Salamander Forecast | Harris Center

April 26, 2026

Spotted salamander eggs are abundant in vernal pools throughout the Monadnock Region, and wood frog eggs are now hatching — a sign that salamander season is nearing its end. Still, all those spotties still need to make their way back to the woods, and the inbound migration of American toads and gray tree frogs has only just begun. After this long dry spell, the amphibians will be raring to go whenever the next warm nighttime rain arrives. We’re keeping a close eye on Wednesday and Thursday. Stay tuned!

April 22, 2026

Spotted salamander eggs are appearing in vernal pools throughout the Monadnock Region, and wood frog eggs are starting to hatch — a sign that we’re now closer to the end of migration season than the beginning. Still, all those spotties still need to make their way back to the woods, and the inbound migration of American toads and gray tree frogs has only just begun.

This week will likely be too dry for amphibian movement — and on some nights, too cold as well — but the long dry spell could set up a nice, concentrated migration away from the breeding wetlands when the rain finally arrives. And, of course, it’s spring in New England, so the weather forecast could well change before all is said and done. Stay tuned!

April 19, 2026

Today will be a soaker, but the rain is currently expected to end before sunset and it’s going to get chilly. If the ground is wet after dark, some amphibians could be afoot — but any amphibian activity is likely to be short-lived, as temperatures drop to 40 (and below) shortly after nightfall. We don’t expect much movement, but if you head out, we’d love to hear what you find out there! If you go, don’t forget your reflective vest — and please submit your counts and photos via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page.

April 17, 2026

There was a much bigger gap between thunderstorms than originally predicted for last night, with an intense storm sweeping through around 6 p.m. and the next one not arriving until 11. In between, some amphibians were afoot on wet ground, but it was a quieter night than we anticipated, at least during the waking hours. That said, if you have any counts and photos to share from last night, we’d love to see them! You can submit them via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page.

Looking ahead, the only possibility for amphibian movement in the current forecast is in the very wee hours from Saturday into Sunday. After that, it’ll be either too cold or too dry — or both — for the foreseeable future. Of course, this is spring in New England, so that could well change. Stay tuned!

April 16, 2026

Update at 5:30 p.m.: Rain now seems likely this evening, but it will come in the form of thunderstorms — perfectly fine weather if you’re a frog, but not safe for humans! When it’s this warm, amphibians could stay active on wet ground even after the rain has stopped, so intrepid night owls might consider heading out after the storms are gone. That said, with scattered storms like this, it’s also possible that some areas might not have any rain at all. Paying attention to your local conditions will be especially important tonight.

If the ground is wet — but it’s not thundering or lightning — after dark where you are, don your reflective vest, grab your flashlight, and head out (preferably on foot) to your nearest crossing! Then, let us know what you found by submitting your counts and photos via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page.

Important Safety Info

Thunderstorms are likely this evening, and this requires extra caution. Do not go outdoors if thunderstorms are on the way — and if you hear thunder, see lightning, or experience strong winds at any point tonight, take shelter immediately and stay indoors (or in your car) for at least 30 minutes following the last clap of thunder or lightning. You can learn more about lightning safety here.

Big Night Detours in Keene

The North Lincoln Street crossing site will be closed to vehicles after 7:30 p.m. tonight to protect migrating amphibians, and Jordan Road will be closed to through-traffic as well. Although visitors are welcome at the North Lincoln Street crossing on other migration nights, thunderstorms are in the forecast for tonight. While this is fine weather for frogs, it’s not safe for humans! Please stay indoors tonight and visit North Lincoln Street another night — with safer weather — instead. Harris Center naturalists will not be onsite at either crossing tonight.

