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 UK map showing warm orange temperatures up to 26 degrees on the left transitioning to cooler green tones around 3 to 5 degrees on the right, with an arrow indicating change.
Wednesday, 8 April 2026

A quick shift

High of the year to a cooler spell
Pink-blossoming cherry trees lining a street next to the weather radar, with sunshine and temperatures around 19 degrees near Bonn.
Tuesday, 7 April 2026

Cherry blossoms in Bonn

Spring bloom on show
Two cyclones are currently threatening the South Sea islands off the coast of Australia.
Monday, 6 April 2026

Solomon Islands and Fiji

Cyclones threaten South Pacific islands
All weather news
This might also interest you
Split image showing a person in a yellow jacket struggling against strong winds and heavy rain on a street at night on the left, and an Irish wind forecast map on the right with red and purple shading, gusts up to 75 mph, and a wind warning icon, divided by a curved white line.
Saturday, 24 January 2026

On this day...

Historic Storm Éowyn arrives
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
plit image showing a double rainbow over a rocky shoreline on the left and sheep grazing in a green field under stormy clouds on the right.
Sunday, 2 November 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Mixed conditions on an unsettled week
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