adjective

premonitory

pri-MAH-ni-tor-ee/prɪˈmɑːnɪtɔːri/

Giving a warning or sign of something to come.

The dark clouds are premonitory signs of rain approaching the sunlit grass.

Dark, towering storm clouds approach a still-dry landscape, with a distant curtain of rain visibly advancing toward sunlit grass: present signs warning of the storm to come.

Etymology

preLatinbefore

+monLatinwarn, advise

+itoryLatinserving to

The pieces express warning beforehand. Something premonitory serves as advance notice, pointing toward an event that has not yet taken place.

In context

Headache and Migraine Help0:34

it can help you recognize when a migraine is on the way. The prodrome phase also known as the premonitory stage involves various subtle changes in your body and mind.

What Are the Differences Between Prodrome and Premonitory Symptoms? - Headache and Migraine Help

More examples

He ignores the premonitory rattle, and the engine soon fails.
Her premonitory dream leaves her uneasy about the trip.
Small cracks in the wall are premonitory signs of structural trouble.

Forms

premonition noun — A feeling that something will happen.

Similar words

warning: Warning emphasizes danger rather than simply indicating future events.
ominous: Ominous specifically suggests that something bad is about to happen.
predictive: Predictive forecasts outcomes without necessarily offering a warning.