00:00Ever notice how the lighter underside of leaves is often exposed a few hours before a thunderstorm?
00:05This is another one of nature's fascinating weather cues.
00:09For thunderstorms to form, humidity is typically high.
00:12That extra moisture can soften the stems that hold leaves in place, making them a little
00:16more limp and easier to twist.
00:18At the same time, incoming lower pressure causes wind to increase and change direction.
00:23Instead of blowing in its typical direction, less common wind angles hit the branches differently,
00:28swaying twigs and small branches.
00:30That combination of softer leaf stems and changing winds makes it much easier for leaves
00:35to flip over, exposing their lighter undersides.
00:38Entire trees can suddenly look pale or silvery just before the rain arrives.
00:43The leaves aren't predicting the storm, but they are responding to atmospheric changes
00:47that signal a thunderstorm is on the way.
00:49So if the trees around you suddenly seem to change color, nature may be giving you an early
00:54heads up that stormy weather is getting close.
Comments