Can Animals Predict the Weather?
Yesterday was a very bad weather day for many parts of the eastern US. Jen was worried, because the birds weren’t out and about and the feral cats didn’t show up at the usual time looking for a meal. But when the feral kitties showed up late in the afternoon, I told Jen that everything was gonna be OK. Was I right?
Can animals really predict the weather?
Can a snow dog predict snow?
.
There is some evidence that animals CAN predict the weather, but it’s not some kinda sixth sense we have. Instead, there’s logical reasons why.
First of all, most animals have a greater range of hearing than humans. A cat can hear lower frequencies than a human, and a cow can hear even lower frequencies than a cat! Some animals can hear some sounds associated with severe weather before a human, like distant thunder, earthquake shockwaves, or ocean waves.
So when the ferals came ’round looking for a meal, I was right to say all was well!
This kitty knew the coast was clear!
But what about the birds? What’s their story? Can they hear thunder far away too? Birds are sensitive to changes in barometric pressure (air pressure) and hydrostatic pressure (water pressure). If there’s a big change in the air pressure because of a hurricane or severe storms, birds are going to hunker down to wait it out, or get the heck outta Dodge! Bees also sense changes in barometric pressure.
So if the birds aren’t out and about as usual, that might be a clue to be concerned.
Well, maybe not this bird......
And there ya have it folks! I wouldn’t suggest using us instead of your professional weather forecaster, but I do suggest you become more aware of the patterns of behavior in nature, so you can investigate further when changes occur.
Wanna check out more great blogs about animals? Then click here!
March 3, 2012 at 6:42 AM
Thank you so much for a very informative post with humor. I love visiting your post to see what the animals are up too.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
March 3, 2012 at 7:19 AM
One thing’s for sure- we’re ALWAYS up to something!
March 3, 2012 at 6:43 AM
Mom, Isaiah and I are very happy that you are all okay. Mom was concerned yesterday and she kept on looking at radar for your location. We were glad to see your posts last night. We were having horrible weather Thursday with snow and in the mornng there were no birds at the feeders, so no kitty Television. In the afternoon they were out in force and Isaiah and I kept hopping from window to window there were so many.
March 3, 2012 at 7:19 AM
Thanks guys. Amazingly enough, there was only one storm and almost no rain in our neck of the woods yesterday!
March 3, 2012 at 6:44 AM
Oh I definitely think animals “know” – one of those extra senses I think when the weather is changing – especially if it’s dangerous weather coming. We remember when the tornado came here a few years ago, Sam knew before WE knew – he came flying by us heading for the basement so we followed him and sure enough, ten minutes later the tornado arrived. That morning had been extremely quiet too – no birds at the feeders, our two feral kitty visitors didn’t come for their free meal, and no deer either. They feel it in their bones I think!!
Pam and Sam
March 3, 2012 at 7:18 AM
Yes, my friend Kevin who lives in Japan says the locals reported ferals heading for the hills before the tsunami hit.
March 3, 2012 at 7:19 AM
I agree – listening to the animals is more accurate than the weather channel. Thanks for the post.
March 3, 2012 at 7:21 AM
I think so. The weather channel is good but their forecasts cover a large area. There were tornado warnings in every county around ours, but none in ours. So the animals musta known something before the humans did.
March 3, 2012 at 8:26 AM
is true!
March 3, 2012 at 8:42 AM
Yep, you humans don’t have a corner on intelligence. Ours is just a different kind.
March 6, 2012 at 4:55 AM
March 3, 2012 at 7:27 AM
Great post Rumpy! I happen to think animals know when the weather is changing and loved reading more about why. Pretty neat! Cute feral kitty, too
March 3, 2012 at 7:36 AM
Thanks! She’s been coming around off and on for over a year now.
March 3, 2012 at 7:31 AM
Very interesting. I always figure it had to do with superior hearing, our dogs know when its going to rain for sure
March 3, 2012 at 7:37 AM
Yeah! We dogs hear the higher frequencies and some lower than humans. Humans can’t hear near as good as the rest of us animals, and they are often distracted so they don’t really take in everything that they DO hear.
