Can Animals Actually Predict the Weather?

Many people don't believe that animals can actually predict the weather. Yet, there is a lot of evidence to suggest that watching them may tell you what the weather will be.

Consider these examples and decide for yourself if animals can predict the weather.

Birds

While you likely know that birds fly south for the winter months, there are other telltale signs from birds that can help you predict the weather.

Seabirds

Birds may fly closer to the ground when weather changes are coming. Look at seabirds, like albatrosses, if you are near or on the water.

People who spend much time on the water often report seeing these birds change their flight patterns to get out of the way of upcoming storms.

Swallows

Many birdwatchers report that swallows fly closer to the ground when it is about to storm.

Birdwatchers often report seeing these changes, especially in the spring and fall when swallows are migrating. These changes may or may not directly reflect changes in the weather because their migratory patterns often follow the availability of flying insects.

Ducks

Ducks may exhibit many behavioral changes based on the weather.

For example, if the temperature is about to drop, you may see them fluffing their feathers as this traps warmer air close to their bodies. You may also see them tucking their bills into their feathers.

When migrating, they often change their exact path based on the weather. Before it rains, you may see them finding a hiding place because it is hard for them to see during a rain or snowstorm.

After a rain, you may notice them staying closer to the ground because the puddles make it easier to find food.

Farm Animals

If you live on a farm, you may benefit from paying more attention to the animals' behaviors to help determine the weather.

Cows

If you see cows lying together in a field, check the weather forecast because it may rain soon. While scientists quickly point out that cows lie down a lot, others notice this behavior more before it rains or snows.

Some believe it is to preserve a dry resting place during the storm. Others argue that the cow's stomach is sensitive to changes in air pressure, so they lay down to get relief from a stomachache.

Still others insist that cows have porous feet, so they lay down to keep them dry. Moisture will soften a cow's feet so it can no longer support its weight.

Others claim that cows lay together during storms because it helps to keep them dryer as it's harder for the rain to penetrate a group.

Sheep

Another farm animal that you may want to watch to see if a storm is coming is sheep. While many factors can influence how much a sheep grazes, farmers often suggest that if the sheep eat more, a storm may be coming to the area.

Sheep, including bighorn sheep, often gather in groups before it starts snowing or raining as it may help protect them from the moisture and help them regulate their body temperature.

Farmers often report that their sheep are more restless right before a storm. This may be a response to changes in atmospheric pressure.

Horses

If a cold winter is approaching, many breeds of horses put on a thicker and heavier coat, which they shed when temperatures rise. Like cows, horses in a pasture often huddle together when a rainstorm or snowstorm is coming.

In addition, if the weather is rainy, horses will often move to higher ground because wet ground makes their feet softer, which may cause their frogs to fall, making it more difficult for them to move.

Rodents

One of the most popular animals that is said to predict the weather is the groundhog. Although it may be folklore, there may be some truth to it.

Groundhogs

Punxsutawney Phil is often used to predict if an early spring is on the way, but throughout the year, watching these rodents' behavior may give you clues to other weather systems.

If the groundhog is digging deeper, prepare for a colder winter. They prepare for their long hibernation during milder weather, so if you see one working on its home, the weather may be nice for a few days.

During warmer weather, groundhogs often hide in their burrows when temperatures soar.

Insects

While insects are considered pests to most people, they may help you predict the upcoming weather.

Ants

Observing ant mounds closely may give you clues about what the weather will do. Ants build larger mounds when they think the weather will be wet or snowy as living together in larger colonies gives them more protection.

If you dare get close enough to the mound and see one without an opening, prepare for a storm because ants close the opening to keep precipitation out.

Crickets

You can use the rate that crickets chirp to give you a rough idea of the current temperature.

Counting the number of chirps per minute and adding 40 will give you a great idea of the current temperature, but humidity and other environmental factors can affect this method's accuracy.

Ladybugs

If you want a ladybug to land on you for good luck, head outdoors when it is sunny and dry because their activity level increases during nice weather.

Warmer weather may also increase the amount that ladybugs eat because they are opportunistic feeders. If you see a ladybug climbing into a crack, getting under leaf litter or seeking shelter in some other way, expect temperatures to drop.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Reptiles and amphibians may not be your favorite types of animals, but they can be good as telling what the weather will be like.

Turtles

While scientists do not believe that turtles can predict the weather, they must admit that they change their behavior based on the weather.

For example, turtles often seek shade if the weather is hot. Scientists believe this behavior is more about helping regulate their body temperature than predicting the weather. They also think the opposite is true.

Turtles often head to sunny spots to raise their body temperature if it is cooler. Turtles may go to higher elevations before a storm to obtain food easier.

Frogs

Especially in the spring, male frogs croak to attract mates. They croak more when the weather is warmer and more humid. Furthermore, male frogs are more likely to grasp females for mating when it's warmer and wetter.

In addition, some frog species dig burrows when it is going to be hot and dry as it helps them regulate their body temperature. Some frog species migrate, like birds, and they are more likely to move to breeding grounds before a rainy spell.

Animals as Meteorologists

While watching animals can be a fun way to see the weather, relying on the weather forecast is usually more accurate. Therefore, stay tuned to what the forecasters say for the latest weather updates. They use many scientific tools to predict the weather. In addition, they often have degrees in using these tools accurately.

Weather changes fast, so help your community stay prepared. Share this story with friends, family, or your group chat, and keep your forecast in the now with Weather Forecast Now.