HOW THE WEATHER FORECAST PREDICTS YOUR HEALTH

On cold days, watch for: 
■■ HEART ATTACK One 2012 U.S. study found an 18 percent increase in heart attack deaths in winter and a 10 to 12 percent decrease in summer. Cold weather may constrict blood vessels or lead to more blood clots.

■■ PSORIASIS FLARES 
Cold, dry air sucks moisture out of the skin, which makes it more vulnerable to the disease’s trademark red, scaly patches. A good, greasy, penetrating moisturizer can help. 

On hot days, watch for:
■■ GOUT 
Dehydration from sweltering temps can cause uric acid, a trigger of gout pain, to accumulate.

■■ MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS 
Steamy weather and even slight rises in core body temperature—caused by a fever or taking a hot bath—can exacerbate symptoms. 

When lightning strikes, watch for:
■■ MIGRAINES 
A study found that these headaches were 28 percent more likely to occur when lightning struck, perhaps due to electromagnetic changes. 

On rainy days, watch for:
■■ ARTHRITIS
As atmospheric pressure drops, tissues near joints expand and put pressure on nerves. (However, some studies that tracked symptoms with weather didn't find a strong link.)