Estimating the Temperature
using the Cricket Chirping Frequency

It is possible to estimate the temperature from the rate at which crickets chirp.  If r represents the cricket chirping frequency in chirps per minute, then the temperature is about

T [°F] = 39° + 0.35r,

(or T [°C] = 4° + 0.19r).

Since 0.35 ´ 60 seconds = 21 seconds, it also follows, if we let n₂₁ represent the number of cricket chirps in 21 seconds, that

T [°F] = 39° + n₂₁.

(This method works only at temperatures high enough that crickets are active.  When the temperature drops below 40° F, chirping ceases and the method yields a temperature of 39°F, regardless of the actual temperature.)

(Method presented by Mark Eubank of KSL-TV, September 8, 2005)