Arctic blast may bring March snowstorms
For centuries, humans have looked to animals for clues about the weather, relying on their instincts and behaviors to predict storms, seasonal changes, and even natural disasters. From the famous Groundhog Day tradition to birds flying low before a storm, animals have long been considered nature's weather forecasters. While some predictions are grounded in science and others in folklore, these fascinating creatures offer insight into the natural world's subtle signals believed to predict the weather.
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Cows lying down in fields or huddling together are thought to signal rain. These actions could reflect sensitivity to dropping air pressure and the cooling effects of storms.
Butterflies disappearing or sheltering in vegetation signals approaching rain. Their delicate wings are sensitive to moisture, so they seek dry areas when rain is imminent.
Squirrels gathering excessive nuts or building nests higher in trees signals a harsh winter. Their instincts help them prepare for food scarcity and deep snow during extremely cold months.
These caterpillars' color bands are widely used in weather folklore. Narrow brown bands and broad black ones supposedly predict a cold, snowy winter, while broader brown bands suggest milder conditions.
Groundhog Day is celebrated in North America, especially in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where the famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, predicts the weather. If he sees his shadow, folklore says six more weeks of winter, while no shadow signals early spring.
Groundhog Day originated from Candlemas, a Christian holiday on February 2, with ties to pre-Christian Imbolc. German settlers brought the tradition, replacing badgers with groundhogs to forecast spring's arrival.
Europeans also used bears to predict spring; if a bear saw its shadow on February 2, it would return to hibernation, signaling more winter.
Moles digging deep underground is believed to forecast an approaching storm or heavy rain. Their sensitivity to soil moisture and pressure changes may drive this survival behavior.
Ladybugs help control pests in gardens and can predict weather. Swarming suggests a warm day ahead, while fewer ladybugs indicate a cold front, as they seek shelter under bark to stay warm.
Sharks can sense weather changes, as proven in 2001 when blacktip sharks in Florida swam to deeper waters before Hurricane Gabrielle, responding to falling barometric pressure.
According to 19th-century weather proverbs, if a cat washes behind its ears, sneezes, sits with its tail to the fire, or snores, rain is coming.
Loud, incessant croaking by frogs is often a sign of rain. Their vocal activity increases with rising humidity, as these amphibians thrive in wet, damp conditions.
A 19th-century weather proverb claims a fox barking at night signals a storm. However, foxes often bark during mating season or to defend their territory, so no need to worry about the weather.
An old legend in The Farmers' Almanac suggests that crows flying in pairs signal fine weather, while a solitary crow is a sign of approaching foul conditions.
The Farmer's Almanac notes that in 1857, scientist Amos Dolbear linked cricket chirps to temperature. By counting chirps in 14 seconds and adding 40, you can estimate the outside temperature.
Sheep huddling tightly in groups is thought to predict rain or cold weather. This collective behavior helps them shield themselves from harsh winds or incoming storms.
Fish jumping more frequently or swimming closer to the surface is believed to predict rain. Low-pressure systems stir plant particles, providing food for fish, which increases their leaping activity.
The Farmer's Almanac suggests that a particularly fat rabbit in the fall could signal a harsh winter, as animals store extra fat to withstand colder conditions.
Bees returning to their hives earlier or staying inside altogether is thought to signal rain or storms. Their sensitivity to air pressure changes influences this behavior.
According to The Farmer's Almanac, pigs are believed to gather leaves and straw as a sign they're preparing for a cold winter.
Dogs are believed to predict weather, reacting to changes like dropping pressure. Their heightened sense of smell may detect incoming storms, prompting behaviors like barking, whining, or hiding.
Ants building taller mounds or moving to higher ground is thought to predict rain. These behaviors help protect their colonies from flooding caused by heavy rainfall.
Elephants can sense rainstorms up to 150 miles (240 km) away, as shown by a study using seven years of GPS data from Namibian herds. Their movements before rain suggest they detect environmental signals, possibly thunder or low-frequency storm sounds.
The toads near L'Aquila, Italy, disappeared five days before the 2009 earthquake but returned shortly after the tremor. Experts suggest they sensed changes in the Earth's magnetic field or rising radon gas levels.
When bats emerge earlier in the evening, it often indicates clear weather. Stable atmospheric conditions encourage their prey, insects, to become more active, prompting bats to feed sooner.
Increased howling among wolves is believed to signal an approaching storm. It may serve as communication during environmental changes, possibly indicating shifts in atmospheric pressure.
Birds are excellent weather predictors, flying low before storms due to air pressure changes. They may detect infrasound from approaching storms, aiding their migration and evacuation.
Dragonflies flying low over water surfaces often signal rain. This behavior is linked to their prey, insects, which also stay closer to the ground during low-pressure systems.
Horses turning their backs to the wind and standing still often forecast bad weather. This instinctive behavior helps them shield themselves from rain or strong, cold winds.
Sources: (CNN) (Reader's Digest) (Mental Floss)
See also: Weather words we no longer use
Animals that are thought to predict the weather
The groundhog isn't the only animal that predicts weather
LIFESTYLE Wildlife
For centuries, humans have looked to animals for clues about the weather, relying on their instincts and behaviors to predict storms, seasonal changes, and even natural disasters. From the famous Groundhog Day tradition to birds flying low before a storm, animals have long been considered nature's weather forecasters. While some predictions are grounded in science and others in folklore, these fascinating creatures offer insight into the natural world's subtle signals believed to predict the weather.
Curious? Click on for more.