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
Split image with Cromer Pier at sunset on the left in soft orange-blue tones and a moonlit Canterbury church with dramatic clouds on the right, lit by a streetlamp.
Sunday, 5 April 2026

Your weather - Your shots

Spring captured after the clock change
A harbour in Crete with a reddish-brown, overcast sky
Friday, 3 April 2026

Blood red skies

Dust storm in Crete
On the left, the weather radar for Italy showing heavy rain; on the right, a flooded road
Thursday, 2 April 2026

Severe weather in Italy

Flooding and heavy snowfall
All weather news
This might also interest you
UK temperature map dated 14.02 showing widespread subzero values in blue shading, with readings such as −4 in Glasgow, −3 in Dublin, and −2 in London, alongside a blue thermometer icon.
Friday, 13 February 2026

Icy conditions

A frozen start to the weekend
Outline of Santa Claus with a yellow and white hat, "Ho-Ho-Ho" next to the outline above a Christmas tree.
Thursday, 25 December 2025

Merry Christmas!

Wishes from Weather & Radar
Split image showing strong winds over the UK on a forecast map and widespread rain and snow on a weather radar map.
Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Severe gales & heavy rain

Storm Chandra makes impact
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