Can West Virginians really smell rain coming?

WEST VIRGINIA (LOOTPRESS) – Residents across West Virginia have long claimed they can smell rain in the air before a storm hits, and science confirms there’s truth to this ability.

The distinctive smell is caused by a combination of environmental factors that occur as rain approaches.

One of the main contributors to the smell of rain is petrichor, a term used to describe the earthy scent produced when rain hits dry soil.

Petrichor is created by oils released by plants and soil bacteria that combine with rainwater to release a pleasant, fresh smell into the air. This scent is more noticeable in areas with rich soil, like the hills and valleys of West Virginia.

Another factor is the ozone smell that can appear before a storm.

Ozone, a gas that has a sharp, clean scent, is created when lightning strikes during thunderstorms.

Strong winds before the rain can carry ozone from the upper atmosphere to the ground, allowing people to smell it before the storm.

The third element involves geosmin, an organic compound produced by soil-dwelling microbes.

When rain hits the ground, these compounds are released into the air, enhancing the earthy aroma associated with rain.

These scents are more noticeable in rural areas, like much of West Virginia, due to the abundance of forests and less pollution.

So, when locals say they can smell a storm coming, they’re not imagining things—they’re picking up on nature’s signals.