April 15, 2026

Last night’s lightning storm gave many Brigadiers in the Monadnock Region a late start, but amphibians didn’t wait for the weather to pass! Upon arrival at crossing sites, many noted large numbers of amphibians crossing — even before it was fully dark. As the rain persisted, steady numbers of frogs and salamanders crossed the roads, and after the precipitation stopped, amphibian movement slowed to a trickle. If you have counts and photos to share from last night, please submit them as soon as possible via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page. We’ll post site-by-site details on our Field Reports page once we have the numbers tallied.

Looking ahead, amphibians will likely be on the move tonight — but we may not be awake to see them. There’s a patchy chance of showers from mid-afternoon to midnight throughout the Monadnock Region, with heavier rain due to roll in after that. A late start to the rain is good news for the frogs and salamanders, who will have fewer cars to contend with as they make their journeys, but less fun for us Brigadiers, who may be asleep by then. That said, with today’s warm temperatures, amphibians will likely be on the move if and when the rain arrives, so it’s a good idea to keep your eye on the weather tonight, just in case that timing shifts earlier.

If you’re still awake when tonight’s rain arrives and you’re up for the adventure, don your reflective vest, grab your flashlight, and head to your nearest crossing to see if amphibians are afoot. If it’s your first time on the amphibian beat this season, please review these important reminders for Big Nights before heading out — and don’t forget to submit any counts and photos via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page.

April 14, 2026

Rain is likely this evening. With temperatures soaring into the 60s and 70s, tonight has the potential to be Big if the wet weather arrives as predicted. That said, the rain may come in the form of thunderstorms — perfectly fine weather if you’re a frog, but not safe for humans! When it’s this balmy, amphibians will likely be active even after it’s stopped raining, so heading out after the thunderstorms have moved through might be your best bet. Toads, gray tree frogs, green frogs, pickerel frogs, and bullfrogs may all make very grand entrances in tonight’s summer-like temperatures. We may also start to see wood frogs, Jefferson salamanders, and even some spotted salamanders returning to the woods, their courtship and egg-laying done for the year.

Important Safety Info

Thunderstorms are likely this evening, and this requires extra caution. Do not go out to an amphibian crossing if thunderstorms are on the way — and if you hear thunder, see lightning, or experience strong winds at any point tonight, take shelter immediately and stay indoors (or in your car) for at least 30 minutes following the last clap of thunder or lightning. You can learn more about lightning safety here.

Where You’ll Find Other Volunteers

If you’re hoping to join other Crossing Brigade volunteers in the Monadnock Region, you will find Site Coordinators at North Lincoln Street (Keene), Jordan Road (Keene), River Road (Henniker), Summer Street (Peterborough), Whiting Hill Road (Wilton), and Forest Lake Road (Winchester) tonight — but not if it’s thundering or lightning. We will update this list as we hear from more Site Coordinators, so check back again if you don’t see your nearest crossing site.

Big Night Detours in Keene

The North Lincoln Street crossing site will be closed to vehicles after 7:30 p.m. tonight to protect migrating amphibians, and Jordan Road will be closed to through-traffic as well. Although visitors are welcome at the North Lincoln Street crossing, we ask that only trained Salamander Crossing Brigade volunteers in proper safety attire come to the Jordan Road crossing — and no one should come to either crossing site if it’s thundering or lightning. Although Harris Center naturalists are typically onsite until 10 p.m. on nights when these roads are closed, we will not be there if there is thunder or lightning. You can find more information on the Keene amphibian detours here.

April 13, 2026

Showers moved through far earlier than anticipated last night! We are guessing some amphibians were out in that post-sunset rain, but we haven’t received any reports yet. If you were out searching for salamanders last night, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your counts and photos via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page.

Looking forward, we’ve got a wet — and very warm — week in store. Tuesday and Thursday nights currently hold the most promise for rain during the waking hours, but if the timing shifts, Wednesday and Friday could see some amphibian action, too. With temperatures this warm, toads, gray tree frogs, green frogs, pickerel frogs, and bullfrogs may all make very grand entrances. We may also start to see wood frogs, Jefferson salamanders, and even some spotted salamanders returning to the woods, their courtship and egg-laying concluded for the year. The timing of everything is highly changeable this week, so keep checking back while the radar sorts itself out!