March 3, 2012 at 7:38 AM
We are sure happy to know that you all are safe and sound. Nice informative post. Mumsy thinks watching the wildlife is a great way to help predict the weather. Hugs and nose kisses
March 3, 2012 at 7:47 AM
Sounds like Mumsy has some forecasting skills!
March 3, 2012 at 7:40 AM
First of all, I’m very relieved that everypawdy in your family was safe Rumpy!
Yes I totally agree that animals can predict the weather and also a convulsion of nature. When we had a terrible eathequakes on the 11th of March last year, it was said that lots of feral cats did disappear around the areas where Tunami and earthequakes hit. It’s also said that cats can feel the electromagnetic wave that is caused just before eathquakes happen, so they escape from the center of it. Animals who live in the natural world must have special talents than the animals who live with humans. We have to pay our respects to them for their unusual power.
March 3, 2012 at 7:48 AM
Great point Kevin! I think when humans realize that there are scientific explanations instead of just anecdotal, they will be more apt to pay attention to what we have to say about what’s happening in the world around us.
March 3, 2012 at 7:43 AM
Reblogged this on delia1979.
March 3, 2012 at 7:48 AM
i think they can not only predict the weather, but the apocalypse!
March 3, 2012 at 8:43 AM
I guess that depends on what causes the Apocalypse.
March 3, 2012 at 8:09 AM
We looked on a map to see where the tornadoes were. Glad they didn’t come near you! We remembered when that tree fell over in your yard last year. Zhaan thinks the feral kitty looks a lot like her, so maybe they’re cousins. Be sure to tell us if you feel snow coming, so we can do The Dance of Joy for you. We know you love snow!
March 3, 2012 at 8:44 AM
Sadly I think this year is gonna be a snowless one for me *sigh*
March 3, 2012 at 8:26 AM
Glad you made it through OK! I remember how the horses would always act before an incoming storm. I think it had to do with the change in air pressure but I was never sure.
March 3, 2012 at 8:44 AM
I think you’re right! It would make sense that pasture animals would need to be able to sense danger to know when to take shelter.
March 3, 2012 at 8:48 AM
A tornado was so close to our furend Sweet William’s house that he and his Lady.. went to their Basement. It blew out some of their windows and they could HEAR it.
I totally Know we can tell when bad thingys are comin.
March 3, 2012 at 9:00 AM
No kidding! Jen says that if us dogs sleep through a storm there’s nothing to worry, but if we are awake and act nervous, she should be too!
March 3, 2012 at 9:09 AM
Whenever a storm is approaching our gorgeous dog, Sweetie, becomes a little agitated. Her little tail sinks between her legs and she slinks about the house as if looking for an intruder; all the while emitting a low growl. This can be up to an hour before the storm….!
Tornadoes are not very common here in Australia… I imagine they must be quite a scary thing to experience…. !
March 3, 2012 at 9:18 AM
They are scary, but if you are prepared, you can take steps to save your life. Listening to us animals is one of the steps you can take in any dangerous situation.
March 3, 2012 at 9:13 AM
Very interesting post Rumpy! Here in Florida, when the lizards just start scattering, we know a strom is in the horizon. They are NEVER wrong!
March 3, 2012 at 9:17 AM
Sounds like you’ve learned to read the lizard signs! Smart move!
March 3, 2012 at 9:24 AM
I also think smell has something to do with it too. You know how Jen and other humans can smell rain? Well, I think dogs like you Rumpy, and other animals, can also smell if rain or bad weather is approaching.
Great post!
March 3, 2012 at 9:26 AM
Good point! Cats can sense when there’s lots of moisture in the air through their fur also.
March 3, 2012 at 9:49 AM
Really?! I never knew that! See, you learn something new every day!
March 3, 2012 at 9:48 AM
Phantom is a good predictor of when there is bad weather in the area, like t-storms or tornadoes. But his range is pretty wide, so he isn’t super accurate about when it actually will hit us. But the warning is still good.
As for snow, of which we have had very little this winter, we usually get very excited the day before snow is due, we often have our snooters up in the air, and we don’t want to come in at night. Now if only we could have some snow so we could demonstrate our powers:)
Woos – Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning
March 3, 2012 at 9:49 AM
See? Humans would do well to listen to us! woo woo woo!
