From sweaty armpits to giant objects, just about anything can be a turn-on.

So it probably won’t surprise many to discover that it’s possible to be sexually aroused by thunderstorms.

You might not have heard of it, but it’s what’s known as Keraunophilia, and it’s not just the thunder itself that gets people going.

The kink can extend to the wider sensory experience of a storm – everything from lightning strikes and heavy rain to the sound of wind and the atmosphere that comes with being caught in a storm.

Why do people find thunderstorms sexy?

New research from Pour Moi revealed that 37 per cent of Brits believe stormy weather increases their sexual desire, while more than 53 per cent agree that dark, rainy evenings make them feel more in the mood.

These sentiments have been echoed on social media, with people claiming it’s the ‘wild’ and ‘exciting’ nature of storms that does it for them.

‘I just realised how crazy turned on I get about thunderstorms,’ one person shared anonymously on Reddit. ‘It’s definitely a thing for me […] something about the way the wild weather is like mirroring the passion of sex.’

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They added: ‘I’ve always loved thunderstorms regardless of sexual connotation. They just make me feel buzzing and alive and excited.’

Another posted: ‘I get so frisky during a thunderstorm! My favorite part is right before it starts raining, when you stand outside and see the grey clouds coming and the wind blowing strongly around you. I love the sound of the thunder and watching the lightning. 

‘If it is really warm that day, I stand out facing the storm and let the rain soak me until it is lightning. Then I get my a** inside! It’s just the most thrilling experience. 

‘Now that I am married, I just want to get wet by the rain, then come inside and strip off my clothes and ride my husband cowgirl style!’

And someone else commented: ‘It’s like an electric excitement; I get hyper and giddy, and sometimes I get horny too.’

For others, it was the idea that the storm keeps them ‘trapped’ inside the house that they found most appealing.

‘I love thunderstorms, and they turn me on thinking about them and being trapped inside with a willing partner. I’d definitely say I have an appreciation for them,’ someone else wrote.

What does an expert say?

Sex and relationships psychotherapist, Gigi Engle, tells Metro that there are a few key reasons why storms might have this kind of effect on people.

The most obvious, she says, is the sensory component.

‘Thunder is loud, visceral and quite unpredictable; lightning is dramatic (especially visually), and rain creates a constant background sound (like white noise, which can be hot). All of these things can produce a heightened state of physiological arousal.’

Much like with sexual arousal, physiological arousal can cause us to experience increased heart rate, heightened attention, anticipation, and a sense of excitement – even in response to something non-sexual.

In that state, for some people, it can become intertwined with sexual excitement, which is how you find yourself turned on by thunderstorms.

Gigi believes the mix of excitement and fear that thunderstorms stir may also play a role.

‘A thunderstorm can create a very particular kind of emotional response,’ she says. ‘You might feel safe inside, while simultaneously being aware something powerful and unpredictable (even scary) is happening outside.

‘Research into sexual response suggests emotional mixed states can sometimes be associated with increased arousal and desire, so that combination of anticipation, excitement, and adrenaline may be part of the appeal for some.’

And, as we’ve already heard, being forced to stay inside can naturally bring people closer together.

‘Storms often change what we’re doing. Our plans get cancelled, people stay indoors, the lights may be dimmed or knocked out, and the outside world suddenly feels quite far away,’ the expert explains. 

‘If you’re already with someone you’re attracted to, being stuck inside with nowhere to go and nothing demanding your attention can create a natural sense of intimacy and anticipation.’

She adds: ‘Sexual desire is also responsive to context and stimuli rather than simply appearing spontaneously, so changing the environment can change the way people experience desire.’

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How to explore the kink while staying safe

For those who experience Keraunophilia, there are plenty of ways to explore this safely, without putting yourself or anyone else in danger.

You don’t need to be outside in a lightning storm, driving somewhere dangerous, or deliberately putting yourself at risk to recreate the feeling of excitement. 

According to Gigi, the interesting thing about this particular kink is that the psychological and sensory ingredients can be recreated quite easily while everyone remains completely safe. 

‘It’s actually a pretty accessible one and far from unusual.’

To give it a go, she recommends watching storms from a safe indoor location and incorporating the sounds or atmosphere into consensual sexual play.

In the UK, we don’t experience that many thunderstorms. According to the Royal Meteorological Society, the UK has between 5 and 20 days of thunder per year, but you don’t have to wait until there’s wild weather.

If there isn’t a storm, you could always try playing recordings of thunder or rain during sex.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]


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