April 12, 2026

The probability of precipitation tonight is still up in the air, with a 40% chance of showers between 10 p.m. and midnight. A late start to the rain is a bonus for the frogs and salamanders, who will have fewer cars to contend with as they make their journeys, but less fun for us Brigadiers, who may be asleep by then. That said, with today’s warm temperatures, amphibians will likely be on the move if and when the rain arrives, so it’s a good idea to keep your eye on the weather tonight, just in case that timing shifts earlier. We are also watching Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, all of which look promising at the moment!

If you’re still awake when (and if) the rain arrives and you’re up for the adventure, don your reflective vest, grab your flashlight, and head to your nearest crossing to see if amphibians are afoot! If it’s your first time on the amphibian beat this season, please review these important reminders for Big Nights before heading out — and don’t forget to submit any counts and photos via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page.

Safety note: North Lincoln Street and Jordan Road in Keene will not be closed to traffic tonight and Site Coordinators will not be present in the wee hours at any site, so only trained Crossing Brigadiers in proper safety attire should head out in search of salamanders tonight.

April 11, 2026

We’re keeping an eye on wet weather predicted for Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights. Oy. Amphibian movement can sometimes peter out after that many consecutive nights of rain — and salamanders can get choosier about migrating in marginal conditions when there are so many other prime opportunities to make their move — so the earlier, warmer and/or wetter nights are likely to be the most fruitful. It’s also possible, of course, that some of the rain in the forecast might disappear before all is said and done. Time will tell!

April 10, 2026

Warm rain is on the way, but the timing of that rain is key. Right now, tonight’s showers are not predicted to arrive until after 11 p.m. — a bonus for the frogs and salamanders, who will have fewer cars to contend with as they make their journeys, but less fun for us Brigadiers, who may be asleep by then. That said, with today’s exceedingly balmy temperatures, amphibians will likely be on the move whenever the rain arrives, so it’s a good idea to keep your eye on the weather tonight, just in case that timing shifts earlier. We are also watching Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights, all of which look promising at the moment!

Safety note: North Lincoln Street and Jordan Road will not be closed to traffic tonight and Site Coordinators will not be present in the wee hours at any site, so only trained Crossing Brigadiers in proper safety attire should head out in search of salamanders tonight.

April 5, 2026

Today’s rain is predicted to end by mid-afternoon, but some amphibians could be afoot if the ground stays wet after dark. Any amphibian activity will likely slow as the ground dries and the mercury dips, so we don’t expect a Big — or even a Medium — Night, but a Small Night isn’t outside the realm of possibility.

If the ground is wet where you are tonight, temperatures are above 40°F after dark, and you’re up for an adventure with no guarantees, don your reflective vest, grab your flashlight, and head out (preferably on foot) to your nearest crossing! Then, let us know what you found by submitting your counts and photos via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page. If the ground has dried by nightfall, sit tight and wait for a rainier evening!

April 4, 2026

We received a report of a small migration on dry roads last night — it seems the high humidity, warmer temps, and wet weather earlier in the day were enough to spur some eager frogs (and even a few spotties!) to action. Looking forward, a similarly Small Night could be possible on Sunday, especially if the ground stays wet after dark. Otherwise, the weather forecast is looking decidedly unfroggy in the coming days. Of course, this is spring in New England, so that could well change. Stay tuned…

April 1, 2026

If what we saw while we hurried home in last night’s lightning storm was any indication, last night was likely massive for amphibian movement — but unfortunately the amphibian activity kicked into high gear just as the thunderstorm rolled in and our Crossing Brigadiers had to head indoors for safety. So, our amphibian counts won’t reflect the magnitude of the migration, but hopefully the lightning and intense downpours helped to keep some drivers off the road, making for a safer migration for our slimy friends. If you have counts and photos to share from last night, please submit them as soon as possible via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page. We’ll post site-by-site details on our Field Reports page once we have the numbers tallied.

