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Many people have probably heard the weather proverb, “When swallows fly low, it will rain.” But did you know that there are actually two main explanations behind this saying?

The first explanation 🪰
It relates to the behavior of small insects, such as flies, which are the swallows’ prey. When humidity rises, moisture can cling to the insects’ wings, making them heavier and causing them to fly lower. Swallows then follow these insects, flying lower as a result. However, recent research has shown that insects’ wings are covered with fine hairs that repel water, making this explanation somewhat questionable. 💧

The second explanation 🌬️
Insects themselves fly closer to the ground to avoid getting wet, sensing changes in air pressure and humidity. Swallows follow them, flying low to catch their prey. While this theory has not been completely proven, it seems plausible, considering that humans can also feel the effects of changes in air pressure and humidity on their bodies. 🧠

Many old proverbs contain the wisdom and ingenuity of creatures in nature. Looking up at the sky and watching the swallows fly can make us feel as if we are reading subtle signs in the weather, which gives them a certain charm. 💛

Reference: “Do Weather Proverbs Really Come True?”