Home
Weather London
WeatherRadar
RainfallRadar
TemperatureRadar
WindRadar
LightningRadar
Weather News
Editor's Pick
Discover the app
Weather widget
Contact us
Apps
Career
    Home / Editor's Pick /

    Forecasts from the animal kingdom

07:00
13 March 2022

Weather myths
Forecasts from the animal kingdom

Previously on weather myths we have looked at a couple of animal-related myths, namely: can cows predict rain? (kind of) and, are dogs able to sense incoming storms? (yes through air pressure).

Yet there are a range of claims that various species can be used in place of a weather forecast. Today, we’re examining some of the more popular theories.

Ants become more active ahead of rain

Finding an ants nest in your garden can be frustrating but there may be a use for them. Ants are capable of responding to changes in air pressure and humidity by adapting their nest building. If you notice an ant frenzy quickly building the nest taller, have a look on Weather & Radar before the rain begins to fall.

Squirrel nests will indicate winter conditions

We’ve all seen squirrels climbing trees to build nests. Some say the location of their nests is an indicator of how rough winter will be. Higher nests suggest harsh conditions while those lower in trees mean it will be warmer than usual.

There are no studies on this one, meaning it cannot be busted or confirmed.

Sharks can sense tropical storms

Evidence suggests sharks head deeper into the waters just before tropical storms strike. This one is actually true. Their ears are extremely sensitive to changes which can alert them to incoming storms.

However, if you’re swimming with sharks for weather forecasts you might have bigger problems to worry about!

Ryan Hathaway
More on the topic
Radar image showing a thunderstorm cell over northern Italy, near Brescia and Bergamo. Next to it, several large white hailstones in a hand.
Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Severe storms in Italy

Damage caused by large hailstones
Split image showing a warm temperature map across the UK and western Europe on the left and a bright sun shining through scattered clouds in a blue sky on the right.
Friday, 15 May 2026

Much warmer bank holiday

Heatwave? We're not quite there yet
Wind forecast map of the UK and northern Europe showing strong orange wind zones around a low-pressure system marked with a white “L,” alongside a black-and-white windsock warning icon.
Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Gusty conditions ahead

Low pressure brings windy days
All weather news
This might also interest you
Split image showing coastal sunset with layered lenticular clouds over rooftops and palm trees on the left, and a green valley with river and hills under soft daylight on the right.
Sunday, 19 April 2026

Your weather - Your shots

Seasonal warmth between spring thunder
Split UK map showing warm temperatures up to 21 degrees in orange on the left and clear sunny conditions with temperatures from 12 to 18 degrees on the right, with sun icons across the country.
Thursday, 23 April 2026

Spring-like outlook

Bright and warm conditions take hold
Illustration of white and yellow fireworks on a blue background.
Wednesday, 31 December 2025

Hello 2026

Happy New Year
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwittertikToklinkList