Woolly Worms Predict Winter Weather

Old farmer myths include the tale of the weather forecasting woolly worm!  Woolly bear caterpillars have a long standing reputation for predicting the weather for the coming winter.  A curator for the American Museum of Natural History set out to prove the truth behind the Woolly worm.   His 8 year quest attracted lots of publicity and contributed to making the woolly worm famous.  Whether fact or fiction, we would like to explore what the woolly worms predict winter weather will bring.

How to read the forecast

Woolly bear caterpillars have 13 sections that are either reddish brown or black. The size and frequency of one particular color over another generates the weather prediction. The folklore claims more red colored sections signify a mild winter. Reversely, the wider and more frequent the black sections are, means we are in for a bitter cold winter.

White Woolly Worms

The striped woolly worm species carry a reputation for their weather predicting abilities.  Similarly, their cousins, the white woolly worms also offer a predictive warning.  According to the myth, the presence alone of white woolly worms signifies a season of heavy snow.  They are considered rare in some regions and spotting them means you can expect an extra white winter.

Woolly Worm Festival

Every October there are woolly worm festivals, much like Groundhog’s Day, where Americans celebrate the woolly worm and look for clues about the coming season.  The prize woolly bear is inspected for the fall’s prediction of winter.  This October, see if you spot any white woolly worms.

Prepare for Winter

If the woolly worms are right, we might be in for a frigidly cold winter with lots of snow this year.  Make sure to prepare by checking the quality of insulation of your windows and doors.  Save on the heat bills during the coming blizzards by investing in energy efficient windows this fall.