A Strange Backyard Sign Could Be Pointing to a Harsh Winter in New Jersey

It might sound unusual, but some of the best signs of an upcoming winter doesn't come from the weather report, they come from nature in New Jersey.

Old traditions and bits of folklore suggest that animals and even vegetables can give us a heads-up on whether snow and bitter cold are on the way.

What a Bushy Tail or a High Nest Really Means

Take the squirrels, for example. If their tails look especially full and fluffy, that’s long been seen as a sign of a rough season ahead, according to almanac.com. The way they build their nests also matters: higher up in the branches often signals heavy snow and freezing temperatures, while lower nests hint at a calmer, easier winter.

Squirrels May Be Hiding Clues About Winter

And if you see squirrels stashing away more food than normal, it could mean they’re preparing for something big.

Onions, Apples, and the Skins That Tell a Story

Gardeners, on the other hand, have always sworn by the onion test. When onions grow thin skins, it usually points to a mild winter. Thick, tough skins? That’s nature’s way of saying, “Bundle up, it’s going to be a cold one.” The same rule applies to apples, too.

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It’s all summed up in a classic gardening rhyme: “Onion skin thin, Winter will be mild within; Onion skin thick and rough, Cold and snow will be enough.”

Keep Reading: Where You Can Find the Cheapest Groceries in New Jersey

So while meteorologists crunch their forecasts, you might just get your first winter warning from the backyard squirrels, or the onions in your pantry.