Lexington, Kentucky, November 28, 2025
In Lexington, Kentucky, the woolly worm caterpillar migration signals the approach of winter, with more black segments observed this year, suggesting colder conditions ahead. The annual Woolly Worm Festival in Beattyville predicts severe weather through caterpillar races, while experts forecast snowfall and below-average temperatures, reinforcing traditional beliefs amidst scientific skepticism. As winter nears, residents are advised to prepare for increased snowfall and chillier temperatures.
Lexington, Kentucky – Woolly Worms Forecast a Colder, Snowier Winter Ahead
In Lexington, Kentucky, the annual migration of the woolly worm caterpillar has begun, heralding the arrival of winter. This year, woolly worms are exhibiting more black segments than usual, indicating a forecast of a colder and snowier winter.
Woolly Worm Festival in Beattyville
Kentucky’s Woolly Worm Festival, held annually in Beattyville, highlights these traditional weather predictions. During the festival, participants race woolly worms, with the coloration of the winning caterpillar analyzed to predict winter weather. The 2025 festival concluded with a champion worm, which displayed black segments, signaling expectations of snow and below-average temperatures in the first and last weeks of winter, while forecasting milder conditions in between.
Scientific Perspective
Despite the folklore associated with woolly worms, scientists argue that the caterpillar’s coloration is influenced by factors such as age, diet, and species, rather than serving as a reliable weather predictor. Studies have failed to establish a correlation between caterpillar color patterns and winter severity.
Official Winter Forecasts
Meteorologists have also weighed in on the anticipated winter weather. Chief Meteorologist Chris Bailey predicts a colder and snowier than normal winter for Kentucky, noting that historical patterns suggest December temperatures will be 3 to 5 degrees below normal, with anticipated snowfall ranging from 4 to 8 inches. January is expected to feature temperatures 1 to 2 degrees below normal and 5 to 10 inches of snowfall.
Conclusion
As winter approaches, the harmony between traditional folklore and scientific forecasts suggests that Kentucky residents should prepare for a colder and snowier season. It is advisable to stay informed and ready for the winter weather ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Woolly Worm Festival?
The Woolly Worm Festival is an annual event held in Beattyville, Kentucky, where participants race woolly worms, and the winning caterpillar’s coloration is analyzed to forecast the winter weather.
How do woolly worms predict the weather?
According to folklore, the woolly worm’s body has 13 segments, each corresponding to a week in winter. The coloration of each segment is believed to indicate the severity of the weather during that week.
Is there scientific evidence supporting woolly worms’ weather predictions?
Scientists note that the woolly worm’s coloration is influenced by factors such as age, diet, and species, rather than serving as an accurate weather predictor. No correlation has been found between caterpillar color patterns and the severity of winter.
What do meteorologists predict for Kentucky’s winter?
WKYT Chief Meteorologist Chris Bailey predicts a colder and snowier than normal winter for Kentucky, citing historical patterns from previous years. He forecasts December temperatures to be 3 to 5 degrees below normal, with 4 to 8 inches of snowfall expected. January is predicted to be 1 to 2 degrees below normal, with 5 to 10 inches of snowfall.
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Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Woolly Worm Festival | An annual event in Beattyville, Kentucky, where woolly worms are raced, and their coloration is analyzed to forecast winter weather. |
| Woolly Worm’s Coloration | Folklore suggests that the black segments of the woolly worm indicate a colder and snowier winter, while brown segments suggest milder conditions. |
| Scientific Perspective | Scientists state that the woolly worm’s coloration is influenced by factors such as age, diet, and species, and does not serve as an accurate weather predictor. |
| Meteorological Forecast | WKYT Chief Meteorologist Chris Bailey predicts a colder and snowier than normal winter for Kentucky, with December temperatures 3 to 5 degrees below normal and 4 to 8 inches of snowfall expected. |
Now Happening on X
- @LEX18News (November 25, 2025, 5:30 PM): Lexington’s Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention activated its Emergency Winter Weather Plan on Tuesday, providing expanded shelter capacity and services as freezing temperatures are expected. View on X
- @FOX56News (November 27, 2025, 1:22 AM): Lexington’s Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention activated the Emergency Winter Weather Plan on Wednesday. View on X
- @LEX18News (November 26, 2025, 2:03 AM): Officers responded to reports of shots fired on the 1700 block of Jennifer Road, and while investigating, a male victim arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound. View on X
- @LEX18News (November 21, 2025, 5:49 PM): The Fayette County Coroner’s Office released the identity of the victim reported dead following a shooting on Blazer Parkway Thursday night. View on X
- @WKYT (November 26, 2025, 2:10 PM): The community’s Emergency Winter Weather Plan will be activated starting Wednesday evening, November 26, to address incoming cold weather. View on X
- @LEX18News (November 25, 2025, 1:15 PM): Lexington police are investigating after a woman showed up at a local hospital on Monday night with non-life-threatening injuries from a gunshot wound. View on X
- @WVLK (November 26, 2025, 7:01 PM): Emergency Winter Weather Plan is now in place for Lexington to support residents during the approaching cold snap. View on X
- @FOX56News (November 26, 2025, 2:26 PM): Police responded to a shots fired call on Jennifer Road, where a male victim later arrived at an area hospital after being shot. View on X
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