By Farmers’ Almanac Contributor

There are certain mornings when you step outside and feel it immediately.

Not cold exactly. Not warm either.

Just… different.

The air carries a weight to it. The wind pauses like it’s listening. Birds act strangely. Even the trees seem to hold their breath.

And before long, someone—usually the oldest person in town—says the same thing they’ve said for decades:

“Storm’s coming.”

But how do they always know?

Long before weather apps, satellites, and radar maps, farmers, sailors, hunters, and homesteaders read the world the way a good storyteller reads a room: by noticing the subtle shifts no one else pays attention to.

Some of those old weather signs were superstition. Some were coincidence. But surprisingly…

Many were scientifically sound.

So if you’ve ever wondered whether there’s truth behind the folklore, pull up a chair. Let’s take a walk through the fields of old-time weather wisdom—where the sky speaks quietly, and nature never lies.

---

1. When Cows Lie Down, Pay Attention

One of the most famous sayings goes:

“If cows are lying down, rain is on the way.”

And yes—there may be something to it.

Cows don’t mind damp weather, but they do prefer dry ground. If the air pressure drops before a storm, moisture rises from the earth and makes the grass wetter. Cows, sensing discomfort ahead, may choose to lie down early in a dry spot before it turns soggy.

Is it foolproof? No.

But if you see an entire pasture suddenly lounging like they’ve been invited to a picnic… you might want to grab your umbrella.

---

2. A Ring Around the Moon Means Rain (Or Snow)

If you’ve ever seen a pale halo circling the moon at night, you’ve witnessed a sign as old as human memory.

That ring is caused by ice crystals high in the atmosphere, often in cirrostratus clouds—clouds that frequently appear 12 to 48 hours before a storm system arrives.

So the old saying holds:

“Ring around the moon, rain or snow soon.”

And in many cases, it’s dead-on accurate.

It’s one of the most dependable weather clues nature gives us, and it’s been quietly predicting storms since the first farmer looked up from his plow.

---

3. When Birds Fly Low, Weather Will Blow

You might notice before a storm that swallows, sparrows, and other birds begin flying unusually close to the ground.

That’s not panic.

That’s dinner.

When air pressure drops, insects can’t stay aloft as easily. They drift downward, and birds follow them.

So the old-timers were right again:

Low-flying birds often mean low pressure is arriving—often with rain.

And if you see birds swooping like they’re putting on an air show? That might be your cue to finish your outdoor chores early.

---

4. Red Sky at Night… and Morning

This one has traveled across continents and centuries:

“Red sky at night, sailor’s delight.
Red sky in morning, sailor’s warning.”

And it’s more than poetry—it’s meteorology.

A red sunset often means clear air and high pressure to the west (where weather typically moves from), signaling fair weather ahead.

A red sunrise, however, can indicate that clear skies are to the east, while storms approach from the west.

In short:

• Red at sunset = storm has passed or missed you
• Red at sunrise = storm may be coming

A painted sky isn’t just beautiful—it’s a forecast written in fire.

---

5. When the Air Smells Like Earth, Rain Is Near

Some people swear they can “smell rain” before it falls.

And they can.

That scent is called petrichor, caused when rain hits dry soil and releases oils from plants and bacteria. But even before the rain begins, increased humidity and wind can lift those compounds into the air.

So when you step outside and smell something rich and earthy—like the ground itself is waking up—there’s a decent chance the clouds are preparing to open.

It’s one of nature’s most comforting warnings.

---

6. Frogs Croaking Loudly? A Stormy Tune May Follow

You may have heard:

“When frogs croak loud, rain’s in the clouds.”

Frogs and toads become more active when humidity rises. Moist air protects their skin from drying out, so they move around more, call more, and sometimes sound like they’re hosting a swamp concert.

If the pond suddenly comes alive at dusk, you might not be hearing a celebration.

You might be hearing the weather changing.

---

7. A Sudden Silence in Nature Isn’t Always Peaceful

One of the eeriest storm signs is one that doesn’t announce itself with noise.

Instead…

everything goes quiet.

Birdsong stops. Insects vanish. Even the wind seems to pull back.

Animals sense changes in barometric pressure and may instinctively seek shelter. That can create a strange stillness that feels almost unnatural.

If you ever experience that heavy quiet—like the world is holding its breath—it’s worth paying attention.

That silence has preceded many thunderstorms, tornadoes, and fast-moving squalls.

---

8. The “Itchy” Feeling Before a Storm

Ever felt restless, irritable, or headachy before bad weather?

You’re not imagining it.

Rapid drops in air pressure can affect the human body, especially people sensitive to sinus pressure or joint pain. Many arthritis sufferers report worsening aches before storms, and migraine-prone individuals often feel weather shifts before the clouds even arrive.

Old-timers used to say:

“If your bones ache, rain’s on the way.”

Sometimes the best barometer isn’t hanging on a wall.

Sometimes it’s in your knees.

---

So… Should We Trust Weather Folklore?

Not blindly.

But not dismissively either.

Because the truth is, nature is always giving us clues. Weather apps are powerful, but they don’t replace the human ability to notice the small things—the smell of the wind, the shape of the clouds, the behavior of animals.

In fact, the best forecasting often comes from combining both:

• Science gives us the map
• Folklore gives us the feel of the land

And if you live close to nature, you already know…

Weather isn’t just something that happens.

It’s something you can sense.

---

A Farmer’s Final Reminder

Before you check your phone tomorrow morning, step outside first.

Look up.

Listen.

Feel the air.

Watch the birds. Watch the clouds. Notice the stillness—or the sudden rush of wind.

Because no matter how modern the world becomes, the oldest truth remains:

The sky still tells its story.

And if you learn its language, you’ll never be caught off guard.