Changes in the atmospheric pressure and temperature can either worsen or improve asthma. Tightness in the chest and excessive mucus secretion are more common when humidity is high, there is rain or thunderstorm or during winter. Cold and dry air can cause tightening of the airways in many people. The muscles normally relax only when the temperature rises. This is why eating ice cream or drinking cold drinks can trigger asthma in sensitive people. The symptoms worsen when you exercise in cold weather; because you breathe more rapidly during exercise and inhale larger volumes of cold air.

Some people have frequent and/or severe symptoms of asthma during summer. This is because dust, pollution from vehicles, etc, remains suspended for a longer time in hot and humid air.