I can hear my grandmother Molly right now. “We are going to have a big storm, I can feel it in my bones!” She was mostly right without even looking at a weather forecast.
For many of us living with arthritis, changes in weather can bring on those aches and pains. I have done a great deal of research on this, since I am one of those who experience these aches and pains.
One of the main weather-related factors believed to affect arthritis is barometric pressure. This is the weight of the air around us, which can fluctuate dramatically, especially this time of year, as weather systems are much stronger. Cold and wet weather can cause tissues in our body to expand. This leads to increased pressure on joints, triggering aches and pains. Cold temperatures can also make arthritis pain worse. Our bodies tend to conserve heat in cold weather by directing more blood flow to our core, reducing it to our arms and legs. This can result in stiffer joints and pain. In our warm weather months many of us are outside, with plenty of physical activity. During the colder winter months, for many it is difficult to get motivated. We just want to stay inside and keep warm. This reduction in physical activity also causes joints to become stiffer and muscles to weaken, increasing joint pain. Regular exercise, and it does not have to be a big workout at the gym, can really help maintain joint mobility and muscle tone.
Cold weather can also be a double-edged sword for our health. Most of us feel invigorated but those suffering from asthma, cold air can constrict airways, making it more difficult to breath.
Changes in barometric pressure can also be a trigger for those suffering with migraines. A drop in barometric pressure can lead to an imbalance in the fluids surrounding the brain, triggering migraines in those sensitive to these changes.
My grandma Molly was right. Now we have the scientific data to back it up.
This time of year everyone wants to know if it is going to snow this winter. It’s been since 2017 since Atlanta has seen any measurable snow and I’m afraid this year, it’s not looking too good for the home team. Here is the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). We have a weak La Nina developing, which redirects the jet stream so that we mostly end up with a warmer and drier winter. This displaced jet stream brings colder temperatures and winter storms from the polar regions down into the northern and northwestern United States, which is where the snow will fall. Here’s a look at the monthly snowfall predictions but please remember, climate change has overwhelmed some of the natural processes of weather and there could be some anomalies, so stay tuned. Here are your snowfall predictions. The blue colors show the greatest snowfall potential. The yellows and oranges, dry with little if any snowfall potential.
Have a wonderful holiday season and Merry Christmas!
