During thunderstorms, nitrogen molecules in the air undergo intense vibrations due to strong electromagnetic fields, producing a sound resembling an explosion. As this sound propagates through the air, it interacts with surrounding air molecules, triggering a series of physical and chemical reactions.

First, when nitrogen molecules are vigorously agitated, they lose energy, releasing significant heat. This heat raises the temperature of the surrounding air, causing water vapor to condense into droplets and form raindrops. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as "thunder and lightning."

Next, after losing energy, nitrogen molecules collide with other molecules, exciting oxygen molecules to form ozone. Ozone, a potent oxidant, reacts with many substances to produce new compounds. In this process, nitrogen molecules may also be oxidized, forming compounds like nitrates.

high-energy particles generated during thunderstorms (such as electrons and protons) collide with nitrogen molecules, altering their chemical properties. These interactions can break down or recombine certain compounds in the air, producing new gases or substances. For example, when nitrogen molecules collide with high-energy particles, they may react with oxygen to form compounds like nitric oxide.

Some of the products of these chemical reactions have distinct odors. For instance, when nitrogen and oxygen molecules react, they produce ammonia (NH₃), a colorless gas with a sharp, irritating smell that is harmful to humans. Thus, the smell during thunderstorms is often described as resembling "nitrogen fertilizer."

In addition to ammonia, other odorous substances may form during thunderstorms. For example, collisions between nitrogen molecules and high-energy particles might lead to reactions with water vapor, creating organic compounds like sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and sulfur trioxide (SO₃). These compounds also have pungent smells and contribute to the common odors associated with thunderstorms.

the smell during thunderstorms results from multiple chemical reactions involving nitrogen, oxygen, water vapor, and microscopic particles like high-energy electrons. These interactions produce various odorous compounds, giving rise to the so-called "nitrogen fertilizer" scent.