There’s scientific evidence that people

Despite sunny days, Manchester residents know it’s wise to always carry an umbrella, as rain is never far off. Many people claim they can smell rain before it starts, sparking debate online. Social media users have shared stories of friends doubting their ability to detect an approaching storm by scent. However, science supports this phenomenon, referring to the distinct smell as “petrichor.” Coined in 1964 by Australian scientists Isabel Joy Bear and Richard G. Thomas, the term describes the earthy aroma released when rain hits dry soil, derived from the Greek words “petros” (stone) and “ichor” (fluid of the gods).

Those who can smell rain describe it as a unique sensation, sometimes attributed to ozone, though it can occur even without thunderstorms. One person recalled childhood memories of enjoying the rain’s scent, while another noted that the smell often accompanies a drop in barometric pressure before a storm. This ability to detect rain beforehand is common, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall, and many find the scent both comforting and familiar.