rain and Pressure Might Actually Be to Blame

Have you ever sworn your joints ache more just before a storm? Or felt inexplicably sluggish and heavy on a day with oppressive high pressure, even if the sun is out? You are certainly not alone. The connection between weather patterns and how we feel, both physically and mentally, has a basis in science, particularly concerning changes in atmospheric pressure and conditions like rain.

What is Atmospheric Pressure?

Atmospheric pressure is essentially the weight of the air column pressing down on us. This pressure isn't constant, and fluctuates as weather systems move. Low pressure typically brings stormy, wet weather as air rises, cools, and condenses. High pressure usually means calmer, clearer skies as air sinks, but it can sometimes trap air near the surface.

Why Might Pressure Changes Affect Us?

Our bodies are accustomed to a certain level of external pressure. When this changes, subtle shifts can occur internally:

• Joint Pain (Especially Arthritis): This is one of the most commonly reported links. The leading theory suggests that when outside air pressure drops (often before rain), there's less force pushing against our bodies. This allows tissues, including the fluid-filled sacs around our joints (synovial capsules), to expand ever so slightly. In joints already sensitive due to arthritis or injury, this tiny expansion can irritate nerves and increase pain or stiffness. While less studied, significant increases in pressure might also cause discomfort as the body adjusts, though the low-pressure link is more frequently cited for acute pain flares. The change itself seems key.
• Headaches and Migraines: Changes in barometric pressure – both rising and falling – are known triggers for headaches and migraines in susceptible individuals. The exact mechanism isn't fully understood but might involve pressure differences affecting the sinuses, ears, or even causing small changes in blood flow within the brain.
• High Pressure "Heaviness": While low pressure gets blamed for aches, some people report feeling tired, sluggish, or even experiencing a low mood during stable high-pressure systems. This is less clear-cut physiologically. It could be linked to potentially stagnant air quality often associated with high pressure, or perhaps it's a more subtle physiological response to the constant, heavier pressure itself.

And What About the Rain Itself?

Rainy weather brings more than just pressure changes:

• Humidity: Rain significantly increases air humidity. High humidity can make the air feel thicker and harder to breathe, especially for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. It can also contribute to general feelings of fatigue and lethargy, and promote the growth of mold, an allergen for many.
• Lack of Sunlight: Grey, rainy days mean less exposure to sunlight. Sunlight plays a vital role in regulating our circadian rhythms and boosting serotonin levels (a mood-influencing neurotransmitter). Reduced sunlight can lead to lower energy, dips in mood, and exacerbate conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
• Behavioural Changes: Rainy weather often keeps us indoors, potentially reducing physical activity, limiting social interaction, and disrupting routines – all factors that can independently affect mood and energy levels.

A Complex Picture

It’s crucial to remember that these effects vary hugely from person to person. Not everyone is sensitive to weather changes, and the exact mechanisms are still being researched. How you feel on any given day is a complex interplay of weather, underlying health conditions, stress levels, sleep quality, and more.

Understanding the weather can help us understand more about our surroundings and our health. The OpenWeather App is an easy and free-to-use mobile app that gives you instant access to accurate weather information, no matter where you are in the world. In addition, using the OpenWeather Dashboard can give accurate current and forecast data for any global location, along with tailored reports and alerts, perfect for any organisation to keep ahead of the curve with weather-related conditions that might affect their employees.