In early 2021, the winter brought a rising name into focus: George King. He drew attention by predicting the storm known as Filomena in Spain. His method relied on cabañuelas, an ancestral weather forecasting practice based on careful observation of nature. Since then, he has grown a substantial following across social networks, drawing interest from many who seek traditional insights into the climate.
Jorge Rey, a Burgos teenager with a keen interest in meteorology, publishes weekly forecasts from the Traditional Meteorological Institute and runs a personal YouTube channel. He has collaborated on recent posts, including Pablo Ochera’s announcement about an end to a prolonged drought in a distinctive way.
Rey’s collaborator noted a behavioral clue from local ants: they were frantically moving soil from their anthills. Using this sign, he estimated that within three to four weeks, a notable drop in temperature or a DANA could arrive. The idea here is that the ants might signal an upcoming shift in weather through changes in their activity pattern.
Ant signals and the drought discussion in Spain
Animals often respond to shifts in weather, and ants are cited as being particularly alert to atmospheric changes. They are thought to sense temperature drops before storms, serving as a historical cue for predicting rain. Ant-based forecasting has been shared as a traditional practice, though it lacks a formal scientific basis. Observers sometimes interpret changes in how ants carry their nests or the materials they use as signs that rain is on the way, a method highlighted by Pablo Ochera as part of his seasonal predictions.
According to meteorological models, a marked change in weather could occur within about ten days. The idea is that an anticyclone would move north, redirecting Atlantic storms toward the Iberian Peninsula, and thus ending the drought with heavy rainfall.
Storms on the horizon, as predicted by Jorge Rey
By examining weather models and atmospheric conditions, Rey and Ochera forecast a clear shift over time. They anticipate a cold air influx on the Mediterranean slope, accompanied by humid winds and precipitation. This region is historically among the most affected by drought, making the forecast particularly significant for local water resources and agriculture.
Rey notes that the persistence of high temperatures in the coming days may be storing energy for future storms. He explains that the cold air surge will likely bring substantial rainfall, a development he sees as essential given the current climate pressures in Spain. In the meantime, Ochera points out that extremely dry grass creates fertile ground for fires, urging caution and recommending that fires be avoided near wooded areas to protect landscapes and communities.