What Causes the ‘Smell’ of Rain Before It Falls?

Before it rains, the air smells like rain because tiny bits of dirt and plants release a special smell. This happens when the ground gets wet from the rain that’s about to come. It's like the Earth is saying, 'I'm ready for the rain!'

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Examples

After a long summer drought, you take a deep breath before the first raindrops hit your skin.
Your grandmother’s garden smells fresh and inviting right before it rains.
You feel happy and refreshed when you smell that familiar ‘rainy’ scent on a warm afternoon.

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Categories: Science · science,weather,sensory perception