Hello all

While all these forecasters and predictions are being posted here, which I can't wait for FA to post theirs. I was just wondering what "natural signs" anyone has witnessed or observed.

I know that black woolly worms are seen in VA and WV. I also noticed high placed spider webs and signs of animals heavily storing up for the winter. THe trees and grass are already noticably changing colors here too. Anyone else see the same? Other 'natural signs' maybe?

Would it at all be possible for the FA to maybe at least post a persimmon seed test to tide us over until Tuesday of next week when they formally post their winter prediction online?

Thank you very much

Aiden

On the OFA forums I was the one that posted about the black wooly worms.

Also the fall spiders are out and webbing. The cherry trees, oak trees, apple trees, and grape vines are loooooaded this year.

Deer, squirrels, and various other animals seem to be running about frantically looking for food.

The leaves have started changing early and we're not experiencing drought so no way to explain that one.

Started seeing the dense morning fogs early this year. There's an old wives tale that states 'For every fog in August, there is a snowfall in winter'.

Some other weather folklore:

-Out of season dandelions indicate a severe winter.
-Cut a persimmon seed in half. If the image inside is a spoon it means to get your shovels ready.
-If birds and badgers are fat in October then winter will be cold.
-If there's a frost on the shortest day (December 21st/22nd) then winter will be severe.
-If autumn leaves are slow to fall expect a cold winter.
-If wasps build their nest high the winter will be long and harsh.
-It will be a cold, snowy winter if squirrels gather huge stores of nuts.
-Wind from the northwest on November 11th (St. martins day) indicates a severe winter.
-If ducks swim at Hallowtide at Christmas they will slide.
-Apparently a warm November is a sign of a harsh winter.
-If Ant Hills are high in July then winter will be snowy.
-If the first week of August is unusually warm then winter will be snowy and long.
-As high as the weeds grow, so will the amount of snow.
-Thunder in fall fortells a cold winter.
-Much rain in October brings much wind in December
-If the first snow falls on unfrozen ground expect a mild winter.

Hoped that helped.

We haven't gotten nearly as many reports about Persimmon seeds this year so if anyone wants to share let us know!

Some Things I've Noticed Here In Bethesda MD.

-Cherry Blossom Trees Dropping Leaves
- MUCH Less spiderwebs this summer
-Recent Increase in NIGHTIME insect activity
-Decrease in Squirrel/Bird activity, BUT SQUIRRELS ARE ACTING CRAZY WHEN THEY SHOW UP!!! (DIGGING, SWINGING & DANCING/CHASING, ECT).
-Less Thunderstorm Activity This Summer, But still Some severe Storms
- MUCH Less Worm/Caterpillar Nests
-Pine Trees Seem VERY Bushy, Thick.
-Less Chickweed
-Summer Has Been Cool Overall.

Hope that is interesting. Have a great day

wjp2011111

Hm. That is interesting. Many of the things you listed indicate a milder winter while the things I've noticed here, and I'm south of you, indicate a harsh winter...curious...

I'm Not too good with all these "natural Signs" But why are the Cherry Blossom Trees Losing leaves but not the others, seems odd to me. The ONly wolly catterpillar I've ever seen was in 2002, before our monster winter, and it looked all one color with large fur. I can't find them anymore, But Nowadays Being in Climatology, I use devices such as Analogs And Long Range models. So I have Forgot About the wolly worms until today. But this summer has been very odd animal wise, when we do see them, they're acting wierd, hard to describe. We Purchased a Swingset 2 months ago, and the Squirrels were Using it, THE RIGHT WAY, LOL

I find it rather amusing how so many people actually believe these old folklore myths. If you look back every year I read comments about how cold and snowy the coming winter will be. If I were to believe how cold the last 10 winters were going to be by spiders and wooly worms we would be in the next ice age by now. Most spiders alive now wont even be alive when winter starts.

Go ahead and be amused. Nature is what folks counted on before all the technology and science of today.

I've counted fogs this month so far. There were a total of 7 clear mornings so far this month. That makes for 20 foggy mornings. Natural sign that even FA admits to looking at.

LOL!!!! Well I haven't seen any fogs around here in Northern Virginia unless I just had not paid attention.

In North Central Ohio (Mansfield Area), we have silkworm nests HEAVY this year, and they seem to have came early. About 2 weeks ago?? They are at all levels in the trees. No sign of Wooly's though. Tree's have began changing color, corn is beginning to "die". Weeds have been growing like wildfire along the roads and fields (4'+ tall). Crickets during daylight hours for the last week too. (I was told that's a sign of fall coming.) Bird's have been flocking in large numbers for the last week or two also. Like everyone has said in here, it's been a VERY strange summer. We had 1 or 2 90+ in July... then 3 or 4 90+ in the beginning of August... and that's it for the hot weather. As far as the "fog weatherlore", we have had fog nearly everyday this month in August. Now daytime highs are predicted in low 70's/upper 60's for the next week. It's going to be an interesting winter, especially with the way the FA's 4 month forecast is looking in November and December for this area. If someone can give an interpretation of this... lol