As the last couple of weeks have shown, the weather in the UK at this time of year can be pretty weird. One minute it’s bright and sunny, the next there’s a thunderstorm crashing above your head as rain lashes against the window. It’s a lot to take in.

But trying to work out what on earth to wear to feel comfortable isn’t the only impact this strange weather pattern can have on our day-to-day lives. In fact, sudden changes in the weather can affect our bodies, too.  

If you’ve ever noticed that you feel tired, lethargic and achy when the weather is all over the place, you’ll know what we’re talking about. The changing weather doesn’t just have the power to impact your mood – thanks to a phenomenon some experts call ‘weather whiplash’, sudden changes in temperature, pressure and humidity levels can cause physical symptoms, too. 

“When the weather changes from full sun to cloud and rain it can make us feel lethargic and exhausted,” explains Parvinder Sagoo, lead medical adviser and clinician at Simply Meds Online. “High levels of humidity brought on from rainy weather makes the temperature feel warmer than it actually is, and if the sun has also been out this quick and sharp level of change can confuse our body which leaves us feeling tired, agitated and lethargic.”

On top of this, Sagoo adds, changes in the weather can also cause headaches thanks to the changes in pressure associated with shifting weather conditions. 

“Gloomy, grey skies, high humidity and recurring storms can often bring on head pain and pressure,” he explains. “These types of headaches are known as barometric pressure headaches, and occur after there is a drop in barometric pressure. This is because the pressure changes can trigger both chemical and electrical changes in the brain which then aggravate the nerves and lead to headaches.”

Symptomatically, barometric pressure headaches are typically similar to usual headaches or migraines, but there are a handful of other symptoms to look out for, including nausea and vomiting, as well as increased sensitivity to light and a foggy mind.  

And while Sagoo acknowledges there’s not much you can do to avoid changes in the weather, there are a handful of things you can do to ease symptoms and make the experience easier. 

“I would advise drinking plenty of water throughout the day when the weather starts to change and keeping hydration levels up and taking frequent breaks from your phone or computer screen to prevent eye strain and further sensitivity,” Sagoo says.

“You can also try taking a hot bath or shower to try and relax tense muscles, applying a heating pad or ice pack to your head for five minutes several times a day, and, if you’re working at a desk, sit up straight and take regular breaks to walk around,” he adds.

Sagoo also suggests trying to get outside once a day (wearing sunglasses if you’re experiencing eye sensitivity), and giving yourself a head or temple massage to relieve tension.

“Migraine medication is also an option if you find yourself experiencing these headaches more frequently,” he adds. “You should visit your GP if you are experiencing headaches consistently and severely and if they are interfering with your daily life.” 

Images: Getty