Weather Lore

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.

Below is a collection from our archives.

When Cows Lie Down: 8 Old-Time Weather Signs That Hold Up

When Cows Lie Down: 8 Old-Time Weather Signs That Hold Up featured image

Quick Reference Cows lying down: when most of the herd is on the ground at once, expect rain in the next 12 to 24 hours. Cows seek dry ground ahead of damp weather. Ring around the moon: a halo means high-altitude ice crystals in cirrostratus clouds, often a 12 to 48 hour storm warning. Birds

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Persimmon Seed Weather Prediction: How to Read the Winter Forecast

Persimmon Seed Weather Prediction: How to Read the Winter Forecast featured image

Quick Reference The rule: split a ripe persimmon seed in half. The white shape inside is one of three: a fork (mild winter), a spoon (heavy snow), or a knife (cold and icy). Origin: Appalachian and Southern U.S. folk tradition, recorded since at least the early 1800s. Specific to American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), not Asian

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Why Are Roosters on Weathervanes? A 1,200-Year-Old Story

Why Are Roosters on Weathervanes? A 1,200-Year-Old Story featured image

Quick Reference Why a rooster: the rooster became the symbol of St. Peter after the Last Supper passage in which he denied Jesus three times before the cock crowed. Who put it there: Pope Gregory I called the rooster “the most suitable symbol for Christianity” between 590 and 604 AD. Pope Nicholas made it official

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Persimmon Seed Prediction 2024-2025

Persimmon Seed Prediction 2024-2025 featured image

According to popular folklore, persimmon seeds may predict winter weather coming. How do you make a persimmon forecast? It’s easy. Just split open seeds of a locally grown fruit and look at the patterns inside. What did the persimmon seed say for 2024-2025? Here’s everything you need to know, include how to make your own

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Persimmon Seed Winter Weather Forecast Archives

Persimmon Seed Winter Weather Forecast Archives featured image

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

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Persimmon Winter Forecast 2023-2024

Persimmon Winter Forecast 2023-2024 featured image

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

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Dandelions And 5 More Plants That Predict The weather

Dandelions And 5 More Plants That Predict The weather featured image

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

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How To Make An Onion Forecast (Onion Calendar)

How To Make An Onion Forecast (Onion Calendar) featured image

Did you know you can make an onion forecast to predict the weather? An “Onion Calendar” It’s a time-honored folk weather forecasting technique used to predict levels of moisture for each month of the year ahead. All it takes is an onion, salt, a knife, and a little bit of patience! Learn more about this

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Have You Seen The Persimmon Forecast 2022-23?

Have You Seen The Persimmon Forecast 2022-23? featured image

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

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