Animals That Can Predict Weather

Cats Cats are known for being sensitive, and many people believe this extra sensitivity means they can predict thunderstorms and inclement weather. A cat’s senses are much sharper than humans. Therefore, they can detect falling atmospheric pressure.

Dogs Many people think dogs have weather-predicting abilities, which accounts for stories of canines alerting families of impending danger, like tornadoes or hurricanes. Their behavior may range from barking furiously to whining and trying to hide somewhere safe, like under the bed or in the closet.

Cows Perhaps you’ve heard the old proverb that when cows lie down, it means rain. Another saying is, “When a cow endeavors to scratch its ear, it means a shower is very near.” Researchers wanted to test this theory, and they found that it’s actually true. Cows lose heat by standing up, so they lie down when they sense the air temperature dropping (like it does before a rainstorm). The next time you see a bunch of cows lying down in their pasture, you may want to wear a raincoat.

Birds The behavior of birds is another way that you can predict an oncoming rainstorm or thunderstorm. The folklore stories say that birds flying low to the ground indicate foul weather, but that may not be true. Instead, if you see sudden migrations, many birds perching on power lines, or seagulls flying in from the coast, it usually means that a rainstorm is coming. 

Toads Another animal that can supposedly predict the weather is the common toad. In particular, they are said to be able to predict natural disasters. In April 2009, there was a devastating earthquake in L’Aquila, Italy. Five days before the earthquake struck, a colony of toads in a pond near L’Aquila started disappearing in droves, and they later returned a few days after the tremor.

Sheep Sheep are another animal that can predict the weather, according to some cultures. For example, people in Iceland think that if the sheep start to urinate more frequently, it’s a sign of rain to come, and bright yellow urine means the day will be sunny and bright. 

Groundhogs The groundhog is by far the most famous animal known for predicting the weather. Every year on February 2nd, people head to Pennsylvania to find out if Punxsutawney Phil will predict six more weeks of winter or early spring.

Frogs These tiny amphibians are highly sensitive to atmospheric and climate changes, especially global warming. Since frogs need water to live and lay their eggs, they’re more likely to have a successful reproduction after a good rainstorm. As such, you may hear frogs croaking their mating calls more loudly right before a good rain, which provides them with the moisture and space they need to lay eggs.

Ladybugs Ladybugs don’t just bring luck—they can also apparently predict the weather. The saying goes, “When ladybugs swarm, expect a day that’s warm.” The warm temperatures bring these beetles out of hiding, where they fly around in the garden. When the temperature drops right before a heavy shower, the beetles will stay hidden under tree bark.

Woolly Bear Caterpillars According to folklore, woolly bear caterpillars can supposedly tell how bad the upcoming winter will be by looking at the colors on their body. If there is more black than brown, you’re in for a long, cold winter. Caterpillars with a wide brown middle band and small black bands at the end signify a mild winter.