Looking ahead, showers are back in the forecast for late tonight, but by the time they arrive, temperatures will have settled into the low 40s, which may be less enticing to our local amphibians after last night’s gloriously balmy deluge. After that, our next chance for warm nighttime rain looks to be Saturday or Sunday.

If you’re still awake when the rain moves in tonight, it’s still above 40°F, and you’re up for an adventure with no guarantees, don your reflective vest, grab your flashlight, and head out (preferably on foot) to your nearest crossing! Then, let us know what you found by submitting your counts and photos via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page. Otherwise, sit tight and wait for the warmer raindrops that may come over the weekend!

March 31, 2026

Warm rain seems likely tonight, but it may come in the form of thunderstorms — which is perfectly fine weather if you’re a frog, but not safe for humans. In other words, the spring amphibian migration will likely continue tonight, but it may need to continue without our assistance. That said, these kinds of spring storms are notoriously fickle and challenging to predict. If the rain arrives without thunder or lightning, then it could be a good night!

If it’s raining — but not thundering or lightning — after dark where you are, don your reflective vest, grab your flashlight, and head out (preferably on foot) to your nearest crossing! Then, let us know what you found by submitting your counts and photos via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page. If this is your first migration night of the season, be sure to review these important reminders for Big Nights before you go.

Important Safety Info

Thunderstorms are a possibility this evening, and this requires extra caution. Do not go out to an amphibian crossing if thunderstorms are on the way — and if you hear thunder, see lightning, or experience strong winds at any point tonight, take shelter immediately and stay indoors (or in your car) for at least 30 minutes following the last clap of thunder or lightning. You can learn more about lightning safety here.

Where You’ll Find Other Volunteers

If you’re hoping to join other Crossing Brigade volunteers in the Monadnock Region, you will find Site Coordinators at North Lincoln Street (Keene), Jordan Road (Keene), River Road (Henniker), Nelson Road (Nelson), Summer Street (Peterborough), Swanzey Lake Road (Swanzey), Glebe Road (Westmoreland), and Whiting Hill Road (Wilton) tonight — but not if it’s thundering or lightning. We will update this list as we hear from more Site Coordinators, so check back again if you don’t see your nearest crossing site.

Big Night Detours in Keene

The North Lincoln Street crossing site will be closed to vehicles after 7 p.m. tonight to protect migrating amphibians, and Jordan Road will be closed to through-traffic as well. Although visitors are welcome at the North Lincoln Street crossing on other migration nights, thunderstorms are in the forecast for tonight. While this is fine weather for frogs, it’s not safe for humans! Please stay indoors tonight and visit North Lincoln Street another night — with safer weather — instead. Harris Center naturalists will not be onsite if there is thunder or lightning.

March 30, 2026

Wet weather is on the way! We’re keeping our eye on several nights with the potential for a migration this week. Right now, Tuesday and Saturday look most promising, but Wednesday and Friday are possibilities as well — and Tuesday’s rain may not start until late, which throws a kink into the works. Stay tuned…

March 27, 2026

Last night was another Big Night in Keene, with dozens of spotted and Jefferson salamanders, hundreds of wood frogs, and more than 1,000 spring peepers on the move! The migration also got going in a big way in Westmoreland and Winchester. Higher-elevation sites in Nelson, Dublin, and Henniker — still thawing out — saw more modest movement. If you have counts and photos to share from last night, please submit them as soon as possible via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page. We’ll post site-by-site details on our Field Reports page once we have the numbers tallied.

Looking ahead, we’re in for a stretch of warm, wet weather next week, with Tuesday and Wednesday both looking promising. Of course, this is spring in New England, so that could well change. Stay tuned…

March 26, 2026

The current forecast is calling for evening temperatures in the 50s (downright balmy!) and rain arriving around sunset. If that holds true, we could be in for a Big Night wherever the ground has thawed! Remember that amphibians will generally wait for wet weather, so if the rain is delayed, the migration will be too.

