Good Thursday evening everyone. Since the weather around here is going to be on the nice, but boring, side of things for a while. I wanted to use this time to have a little fun with the winter ahead. We often hear people talking about how signs from nature can often forecast the upcoming winter. Do you know what to look for? For those who are in search of a harsh winter, here is a list of things to keep an eye on according to the Farmers’ Almanac. Thicker than normal corn husks Pigs gathering sticks and fuzzy caterpillars presage bitter cold One of the more common things people in Kentucky look at to forecast the winter ahead is the woolly worm. You know how the folklore goes… the more black on the worm, the colder the winter. If you subscribe to that theory, what do you think this little guy is telling us? I took that pic a few weeks ago. If that fellow is to be believed… BRRRRRR!!! Feel free to share any signs you are seeing. Have a great evening and take care.
(That is not your friendly weatherdude)
Woodpeckers sharing a tree
Early arrival of the Snowy owl
Early departure of geese and ducks
Early migration of the Monarch butterfly
Thick hair on the nape (back) of the cow’s neck
Heavy and numerous fogs during August
Raccoons with thick tails and bright bands
Mice eating ravenously into the home
Early arrival of crickets on the hearth
Spiders spinning larger than usual webs and entering the house in great numbers
Insects marching a bee line rather than meandering
Early seclusion of bees within the hive
Unusual abundance of acorns
Muskrats burrowing holes high on the river hank
“See how high the hornet’s nest, ‘twill tell how high the snow will rest”
Narrow orange band in the middle of the Woollybear caterpillar warns of heavy snow; fat
The squirrel gathers nuts early to fortify against a hard winter
Frequent halos or rings around sun or moon forecast numerous snow falls.
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There’s no orange band on that wooly worm though Chris! I want the “BIG ONE” like I have all the other winters I’ve commented on your blog! Some things NEVER change! Guess I’m one on ’em LOL!
That winter map CB put in his previous post looks a lot like the last thirteen…..
Sold! 😉
I always bet on sure things 🙂
http://firsthandweather.com/blog/all-posts/20112012-winter-forecast
Another prediction on the up and coming winter…Very detailed..
Just some thoughts..
Anybody notice how EVERY month since February has had above average precip. in central KY? Remember, nature keeps a balance. Below average precip. months are coming. The question is when.
Just based upon medium range modeling, I’d say the end of October into November could be a wild period in the near term.
I would say October is probably gonna end up dry…just look at how it’s starting. Just my best guess.
Interesting to note for Lexington that despite the dry fall months last year, December and January still featured below normal precipitation yet above normal snowfall, especially December. The pattern for wetter didn’t really take effect until mid-February 2011 and there weren’t any more noteable snow events (1″+) since that point for the rest of that winter season.
Remember the drought area from the Fall of 2010…from the MS Delta region northeast through the Ohio Valley? Look where the axis of heavy rains fell in the late spring (April-May). Same spot. Nature sure does have a way of equaling things out and keeping balance.
I have noticed lots of acorns and the black walnuts are just beyond belief. They are seriously trying to kill me as I take my morning walk. The ground below my feet is like walking on marbles and then there are walnuts falling from above onto my head!!
I have noticed squirrels busily stocking up on nuts. Hey squirrels, I’ll PAY you to take the black walnuts!
Also, lots of spiders in the house.
I think there were quite a few foggy mornings in August. I have not noticed any of the other signs.
I’ve seen 2 wooly worms and both have been all black and bigger than usual. I remember last year they were black on the ends and had the band. Also, lots of spiders in the house the last week or so. The cats have been taking care of them though!