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Squirrels and Spiders Signal Potential Harsh UK Winter
21 Oct
Summary
- Squirrels hoarding extra nuts may indicate colder winter
- Spiders spinning larger webs linked to lower temperatures
- Experts dispute reliability of animal behavior forecasts
According to the article published on October 21, 2025, certain animal behaviors in the UK are raising concerns about the severity of the upcoming winter season. Squirrels have been observed carrying extra weight and hoarding large quantities of nuts, which is often interpreted as a sign that temperatures will drop more than usual. Similarly, spiders have been spinning larger webs, a phenomenon long associated with colder weather.
However, experts dispute the reliability of using animal behaviors to forecast the weather. They argue that factors like the natural maturation of spiders and the instinctive migration patterns of birds do not necessarily indicate the severity of the coming winter.
The Met Office's three-month forecast for the UK suggests a 55% likelihood of "near average" temperatures and a 30% probability of "mild" conditions, with only a 15% possibility of a cold season. While these forecasts are based on historical weather patterns, they should be viewed as guidance rather than definitive predictions.
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As the UK approaches the start of astronomical winter on December 21, 2025, the national weather service has characterized the year so far as "remarkably sunny," though it has acknowledged recent temperature drops and dreary periods nationwide.
