Signs From The Natural World That a Storm Is Coming
Storms can catch us off guard, but nature often provides subtle clues that bad weather is approaching. Recognizing these less obvious signs can help you prepare for a storm, whether you’re hiking, camping, or simply enjoying a picnic. In this post, we’ll explore 10 natural indicators of an impending storm.
Why Knowing Storm Signs Matters
Understanding nature’s signals can keep you safe and prepared. From flipped leaves to croaking frogs, these subtle cues often precede storms by hours, giving you time to seek shelter or secure belongings. Below, we dive into 10 lesser-known signs of an approaching storm, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and anyone curious about weather patterns.
1. Leaves Turning Upside Down
Shifting winds before a storm can flip leaves, exposing their lighter undersides. Trees like poplars or maples are especially noticeable, as the contrast between leaf sides stands out.
What to look for: Leaves showing pale undersides, particularly during gusty breezes.
2. Ants Building Higher Mounds
Ants sense rising humidity and falling air pressure, prompting them to fortify their nests. Before a storm, you might see ants building taller or denser mounds to protect against flooding.
What to look for: Freshly raised ant hills, especially in low-lying areas.
3. Spiders Seeking Shelter
Spiders are sensitive to weather changes and may move to sheltered spots or spin tighter webs before a storm. You might notice more spiders indoors or webs in unusual places.
What to look for: Spiders in corners or dense, low webs in protected areas.
4. Flowers Closing Up
Plants like morning glories and dandelions close their petals when humidity rises or air pressure drops, protecting pollen from moisture. This is a subtle but reliable storm signal.
What to look for: Open flowers suddenly closing during the day.
5. Birds Feeding Frantically
Birds often sense storms through pressure changes and may feed more aggressively to store energy. This can look like flocks swarming feeders or foraging intensely.
What to look for: Unusual bird activity at feeders or rapid feeding behavior.
Related Post: 15 Signs Of An Incoming Cold And Snowy Winter According To The Farmers’ Almanac
6. Red or Orange Sky at Dawn
The saying “red sky at morning, sailors take warning” holds true. A reddish hue at sunrise often indicates moisture-heavy air, signaling an incoming storm system.
What to look for: Vibrant red or orange skies at dawn, caused by high clouds.
7. Frogs Croaking Loudly
Frogs thrive in moist conditions and often croak more intensely before rain or storms. Their calls may grow louder or more frequent as humidity spikes.
What to look for: Persistent, loud frog choruses, especially during daylight.
8. Pine Cones Closing Up
Pine cones react to humidity by closing their scales to protect seeds. Before a storm, rising moisture levels can cause pine cones to appear tighter.
What to look for: Pine cones on trees or the ground looking closed or compact.
9. Joint Aches Intensifying
Falling air pressure before a storm can cause tissues to expand slightly, leading to discomfort in joints or old injuries. Pets may also seem restless.
What to look for: Sudden joint pain or stiffness in yourself or animals.
10. Smoke Behaving Strangely
Changes in air pressure can make smoke from a fire sink, swirl, or disperse oddly. This subtle shift is a clue that a storm’s low-pressure system is nearing.
What to look for: Smoke hugging the ground or moving erratically.
Visualizing Storm Indicators: Atmospheric Pressure Changes
To better understand how storms affect the environment, the chart below shows typical atmospheric pressure trends before, during, and after a storm. Falling pressure often precedes storms, while a rise signals clearing weather.
This chart illustrates how atmospheric pressure typically drops as a storm approaches and rises afterward, correlating with many of the natural signs listed above.
How to Prepare for an Approaching Storm
Spotting these subtle signs of a storm can give you a head start to:
- Seek shelter: Find a safe indoor location or sturdy cover.
- Secure belongings: Tie down outdoor items or bring them inside.
- Check forecasts: Use a weather app or radio for real-time updates.
- Stay alert: Monitor for more obvious signs like thunder or darkening skies.
By combining these natural cues with modern tools, you can stay one step ahead of the weather.
Conclusion
Nature’s subtle signs of a storm—like flipping leaves, closing pine cones, or croaking frogs—are powerful indicators if you know what to look for. These clues, paired with tools like the pressure chart above, can help you anticipate and prepare for bad weather. Next time you’re outdoors, keep an eye out for these signals and stay safe.
Have you noticed any of these subtle storm signs before? Share your experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to check local weather updates before your next adventure!
