Use nature to forecast the weather

It seems like spring has turned into summer, but it’s so annoyingly hard to forecast the weather. Dealing with the possibility of rain, endless humidity, and temperamental temperatures are what we struggle with these days.

Whether you watch the evening forecast on tv or check your phone app for tomorrow’s weather, the weather seems to have it’s own mind and is never tamed by computer predictions.

No offense to the weatherman, but I feel like the evening forecasts are becoming less and less accurate. Even the latest technology and up-to-date predictions are not always reliable. But luckily, there are many methods of forecasting the weather just by using signs from nature around us.

I’ve always believed in the “silly” old weather prediction methods. From reading the sky, the animals, to our body as a weather prediction tool. Like when my grandma told me that her knees hurt, I knew that we should expect some rain. Also, when cattle moved quickly to a corner of the field, it was time to get indoors as fast as possible.

Here are few old techniques for forecasting the weather without using the internet or tv.

1. Listen to crickets

If you add 40 to the number of cricket chirps in 15 seconds, you’ll get an estimated temperature on the ground in degrees Fahrenheit. This method is based on Dolbear’s Law, and it works best with snowy tree crickets. So, make sure that you know your local insects before trying this method.

2. Observe the cattle

Many farmers say that the cows stick together to seek comfort before a storm. They would lie down to keep themselves dry and protected. Many believe that they can sense low-pressure systems.

If you have a pet, you’re probably aware that animals sometimes know things we don’t. So, why shouldn’t we trust them when it comes to a weather forecast.

3. Listen to frogs

When a stormy weather is on the way, frogs tend to be more vocal and louder. So, if you notice some louder croaks, make sure that you get the umbrella ready.

4. Remember the old adage

“When a halo rings the moon or sun, rain is approaching on the run.” This old saying may not be so familiar to you, but it’s accurate. A halo will appear around the moon or the sun when ice crystals refract the light. It basically says that the weather is going to change, and it’ll bring some rain, or worse.

5. Pay attention to birds

Birds are at an advantage when it comes to predicting the weather. They have a paratympanic organ that acts as a barometer. When they fly high in the sky, it means that the skies are clear and fair. But, when the air pressure falls, and storms are coming, they tend to feel discomfort. So, if you see birds on the phone lines or seagulls on the shore, it means that stormy weather is coming.

6. Read the clouds

We all know that clouds carry water, but there are distinctions in cloud formations that can tell you about the weather. Fluffy, white cartoon-like clouds are good news, and they bring good weather. Also, the higher the clouds are, the better. Dark and ominous clouds, if they are clustered together usually mean that there will be a storm soon.

7. Butterflies and bees know as well

If you notice an absence of bees or butterflies, there is likely a storm coming. According to some beekeepers, hives get crowded right before it rains, since the bees take shelter. Same as the birds, these insects sense the change in pressure and come in for a landing.

8. Use your nose

High humidity and low pressures allow fragrances to seem stronger. That why, when it’s about to rain, the scent of flowers and grass is stronger. If you live in the city, you might smell the scent of ozone in the air. Lightning helps ozone to form, and it makes the smell strong enough to notice.

9. Take a look at a tree

If there is an increase in the humidity, a pine cone will close up to protect the seeds from getting wet in the rain. When it gets dry again, it will open again for the wind to carry them off.

10. Observe the smoke

When you go camping, pay attention to the campfire. If the smoke rises steadily and straight up, the weather should be okay. If it hangs near the ground or creates a drifting stream, it suggests low pressure, and that means it could rain soon.

11. Wooly bear caterpillar are wise

According to old sayings, the wider the middle brown section on a wooly bear caterpillar is, the milder the winter will be. Most scientist will disagree and say that this method is fake. But still, there is a Wooly Worm Festival in North Carolina, during which they use this method to predict the winter weather.

12. Look in the mirror

If you have a humid-sensitive hair type, you already know that bad weather will ruin your day and your hair. When your hair frizzes out or curls up, you should bring an umbrella to work that day. If not an umbrella, in the least bring your bad-hair hat.

So, instead of refreshing your app, all you need to do is to look around. You can anticipate Mother Nature’s plans just by observing. Simply use these methods, and you’ll know what exactly to bring on your next camping trip.

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We live in a beautiful world, get out there and enjoy it.

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