What’s the word for the smell of rain and what causes it?

Petrichor is the word for the smell produced when rain hits dry ground.

(Picture: Ryoji Iwata/Unsplash)

Following a record-breaking heatwave, the UK is finally experiencing a break from the sun, with rain forecast across the UK.

As it’s only mid-August, some people may have been hoping for a couple more weeks of warm weather, while others are sure to see the back of 35C heat.