If the ground has thawed where you are and it’s raining after dark, don your reflective vest, grab your flashlight, and head out (preferably on foot) to your nearest crossing! Then, let us know what you found by submitting your counts and photos via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page. If this is your first migration night of the season, be sure to review these important reminders for Big Nights before you go.

Where You’ll Find Other Volunteers

If you’re hoping to join other Crossing Brigade volunteers in the Monadnock Region, you will find Site Coordinators at North Lincoln Street (Keene), Jordan Road (Keene), River Road (Henniker), Nelson Road (Nelson), Summer Street (Peterborough), Swanzey Lake Road (Swanzey), Whiting Hill Road (Wilton), and Forest Lake Road (Winchester) tonight. We will update this list as we hear from more Site Coordinators, so check back again if you don’t see your nearest crossing site.

Big Night Detours in Keene

March 23, 2026

We’re keeping our eye on Thursday night’s forecast, which is currently calling for a 50% chance of rain and temperatures in the mid-40s, starting shortly after sunset. If the rain arrives as predicted and lingers long enough for a good soaking, amphibians could be afoot in places with thawed ground — but it’s too soon to say for sure. Stay tuned!

March 21, 2026

A handful of peepers and wood frogs were out and about in last night’s 40-degree drizzle. The rest, it seems, are waiting for a warmer, wetter night. We don’t have any frog-friendly weather in the forecast right now, but this is spring in New England, so that could well change. Stay tuned…

March 20, 2026

Tonight is one of those tricky forecasts, where actual air temperatures in some places may be above the 40°F threshold that we typically use to determine whether spring amphibians will be active, but feels-like temperatures may only be in the 30s. With marginal temperatures and short-lived rain showers, we don’t anticipate a Big Night — but some cold-hardy wood frogs and peepers might be out and about, at least as long as it’s raining and warm-ish. Paying attention to your local conditions — particularly temperature and the degree to which the ground has thawed — will be especially important tonight.

If the ground has thawed where you are, temperatures are hovering above 40°F, and you’re up for the adventure on a night with no guarantees, don your reflective vest, grab your flashlight, and head to your nearest crossing to see if any frogs are on the move! Then, tell us what you find out there — even if it’s nothing — via the “Submit Counts” form on our Volunteer Materials page. Before you go, be sure to review these important reminders for Big Nights.

Safety note: North Lincoln Street and Jordan Road in Keene will not be closed to traffic tonight, and Site Coordinators will only be present at a handful of sites (see below), so only trained Crossing Brigadiers in proper safety attire should head out in search of amphibians tonight.

If you’re hoping to join other Crossing Brigade volunteers in the Monadnock Region, you will find Site Coordinators in the early evening at North Lincoln Street (Keene), Jordan Road (Keene), Nelson Road (Nelson), and Whiting Hill Road (Wilton), but they will only stay if there is amphibian activity.

March 19, 2026

Wet weather is on the horizon for both Friday and Sunday nights, but temperature and timing will be key. A few hours or degrees in either direction could make a big difference. Stay tuned!

March 18, 2026

A chance of showers has popped into the forecast for the early part of both Friday and Sunday nights. In both cases, some frogs could be on the move if the rain arrives and lingers through early evening, but temperatures are expected to drop into the 30s by 9 p.m. both nights. When it does, amphibian activity will likely slow or stop altogether. So, a Big Night does not seem likely, but there could be some limited, early-evening movement before the mercury dips. Lots could change between now and then, so stay tuned!

March 17, 2026

Last night was a bona fide Big Night in Keene, with hundreds of wood frogs and spring peepers, and dozens of Jefferson complex salamanders, making their season debut! River Road in Westmoreland also went big, with nearly 50 wood frogs counted and crossed in the span of just 15 minutes. A number of other sites — still thawing out — saw more modest movement. If you have counts and photos to share from last night, please submit them via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page. We’ll post a field report once we have the numbers tallied.