March 3, 2012 at 10:00 AM
Cool post, Rumpy! Us animals are amazing creatures!
Love,
Payton
March 3, 2012 at 10:03 AM
Indeed Payton!
March 3, 2012 at 10:06 AM
It’s not only weather. My cats can tell when we are getting company way before we hear the car turning in the driveway. Our first clue is the swift flight of 3 cats up the steps to peer down through the banister.
March 3, 2012 at 6:55 PM
Funny how we do that isn’t it?
March 3, 2012 at 10:08 AM
Yes, there is a lot we can learn from nature, Rumpy.
BTW thanks for the heads up on the non toxic flea stuff. Though I get mine from the vet now, I’ll look into it xx
March 3, 2012 at 7:22 PM
sure thing!
March 3, 2012 at 11:02 AM
I know the Ched would disagree with this but I definitely think that canines are the best weather predictors.We had several doggies when I was a kid and when a storm was brewing they were runniing around in circles, looking up at the sky etc…it was so interesting to watch. And they were always right!
Sorry Ched, felines can’t be first at everything.
Good post Rumpy!
March 3, 2012 at 7:23 PM
Cats never believe they’re not #1!
March 3, 2012 at 11:28 AM
No Rumpy, it’s not scientific at all – we all sneak a peek at weatapps on cell phones when people aren’t looking
March 3, 2012 at 11:29 AM
I meant weather apps – pity we can’t all spell
March 3, 2012 at 7:24 PM
Shhhhh!!!!! Don’t tell on us Bassa!
March 3, 2012 at 11:54 AM
I don’t know- I sometimes think we animals are just a touch better at this weather predicting than the meteorologists. I guess, at least we don’t go telling the whole world what’s coming and find out hours later we were wrong. We try to keep it to ourselves unless someone asks!
March 3, 2012 at 1:32 PM
Cool post! My dog, Charlie, always knows when visitors are coming, he hears the car before it even gets to the driveway! Then of course he likes to announce their visit for the next 5 mins! The cats & dogs also knew about each earthquake & severe aftershocks here in Christchurch, New Zealand. The cats disappeared pronto & dogs managed to warn their owners with some being dragged from homes & shops before the buildings collapsed. In my view animals are much better meteorologists,than what we here in NZ!! Thanks Rumpy
March 3, 2012 at 1:49 PM
Well any animal is better than the TV weatherman hoo gets it wrong EVERY time! xx
March 3, 2012 at 2:48 PM
Yes! In the apls we say, when a dog eats grass, or the birds fly low, it’ll rain
peace
xandi
March 3, 2012 at 3:06 PM
Hi Y’all,
Yep, but sometimes I think my Human is just as sensitive as she gets a severe migraine any time weather fronts approach. Do y’all think she was an animal in another life?
Just hopped by to catch up on your happenings and say hello! Have a great weekend!
Y’all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog
March 3, 2012 at 3:26 PM
I have a prof friend who studies animal behavior particular to earthquakes, and they do signal an event.
March 3, 2012 at 4:06 PM
I think animals can sense the weather. Poppy acts really weird when she knows there is a storm brewing somewhere – long before it comes.
Birds also are a good indicator that something is is going on with the weather, we just need to take note of all these things.
Great informative post Rumpy!
March 3, 2012 at 4:13 PM
I absolutely believe they do know (for all the logical genetic reasons you mentioned). Ants are a great barometer too. I also notice that Georgia gets affected by seasonal changes. There’s usually a sort of down period. It used to freak me out but the vet said she was just probably adjusting.
March 3, 2012 at 4:39 PM
enjoyed.. ; )
March 3, 2012 at 5:06 PM
Hi,
I have read of dogs in whole neighborhoods barking madly before an earthquake hit, so I think they do have a lot of senses that are very tuned in to what is around them.
March 3, 2012 at 8:06 PM
Hey Rumpy, Jet here. As usual, another show of your investigative prowess. If the humans read or heard reports at the time of the tsunami, the animals fled to higher ground.
