Have you ever found yourself feeling happy on a sunny day, and gloomier on a cloudy day? Well, you are not the only one! This is because energy in your body is signaled to decrease by cold weather. Our circadian rhythms are our bodies’ natural sleep and wake cycle. Typically, light awakens your circadian clock, and darkness relaxes it. That is why you may feel more tired on days with less sunshine- your body may feel more relaxed! On the other hand, higher temperatures may increase your anxiety and irritability, because it can elevate cortisol levels (cortisol is your stress hormone), palpitations etc.^[2] 

Humidity is the measurement of water vapor present in the air. A high amount of water vapor in the air means higher humidity. When the weather is humid, you may find yourself having a harder time to breathe and move. This is caused by an increase of the density of certain molecules present in the air, such as Hydrogen and Nitrogen. As a result, our lungs will have a harder time obtaining the oxygen from the air. This alters air quality, which in turn, can make us feel uneasy.^[4] 

Your body can also sense fluctuations in atmospheric pressure. The superior vestibular nucleus in your brain controls equilibrium, perception, and balance. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in your body, which controls your mood and appetite. Atmospheric pressure may influence serotonin metabolism, and it could affect appetite, mood regulations, and even fever.^[5] 

In instances when it is raining, atmospheric pressure drops. This drop will be sensed by your body, which in response, may cause changes to your joints. One type of joint is called the synovial joint. Our synovial joints contain cavities, which are filled with a viscous solution called synovial fluid.^[7] Those who are affected with Arthritis may experience swelling in their soft tissues, which is caused by the expansion of the fluid in their joints, during rain. This contraction may cause pain to the nerves which surround the joint. Tendons and muscles may also expand during this time, also bringing about discomfort. But, one may relieve this pain by staying active, hydrated, and keeping warm.^[6] 

References

[1] Swaim, E. (2022, August 12). How the weather might affect your mood and energy. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/weather-and-mood#the-effects 

[2] Anna.Docking. (2022, July 20). Summer and anxiety. Mental Health UK. https://mentalhealth-uk.org/blog/summer-and-anxiety/#:~:text=Increased%20temperatures%20cause%20higher%20cortisol

[3] Nast, C. (2022, October 17). The Scientific Reason Why Rain Can Really Dampen Your Mood. SELF. https://www.self.com/story/why-rain-affects-mood-mental-health#:~:text=A%20dose%20of%20morning%20light

[4] Humidity doesn’t just make you sweaty and uncomfortable—it can make you sick. (2017, July 26). HealthPartners Blog. https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/humidity-can-make-you-sick/

[5] Boker, S. M., Leibenluft, E., Deboeck, P. R., Virk, G., & Postolache, T. T. (2008). Mood Oscillations and Coupling Between Mood and Weather in Patients with Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder. International Journal of Child Health and Human Development : IJCHD, 1(2), 181–203. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2651091/#:~:text=There%20are%20several%20indirect%20reasons

[6] Orthobethesda. (2019, August 5). Why Your Body Aches When It Rains | OrthoBethesda. Ortho Bethesda. https://www.orthobethesda.com/blog/why-your-body-aches-when-it-rains/#:~:text=When%20there%27s%20a%20rainstorm%2C%20atmospheric

[7] Tamer, T. M. (2013). Hyaluronan and synovial joint: function, distribution and healing. Interdisciplinary Toxicology, 6(3), 111–125. https://doi.org/10.2478/intox-2013-0019