Yesterday, a discussion took place on social media where a curious Houstonian claimed that the rain smelled of diesel. Although you may be quick to dismiss this as a lone theorist, others also confirmed that they had also experienced similar odors around the city.

Rather bizarrely, no one could understand why this occurred either with many offering theories without finding a solid conclusion. The discussion took place on Reddit where a user started by saying: ‘This could just be a car on my street but it stinks like diesel and my jacket smells like it too. Petrol rain by chance?’

The original post gained quite a response, with many experiencing similar experiences. Some claimed it could be from the chemical plant explosion that happened in Houston last week, while others were quick to rubbish this idea.

However, one user wrote: “I think it’s the gasoline coming up off the streets with the rainwater, and again afterward when it starts evaporating. Smells awful.” Overall, many agreed with them that this was the most likely situation.

Another user also claimed to have smelled it at 45 & Dixie farm but also said that the smell has since left a day later. Unfortunately, this brought up more questions than it did answers. However, it seems like this odd occurrence was certainly experienced by many local Houstonians.