In Light Rain or Gentle Winds, Yes—But Not Storm Bert!
Although many bees are in hibernation during this time of year, storm Bert has taken center stage in conversations this weekend. We thought it would be the perfect opportunity to share our insights into how windy and rainy weather impacts bee flight.
Bees are capable of flying in the rain, and a light drizzle or brief shower doesn’t significantly hinder their ability to forage. Even on damp and breezy days, bees can continue visiting flowers. However, stormy conditions are a completely different story. When wind speeds exceed 20 mph, bees typically avoid flying as it becomes unsafe and demands far more energy.
Even minor increases in wind speed can lower a bee’s body temperature, meaning they need additional time to warm up their flight muscles before taking off. To conserve energy and stay on course, bees fly more slowly and carefully adjust to the direction of the wind.
Research has shown that honey bees are especially skilled at predicting the weather. They often ramp up their foraging efforts a few days ahead of bad conditions to stockpile resources. This behavior also makes them more defensive as they safeguard their food supplies inside the hive.
Bumblebees, on the other hand, take a different approach. They remain active even during colder, wetter days and use clever techniques to regulate their body temperature. For instance, their wing muscles can generate heat to warm their thorax in chilly weather or cool them during summer. During hibernation, bumblebees produce glycerol, a natural antifreeze, to prevent their bodily fluids from freezing into harmful ice crystals. This adaptation enables them to survive temperatures as low as -19°C!
Flying in wet conditions presents unique challenges for bumblebees. Water droplets can weigh them down, eventually grounding them if they cannot dry off or access nearby flowers for fuel. Without the sun’s warmth or an energy source, this can be life-threatening.
As for solitary bees, while they can fly in light rain or wind, they generally prefer to stay tucked away in hollow stems, underground burrows, or other shelters. Most solitary species don’t emerge until late spring—hopefully when the weather improves!
As storm Bert sweeps through, we’re thinking of the bees and wishing you all a safe weekend.
