What Happens in Bad Weather?

How did the recent bad weather on the Gulf Coast affect the migration of our beloved monarchs?

—Mary Schaf, Saugatuck, Michigan

Tom: The hurricanes probably had little if any impact on the monarchs. Most monarch butterflies were still in their northern ranges when Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit in August and September, and butterflies would take shelter if heavy rains occurred in their area. This year's migration numbers should be comparable to those in years past.