Tree leaves turn over

Tree leaves turn over
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This old wives’ tale is actually valid. Before a storm hits, the humidity usually skyrockets, which makes the leaf stems on trees that drop their leaves in autumn go limp. Without their usual rigidity, those leaves show their undersides when the wind rustles them.

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Bugs get less frisky

Bugs get less frisky
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When barometric pressure drops before the rain, bugs lose interest in mating, according to a study in PLoS ONE. Researchers looked at the mating behaviour of different bug species – cucurbit beetles, potato aphids, and true army-worm moths – and all three species had similar reactions. When it felt like it was going to rain, the females put out fewer mating signals, and the males didn’t react as strongly to their pheromones. The bugs would still have sex if they were put near each other, but they’d get it over with quickly instead of going through their full mating rituals.

Thinking of travelling during a storm? Check out this advice before you leave.

Birds might flee

Birds might flee
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In 2013, scientists tracking golden-winged warbler migrations were confused when the birds suddenly fled the Tennessee mountains, each travelling solo rather than in a flock. There was a storm brewing 900 kilometres away, but there was seemingly nothing that could have clued them in – the wind speeds, precipitation, and atmospheric pressure hadn’t changed. After the storm passed, the birds came back. Researchers figure the birds can sense sounds that are too low for humans to hear.

The air’s scent changes

The air’s scent changes
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It’s not just in your head – there really is a certain smell in the air before the rain hits. That fresh scent you detect is coming from the ozone. As a storm approaches, the downward draft of air pushes ozone molecules closer to the ground, where they reach your nose. Did you know that the air also becomes hotter than the sun when lightning strikes? It’s true!

Don’t miss these weird facts about lightning strikes.

Bees work extra hard

Bees work extra hard
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Research from Jiangxi Agricultural University suggests that bees can predict when it’s going to rain and stock up on food to prepare. The scientists tracked 300 honeybees for more than a month and found something interesting: the day before it rained, the bees worked later than usual, likely to stock up on food because they don’t like to leave when it’s pouring.

Find out more interesting facts about bees and other of the world’s smartest animals.

Dogs get nervous

Dogs get nervous
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If your dog is scared of thunderstorms, it might start acting out even before the storm hits. Vets suspect that dogs can predict bad weather because they sense changes in the atmosphere’s pressure, hear low-frequency thunder rumbles before humans can, or feel static electricity. Those changes can freak dogs out, and your pet might hide, claw, or pace earlier than you’d expect.

Here are some unexpected reasons your dog might have anxiety.

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Source: RD.com

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