In addition to keeping bees, we geek out on a few different things.
One of them being weather. In addition to some auto watering and other smart devices, we have our own weather station on the property. It helps us monitor things and act when needed. Keeping things under control in temp and weather swings is a big plus.
If you click on the upper right icon (looks like our weather station), you can see a view of specifics and dive even deeper. The weather stations is from Tempest and has an incredible amount of weather information.
Just click on the map icon to see the reports from all around the area and the world (you may have to close our weather station report to see the map depending on your device).
For example: We look at other stations west of us during thunderstorm season to get an idea of wind expected from what they are seeing as the storms approach from the PA area.
Bees & Weather
Did you know that bees keep the winter cluster in a tight ball in order to survive the winter?
Even when the temps drop well below freezing, the winter cluster is an amazing 90-95 degrees!
The cluster slowly shifts location along the winter stores and bees rotate on the cluster each serving time in various states of exposure to the cold temps on the outside of the cluster.
Moisture is as much a consideration as temperature. Ventilation is key to survival in all seasons.
During the other seasons, they migrate through jobs based on age. Typically, the foraging bees only do so during daylight hours and when the ambient temps reach about 54–55°F (12–13°C).
Above 95°F and an effort to cool the hive is the focus and may reduce foraging.
Why Temperature Matters
Colony adaptation: Local genetics influence tolerance; northern bees may forage at cooler temps than southern strains.
Flight muscles: Bees warm their thoracic muscles to ~86°F before flying.
Survival risk: Cold flights can strand bees away from the hive.