10 Unlikely Natural Signals That Predict Rain

Folklore in different parts of the world tells us how to recognise signs of rain. Sometimes it is in the behaviour of animals, and sometimes in the way plants and flowers change. These are said to be nature's signals for impending rain.

1. Bats

   Bare said to fly lower just before it starts to rain.



Photo: Wikipedia creative commons

This piece of wisdom is common in Europe and is probably true, in part. Bats don't like rain as they have fur which gets wet and heavy. They would automatically come down lower to seek shelter when rain was imminent.

2. Cats

   Cats sit with tails towards the fire when it is going to rain, according to European legend. Cats sit by the fire when they are cold.

3. Fish

   Fish take the bait more easily when it is about to rain according to folklore. I have heard fisherman say that fishing is much better in the rain.

4. Dolphins

   Legends about dolphin behaviour are many and it is sometimes said that dolphins swim closer to land when it is going to rain. They are known to do this during severe weather.

5. Frogs



Photo: Wikipedia creative commons

It is commonly claimed that frogs come out of the water croaking when it is going to rain. They normally only croak during the mating season, so maybe they are coming out of the water to mate on dry land and croaking at the same time.

6. Daisies



Photo: Wikipedia creative commons

There are many different species of daisy and many of them, including this Arctotis close when the sun goes in. So, they would appear to close their petals before rain. The Livingstone daisy is a very common garden plant that opens and closes all day according to whether, or not it gets direct sunlight.

7. Roosters

   Roosters crow before going to sleep as a sign of rain. Rooster normally only crow at dawn as a signal to other roosters which literally says ‘This is my patch!'

8. Wolves



Photo: Wikipedia creative commons

This is an southeast Asian folklore tale that is prevalent in India and parts of China. Wolves howl to announce their presence and as a communication tool.

9. Birds



Photo: Wikipedia creative commons

This is probably not generally true but I have personally witnessed birds gathering together and making a lot of noise just before a storm.

10. Cattle



Photo: Wikipedia creative commons

Cattle do seem to herd together when the weather is bad. This is for protection.