Woolly Worms Predict WinterSouthern Weather Folklore
When I was kid, I'd be most excited when they were loaded with black stripes (because of the snow). When I was kid, I'd be most excited when they were loaded with black stripes (because of the snow). Origin
The belief goes back generations in the Appalachians and the rural South, where farmers looked for natural signs to forecast the seasons. Woolly worms - the fuzzy caterpillars of the Isabella tiger moth - were watched closely in autumn. Some said if the worm’s coat was mostly black, a harsh winter was coming. If it was more reddish-brown, the winter would be easier. Others claimed the number of dark bands showed how many weeks of severe cold to expect.
Though similar sayings appear elsewhere in the U.S., the tradition took particularly strong root in Southern mountain culture, where weather signs were part of everyday life.
Notes
Legacy
The woolly worm superstition continues as a mix of entertainment and tradition. While scientists say the worm’s colors reflect its age and environment, many Southerners still smile and say, "The woolly worms know." It remains one of the most enduring weather signs in Southern and Appalachian folklore.
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How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 2). Woolly Worms Predict Winter
Southern Weather Folklore . HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/folklore/woolly-worms-predict-winter - MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Woolly Worms Predict Winter
Southern Weather Folklore ." HillbillySlang.com, 2 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/folklore/woolly-worms-predict-winter. - Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Woolly Worms Predict Winter
Southern Weather Folklore ." HillbillySlang.com. October 2, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/folklore/woolly-worms-predict-winter.
Dislaimer
What you're reading here is old Southern folklore and storytelling - not medical advice, and not meant to guide health, or pregnancy decisions (especially pregnancy decisions!). These tales are part of how folks once made sense of the world, passed down from grandparents and midwives.
If you have any medical questions or concerns, talk with a qualified healthcare professional.
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