SPRING: Today is the first day of spring, with the vernal equinox at 5:37 a.m. today.

We turned to The Old Farmer’s Almanac at almanac.com to find some sayings about knowing that spring has arrived.

Bluebirds are a sign of spring; warm weather and gentle south breezes they bring.

One swallow does not make a spring.

In spring, no one thinks of the snow that fell last year.

When the dandelions bloom early in spring, there will be a short season. When they bloom late, expect a dry summer.

Don’t say that spring has come until you can put your foot on nine daisies.

The vernal equinox signals new beginnings, and according to forecasters, the start of warmer-than-average temperatures for the next three months.

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TALES: Discover Magazine tells us that some old wives’ tales to predict the weather actually appear to work.

The sound of crickets can determine the temperature. Count the number of chirps in 15 seconds and then add 37, which will give you a rough idea of the temperature. It only works when the temperature is between 55 and 100 degrees, because crickets are cold blooded and their activity level depends on the temperature.

A halo circling the moon means bad weather is on the way.

And this one, we know to be true. You can smell rain coming. Before a storm hits, ozone fills the air. When the rain arrives, it knocks loose molecules on surfaces like dirt and grass, and creates a distinctive smell.