Can animals tell when it's going to rain?

Question

If so, how do they know it?

And if so, how do we know that they know it?

I've heard this before...that animals can tell when it's going to rain...have you ever heard this before?

Do they have a different sense than we humans? Could it be instinct?

Answer 1

Rain is sometimes preceded by a sudden drop in barometric pressure. Some animals, including humans, are able to feel the difference in the surrounding air. I went to college with a guy who got headaches when the barometric pressure dropped suddenly.... right before it rained.

Answer 2

It's hard to tell whether or not animals actually know it's going to rain on a conscious level, mostly because we can't ask them directly but can only observe their behavior. From personal experience, I've seen horses head for cover and act reluctant to come outside within an hour of it starting to rain.

Since we don't know if they can truly detect rain, we can't really say how they do it, if they do it at all. Some theories include sensing changes in air humidity, temperature, or wind patterns. If there's a higher electrical charge in the air like before a really big storm, they might smell the ozone.

Answer 3

Absolutely, all animals can tell when its going to rain, because they can smell it. Also they pay attention to the signs nature gives when its going to rain such as tree leaves turn over, the change in atmosphere, and the air gets thicker. Dog sences are 10 time better then humans that's why they can detect all the changes.

Answer 4

Some can, and I'm pretty sure that it comes from being outside all the time. People can sense it too, when the clouds get darker and the air pressure changes you can feel it, and you'll usually know rain's coming. Animals do the same thing.

Answer 5

Well they did prove that animals had advanced warning of the huge Tsunami that came a couple years back. They ran for higher ground long before it actually came. Dogs know a seizure is coming on in their owner before the owner does, so it would make sense that they would know when its going to rain before it does!

Answer 6

I think animals have a keen sence of smell, which would lead to them sensing rain, we can watch there patterns to figure out their habits when rain is coming. Fish seem to know they start biting, so I believe alot of animals have different senses to tell them.

Answer 7

It is believed that animals are more sensitve to barametric pressure than humans. Barametric pressure changes often are a prelude to inclement weather. Therefore, an animal may respond to the change in pressure before a storm. Humans with sensivite arthritis also are prone to sensing changes in atmospheric pressure.

Answer 8

I can tell when it's going to rain, probably helps because I'm a postie and I'm working outside 6 days a week?

Answer 9

Yes I've heard of it and I think that animals can tell if there is a change in the pressure of the atmosphere.

Answer 10

Grew up with horses and yes thay knew. Usually if a bad storm would come in they would head for shelter but only if it was a bad one. Also ants build up thier hills before a rain came.