Surely, you can imagine the smell right now.

We Know The Smell All Too Well

Rainwater gutter downspout with water pouring out onto cement
KaraGrubis
loading...

In Central New York, one thing we are no strangers to is rain, or any weather really. In the winter we get barreled by snow, meanwhile, in the warmer months, we become doused in rain. During those months, an aroma comes with the precipitation.

Perhaps You Can Even Smell This Picture

Doggy in a puddle
druvo
loading...

You might be led to believe it is the thing that is wet that is creating the smell, and in many instances like the dog above, it is. There is more to it. Rain brings a smell before it even begins. Imagine a thunderstorm before it comes. You can feel the moisture in the air, you can smell the storm.

How Is That Possible?

Energy of molecule or atom
anusorn nakdee
loading...

It is science. It is called Geosmin. Geosmin occurs in a variety of natural ways, in food form it can be found in beets. Beets have an earthy taste, and geosmin is the reason why. Geosmin also is carried in the wind when it rains.

According to ACS, the human nose can pick up the scent pretty easily. A very small amount actually has to be present to be noticed.

What Does It Smell Like?

Attractive man breathing outdoor
AntonioGuillem
loading...

If you've been living under a rock, you actually might know the smell best. It is an earthy smell. That musty, muggy, dirty smell rain brings is actually the Geosmin. A smell we are getting accustomed to for 2022 with April showers in Central New York.

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

TIPS: Here's how you can prepare for power outages

KEEP READING: Get answers to 51 of the most frequently asked weather questions...

Never Ending Rain Creates Ferocious Flash Flooding in CNY

Constant rain creates flash flooding in Central New York

KEEP READING: What to do after a tornado strikes

More From WDOS-WDLA-WCHN CNY News