Home
Weather Dublin
WeatherRadar
RainfallRadar
TemperatureRadar
WindRadar
LightningRadar
Weather News
Editor's Pick
Discover the app
Weather widget
Contact us
Apps
    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
Severe weather damage in France. Tornado impacts. . . Tuesday 25 August 2026
On the left, the weather radar shows numerous flashes of lightning over the south of France. On the right, severe tornado damage can be seen in Pomas, with damaged roofs, trees and vehicles.
Tuesday 25 August 2026

Tornado impacts

Severe weather damage in France
Extreme heat in Italy. Up to 45 degrees. . . Wednesday 26 August 2026
Split screen. On the left, a temperature map of Italy. On the right, a view of Taormina and Mount Etna
Wednesday 26 August 2026

Up to 45 degrees

Extreme heat in Italy
Blood Moon rises early Friday morning. Partial lunar eclipse. . . Thursday 27 August 2026
Stages of a lunar eclipse
Thursday 27 August 2026

Partial lunar eclipse

Blood Moon rises early Friday morning
All weather news
This might also interest you
Storm Chandra makes impact. Severe gales & heavy rain. . . Tuesday 27 January 2026
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
A stormy week in the skies above. Your weather - Your shots. . . Sunday 30 August 2026
Split image showing lightning branching beneath dark storm clouds above rooftops on the left and an orange-pink sunset over a calm sea on the right.
Sunday 30 August 2026

Your weather - Your shots

A stormy week in the skies above
Long-term trends need a pinch of salt. 40 °C in July?. . . Tuesday 30 June 2026
Temperature radar of 2022 heatwave where the all-time temperature record in the UK was set. Warning symbol overlain.
Tuesday 30 June 2026

40 °C in July?

Long-term trends need a pinch of salt
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

facebooktwitteryouTubelinkList