Persimmon Seeds, Wooly Worms, Spiders, and Crickets

Although I'm not forecasting on the tube anymore I still utilize my mteorological training everyday to come up with my own forecasts. Recently, I was peeking at the upcoming winter forecast. According to NOAA this region will see above normal temperatures from December through February with above normal rainfall through the same period.

According to the Farmers' Almanac this region will feel icy temperatures and see a decent snowfall this winter.

I'm a strong believer that Mother Nature has a way of preparing for an upcoming season. I'm not saying I totally believe in all weather folklore, but if you look at a few things going on in your own backyard you may be able to come up with your own forecast. I've observed a few wooly worms and if the weather folklore is accurate it looks like Missouri will see a cold winter. Here's a peek at some weather folklore.

Persimmon Seeds - According to weather folklore, persimmon seeds can be used to predict the severity of winter weather. When cut into two pieces, the persimmon seed will display one of three symbols. A knife shape indicates a cold icy winter (where wind will cut through you like a knife). A fork shape means a mild winter. A spoon shape stands for a shovel to dig out of the snow.

Wooly Worms - Weather folklorists believe the more black hairs a woolly worm has, the worse the winter will be. If the caterpillar has more orange, then the winter will be mild. One must keep in mind that a woolly worm caterpillar should have both colors - and not just one.

Spiders - According to folklore, if "spiders spin larger than usual webs and enter the house in great numbers," a snowy winter is supposed to be on tap.

Crickets - Weather folklore says early arrival of crickets on the hearth means an early winter.

Tell me what you are seeing in your backyard? Are we going to have a bad winter?

Source: Farmers' Almanac and NOAA