Shawdesh desk:

It looks like the start of the work and school week could get dicey across New York.

A fast moving storm system is expected to move across New York Monday afternoon and it could bring some severe weather.

Rain, thunderstorms, and damaging winds could cause some problems.

A warm front is expected to bring above average temperatures mid-week into the weekend with highs getting into the 80s by the weekend.

Plenty of sunshine is also expected with this next warm front, so if you are not quite ready to say good bye to Summer you should have a couple more days to enjoy it later this week.

5 Very Buffalo Ways To Predict The Weather

Groundhog’s Day is coming up and why leave it to Punxsutawney Phil or Dunkirk Dave to predict if Spring will come early. Here are some VERY Buffalo ways you can predict the weather here in Western New York.

Gallery Credit: Dave Fields

Photo Credit: Ebay

Your Cherrios Are Not Frosted With Sugar

That is not sugar frosting your Cheerios, it is ice. You know the kind you scrape off your windshield in the morning. Frosted Cheerios means 6 more weeks of Winter.

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Your Ice Cream cone melts to fast

Your Cherry Dip Twist ice cream from Kone King melts in just a couple of minutes. That means Spring will come early.

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You have to take off your Winter boots off in the garage

You still have to take off your Winter boots in the garage because your SO doesn’t want salt and slush the mudroom. Winter boots off in the garage mean 6 more weeks of Winter.

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You Feel Every Pothole In WNY

Your vehicle bounced when you hit a pothole. That means the compacted snow in the pothole is melting and that means an early Spring.

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It hurts to breathe

You can still see your breath and it hurts your lungs to take a breath. That means it is still COLD out and six more weeks of Winter.

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BONUS: Mark Poloncarz’s Hair Moves.

Mark Poloncarz’s hair moves in the wind. That means it is really gusty out and winter storms are still on the way. Six more weeks of Winter.

Can These Animals Predict Weather?

Folklore or forecast? You be the judge.

Gallery Credit: Karolyi

Karolyi

Squirrel

“Bushy tail never fails, a snowy Winter is on it’s way”. Have you seen squirrels storing lots of food this fall? If so, Winter will be harsh.

Photo by Janan Lagerwall on Unsplash

Rabbit

A fat and fluffy rabbit calls for fat and fluffy snow! When rabbits are fat in Fall, winter will be long and cold.

Photo by Thomas Bonometti on Unsplash

Wolves

Listen carefully at night. If you hear wolves howling, a storm could be imminent. Wolves always howl before a storm.

Photo by James Wainscoat on Unsplash

Birds

Have you noticed birds flying low to the ground? If you see this, a storm is likely. Birds can sense the changes in air pressure.

Photo by Kayla Hughey on Unsplash

Woolly Bear

Keep an eye out for this guy and pay attention to it’s coloring. The more brown they are the milder the winter.

Photo by Quaritsch Photography on Unsplash

Cows

Many think that if you see cows lying down a storm is coming. Studies show this is not the case. They are most likely just chewing their cud. However, if a cow stands with it’s tail to the east, a storm is coming. Animals graze with their tail toward the wind so that if a predator sneaks up behind them, the wind will help catch the scent of the predator and prevent an attack.

Photo by Angel Luciano on Unsplash

Dogs

I always thought that if a dog eats grass their stomach is upset. That may be true but some will also tell you that it means rain is coming.

Photo by Rafael Garcin on Unsplash

Spiders

Seems we always have spider webs in the basement. This is more than a sign of just something that happens in a basement. This also means cold weather is coming as spiders are seeking shelter.

Photo by Mikael Kristenson on Unsplash

Horse

If you see a horse sniffing the air with it’s neck outstretched it is said that rain is on the way.

Photo by Antonio Janeski on Unsplash

Ladybug

Winter is on it’s way if you start seeing ladybugs in your home as they are seeking shelter.

Photo by Philipp Pilz on Unsplash

Sheep

What does it mean when sheep gather closely together? Are they doing it for warmth? Friendship? More likely it means a snow storm is looming.

Photo by Ludemeula Fernandes on Unsplash

Cat

They say if a cat sneezes rain is coming. It could also mean they are allergic to cats.

Photo by Christopher Carson on Unsplash

Pig

Have you noticed pigs gathering leaves and hay? They are doing this for warmth and that only means 1 thing, winter is going to be cold.

Photo by Kendall Ruth on Unsplash

Bull

If you see a bull leading cows to pasture, rain is likely.

Keeping Pets Cool During The Hot Hudson Valley Weather

Great tips to keep in mind so your pets don’t get over heated during the warm (or hot) Hudson Valley days.

Gallery Credit: Brandi Hunter

Tran Mau Tri Tam for Unsplash

Don’t Let the Heat Take You or Your Animals by Surprise.

So, you have four-legged, furry family members, what kind of special care do you need to give them on super-hot days? Here’s a few things according to ASPCA.org and Petfinder.com. 

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Spending Time Outdoors Might Need to Be Off Limits on Hot Days

When you are outdoors, make sure that your pets have a shady spot to keep them out of the sun. Remember that your dog or cat, wear a fur coat all year long. That fur keeps heat in. Fluffy and Fido will appreciate being able to at least take advantage of the shade, where the heat is not as intense.

Photo by Anoir Chafik on Unsplash

Cute Puppies Need to Stay Cool

Make sure that you keep your pets stay hydrated. Super easy way to do this is to make sure that they have constant access to fresh water. If you are out walking or at the dog park, bring one bottle of water for them for every bottle of water for yourself. They might not drink it all, but then you have them covered, just in case.

Photo by Tran Mau Tri Tam on Unsplash

Does The Fur Fly in Your Home? Looking To Keep Cool?

Keep pets off hot asphalt. The excessive temperatures can heat the asphalt to such a significant degree that it burns your pets’ paws. If you have ever walked barefoot at the beach on a very hot day, you might have been through a similar experience of what your furry one might get with hot asphalt, like your bare feet walking on hot sand.

Photo by Piotr Musioł on Unsplash

Where Is The Best Place For Your Pets?

Give them a fan to sit or relax in front of or if you can, keep them indoors in the air conditioning.

Watch out for signs of heat stroke. If your pet shows any of the following signs, get them to a vet immediately. Symptoms include, ‘panting, lethargy, drooling, vomiting and collapse.’

Photo by Berkay Gumustekin on Unsplash

What Is The Most Important Thing You Can Do?

What should you do if you think the pads of their feet have been compromised or injured? Call your veterinarian immediately.

Do you have any tips that we should add? Let us know.