The phrase "feeling under the weather" is more than a mere cliche - whether it's hot or cold the weather can seriously damage health. This is the first of a series of common weather related ailments:

1 - Seasonal Affective Disorder - (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder seriously affects around 2% of Northern Europeans, with a further 10% suffering mild symptoms. SAD is a result of lack of bright light, which is linked to the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter which can cause depression if in short supply.

Sufferers experience sleep problems, overeating, depression, guilt, anxiety, social problems and lethargy as well as joint and stomach pains, and a weakened immune system.

Often you hear people talk of praying to the weather gods - but who exactly are they? Here are the top 10, ranked in terms of general ferocity.

10 - Utixo (Khoikhoi, Africa) - Utixo or Tiqua was a god of the Khoi, a benevolent deity who lived in the sky, sending rain for the crops, and speaking with thunder.

The weather plays a pivotal role in the outcome of sports events, so why do so many punters ignore it? Dan Townend explains what to look for when casting your eyes to the skies.