Nature's Thermometer

Photo by ArSiSa7

Can crickets really predict the temperature outside? This sounds like a silly folk tale, but according to every source I checked, from university studies to the Farmer's Almanac to good old Snopes, it's true.

There are a number of formulas given to figure temperature, including both degrees Farenheit and Celsius. Some of them are so complex that I'd need a calculator and mathmatics professor to explain them. The more complicated formulas produce a more accurate reading while the simplest formula provides a general idea of temperature. I prefer the KISS theory--you know, Keep It Simple, Silly (my somewhat kinder modification of the acronym).

So the process goes something like this:

You're out on a summer evening. The crickets are chirping up a storm (and by the way, this is actually a mating ritual...what you're hearing is the song of courtship!).

Count the number of chirps that occur in 14 seconds. To that number, add 40. This should provide a rough estimate of the current air temperature in degrees Farenheit.

Pretty nifty, huh?

But don't take my word. On your next outdoor evening, listen for the sounds of cricket love.

And let me know whether or not the crickets are having a "hot" night!

(Thanks to my friend, Marty, for the cricket blog suggestion)