Head in the Clouds: How the Weather Affects Our Minds and Mental Health

The weather doesn’t just change our plans – it changes our state of mind

We might glance at the forecast every morning, but the true impact of our most universal obsession goes far deeper than influencing our daily itineraries. The weather is the silent architect of the human psyche; it doesn’t just determine what we wear – it shapes how we think, feel and treat one another.

Weaving together groundbreaking research and his own deeply personal mental health journey, Professor Trevor Harley explores the invisible alchemy between the elements and our minds. From uncovering our unique 'weather personalities' to exploring how heatwaves trigger aggression, negative ions from thunderstorm relieve depression and rainbows inspire awe, Head in the Clouds reveals the astonishing effects of the weather on our psychology, mental health and behaviour.

*********************

Trevor A. Harley (Author)

Trevor Harley is a psychologist, science writer, and Emeritus Professor of Psychology at the University of Dundee. His latest book, Head in the Clouds: How the weather affects our minds and mental health, explores an important but often overlooked force in our lives: the weather. The book brings together psychology, meteorology, neuroscience, and personal experience to show how deeply the weather shapes the way we think, feel, and behave.

Trevor completed his undergraduate degree and PhD at Cambridge University. He later held posts at the Universities of Warwick and Dundee, where he became Professor of Cognitive Psychology, Head of Department, and Dean. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society and a Chartered Psychologist. He has written many books on psychology, language, and consciousness.

Whether you want to enhance your wellbeing, navigate conditions like seasonal affective disorder, or more fully appreciate the intimate connection between the human mind and the natural world, Head in the Clouds offers a radical new perspective. Discover how understanding the influence of the elements can empower you, turning the simple act of observing the skies into a valuable toolkit for mindfulness, acceptance and everyday joy – whatever the weather.