Before there were weather apps for your smartphone, Doppler radar, or the National Weather Service, our ancestors were busy observing their natural surroundings and noticed that animal behavior, clouds, and other elements of nature gave clues about the weather to come.
The result: weather folklore — sayings, rhymes and anecdotes that were passed down from generation to generation. Weather lore is one of our favorite subjects here at Farmers’ Almanac, and It’s been a reader favorite since our very first edition in 1818.
According to popular folklore, a persimmon can predict winter weather. How do you make a persimmon forecast? It’s easy. Just split open seeds of a locally grown fruit and look at the pattern inside. Here’s everything you need to know: “Some people believe persimmon seeds can predict the severity of winter weather,” says Farmers’ Almanac
Did you know that there are plants that predict the weather? Dandelions and these five other plants can tell you when it may rain, the temperature outside, and more! Dandelions Despite their reputation as pesky lawn weeds, dandelions are also good indicators of rain—especially since you’re likely to find them wherever you go! Like pimpernels
According to popular folklore, a persimmon can predict winter weather. How do you make a persimmon forecast? It’s easy. Just split open a seed of a locally grown fruit and look at the pattern inside. If you see a fork, winter will be mild. A shovel (or spoon shape)? It will be snowy. A knife
Seeing fat rabbits and birds this month? What does it mean when leaves hang on the boughs? We dug into the October weather lore archives to find the answers!
The month of November is very much known as a transition month, as fall blends into winter. Leaves have left the trees and nature prepares for cold. Did our ancestors watch for signs this month?
Can you predict the weather ahead with persimmon seeds? According to folklore, yes! Here's our persimmon seed forecast with a batch of Eastern NC seeds.
There are many folklore sayings about the weather, but the easiest ones to remember are the ones that rhyme. See how many of these popular weather lore rhymes you know!