Environment Planet Earth 12 Signs That a Hard Winter Is Coming By Melissa Breyer Melissa Breyer Former Senior Editorial Director Hunter College F.I.T., State University of New York Cornell University Melissa Breyer is Treehugger’s former senior editorial director. Her writing and photography have been featured in The New York Times, The Guardian, National Geographic, Audubon Magazine, and elsewhere. Learn about our editorial process Updated May 12, 2020 ©. Jim Cumming Planet Earth Weather Outdoors Conservation Historically we've looked to nature to help forecast the weather; here are some indicators gleaned from generations of folk wisdom. In 1978, the Farmers' Almanac published a list of 20 signs that suggest a harsh winter is in the works. Compiled by meteorologist Dick Goddard, they are charming for sure. Holding the Guinness World Record for the longest career as a weather forecaster (51 years 6 days), Goddard knows a thing or two about the weather. And weather folklore as well, apparently. While these days we rely on all kinds of technical wizardry for our weather prognostications, the entirety of history before us looked at the natural world to get a sense of what was to come. Time-Tested Folk Wisdom The following are 12 of the 20 signs, all of which The Almanac notes are still relevant today. I can't say whether all of these have any science to back them up, but they certainly have generations of folk wisdom to do so. Some of them seem valid as indicators of early winter – but as for severity, well, we shall see. I know that I'll still be looking at the weather reports, but don't be surprised if you see me considering a parade of ants as well. Animals have a good sense about these things; who are we not to listen to them? Signs of an Impending Harsh Winter 1. Woodpeckers sharing a tree.2. The early arrival of the snowy owl.3. The early departure of geese and ducks4. Heavy and numerous fogs during August.5. The early arrival of crickets on the hearth.6. Pigs gathering sticks.7. Ants marching in a line rather than meandering.8. Early seclusion of bees within the hive.9. Unusual abundance of acorns.10. A high hornet's nest to indicate snow level11. Extra fuzzy woolly bear caterpillars are said to mean that winter will be very cold.12. Squirrels gathering nuts early.Are there signs you rely on that indicate a rough winter ahead? Let us know in the comments. And you can see the rest of the signs at the Farmers Almanac.