I sniff when I exit the garage each evening to determine if the weather makes me feel safe or not… After a minute or so, I give Mom the “sign”.
Have a great night.
March 3, 2012 at 11:39 PM
You guys can, Rumpy, no doubt about it. And we humans are grateful for that.
My hometown (in the countryside of the Philippines) is typhoon-prone and we somehow know if one is going to be really bad because there is a very eerie silence that cloaks everything. The domestic animals and livestock that you would usually hear are at first agitated then become all quiet and crouched down. The birds fly off the trees and go every which way, like they’ve lost their sense of direction. We go out to our backyard and no sound can be heard.
It is always frightening when that happens. By experience, we know that within half an hour, a really strong typhoon will hit.
March 4, 2012 at 12:10 AM
I think us animals can predict the weather better than my weather person any day.
March 4, 2012 at 3:04 AM
Great post! I do think animals can sense a lot more than we give them credit for.
March 4, 2012 at 7:52 AM
Great post! I think animals can predict the weather.
March 4, 2012 at 10:20 AM
You are quite right. The last time we had a major earthquake here (many years ago now) our feline friends knew something was up. They simply would not leave the hallway in the apartment we rented and sure enough we had a shake up. When it was over they continued to go about the apartment. I was assured things would be alright.
March 4, 2012 at 12:37 PM
I agree with you dear Jenny, they can do this. I always feel better when I hear the birds around my home, but when I can’t hear them, I know something is wrong… Thank you dear Jenny, with my love, nia
March 4, 2012 at 2:21 PM
A fun *and* informative post!
March 4, 2012 at 2:50 PM
Haha, professional weather forecasters are so wrong so often!
March 4, 2012 at 4:04 PM
Hi Rumpy,,,,
Thanks for stopping by my place to meet me. You have some great info in this post, and I believe every word of it. When I sense a storm coming in, and in the St. Louis, Mo. area we have been having plenty of them, I quit joking around and head for cover under my best friend .
March 4, 2012 at 5:39 PM
I think animals can definitely predict the weather. The know when storms are coming.
March 5, 2012 at 4:05 AM
Not only weather but earthquakes too. I know from experience!
March 5, 2012 at 12:33 PM
All the critters, especially the birds, certainly do know when severe weather is approaching. Excellent and important post here today to help everyone stay safer!
March 5, 2012 at 3:55 PM
You make a lovely snow dog
A very intelligent one too! That was very interesting info, we don’t have birds on Europa…-176 degrees C is a touch cold for them to survive in! Scientists think there may be strange things in our under-ice oceans but we’re not telling lol 
Our weather guessers are hopeless but my internet connection is awesome at predicting snow and cloudy, rainy, stormy weather… it runs away and takes cover till it’s all over! And us wolfies sit around the pack laptop staring at a blank screen telling us Howlnet Explorer can’t connect to the server, please howl again later! Oh wolf, oh flea!!
March 5, 2012 at 6:37 PM
Oh Dog! Why is it so cold there? Brrrr…….
March 7, 2012 at 4:34 PM
It’s millions of rumpy-paws away from that big toasty hot yellow thing in the sky so it doesn’t get sunbathing hot like Earth
It’s way out past that scary ghoulish red world where the little green aliens live and there’s a big bumpy lumpy asteroid belt to negotiate before the rumpy-paws would get near Jupiter and my little icy moon world of Europa! Good for dog sledding and ice skating though!!
March 5, 2012 at 6:30 PM
this is very informative rumpy thanks for sharing…
March 5, 2012 at 6:37 PM
Hello! Thanks so much!
March 5, 2012 at 7:09 PM
Hi Rumpy,
I knew right away something bad was about to happen last Friday evening and I tried to tell Joy we needed to head for the basement. I was right, but all she did was sit in her chair and watch the weather on T,V, Maybe next time she’ll listen to my whines and realize my pacing didn’t just mean I had to pee.
Loved reading your post with Joy. By the way we are fine.
Joy
March 5, 2012 at 8:39 PM
I’m glad you are fine! And please tell Joy to listen next time!
March 6, 2012 at 4:39 AM
I think so.