Looking ahead, the weather is tending colder and drier, so it may be a week or more before migration conditions present themselves again. Of course, this is spring in New England, so that could well change. Stay tuned!

March 16, 2026

Tonight looks like a real soaker, with 55-degree rain forecast for much of the day and well into the night! That said, this early in the season, ground conditions are an important factor, as the earth needs to be thawed to a depth of at least 3-4″ for a day or more in order for overwintering frogs to get the message that spring has arrived. Most crossing sites in the Monadnock Region are likely still too frozen for a significant migration, but low-elevation and south-facing sites could see their first migration of the year tonight. Elsewhere, the rain will go a long way toward melting any lingering snowpack, setting the stage for migration the next time warm rain comes our way. If the ground is frozen or snow-covered where you are, sit tight; the best is yet to come!

What to Know Before You Go

If the ground has thawed where you are and it’s raining after dark, don your reflective vest, grab your flashlight, and head out to your nearest crossing to see if amphibians are afoot! Before you go, be sure to review these important reminders for Big Nights. Afterward, please let us know what you found out there — even if it’s nothing — by submitting your counts and photos via the online forms on our Volunteer Materials page.

Important Safety Info

Our area is under both a Flood Watch and a Wind Advisory tonight. Stay alert for flooded roads, and keep close watch on the wind. If gusting winds are bringing down small branches, blowing debris, causing power lines to sway, or otherwise feel unsafe in any way, stay home. If you’re already outdoors when those conditions occur, take shelter immediately.

Where You’ll Find Other Volunteers

If you’re hoping to join other Crossing Brigade volunteers in the Monadnock Region, you will find Site Coordinators at North Lincoln Street (Keene), Jordan Road (Keene), Swanzey Lake Road (Swanzey), and Whiting Hill Road (Wilton), as long as conditions remain safe and there is amphibian activity.

Site Coordinators will not be at Nelson Road (Nelson), Summer Street (Peterborough), or Glebe Road (Westmoreland), where the ground is still too frozen for amphibians, or at River Road (Henniker), Granite Lake Road (Nelson), Matthews Road (Swanzey), or River Road (Westmoreland), where we don’t yet have Site Coordinators for this year.

Big Night Detours in Keene

The North Lincoln Street crossing site will be closed to vehicles after 7 p.m. tonight, and Jordan Road will be closed to through-traffic as well. Although visitors are welcome at the North Lincoln Street crossing, we ask that only trained Salamander Crossing Brigade volunteers in proper safety attire come to the Jordan Road crossing. In addition, due to the Flood Watch in effect for tonight, we recommend that all visitors and volunteers access the North Lincoln Street site via the cemetery entrance on Beaver Street, as the bridge from the Greenlawn side may be flooded. You can find more information on the Keene amphibian detours here.

March 14, 2026

We’re keeping close watch on Monday, when a 55-degree deluge is predicted for much of the day and into the night. This early in the season, ground conditions are an important factor, as the earth needs to be thawed to a depth of 3-4″ for at least a day or so for overwintering frogs to get the message that spring has arrived. Most crossing sites in the Monadnock Region are likely still too frozen for a significant migration on Monday, but low-elevation and south-facing sites — such as North Lincoln Street in Keene and Swanzey Lake Road in Swanzey — could see their first Big Night of the year on Monday, if the forecast holds. Elsewhere, the rain will go a long way toward melting any lingering snowpack, setting the stage for migration the next time warm rain comes our way. Check back on Monday for more details!

March 11, 2026

Warm rain is on the horizon, starting after midnight. This early in the season, ground conditions are an important factor, as the earth needs to be thawed to a depth of 3-4″ for at least a day or two for overwintering frogs to get the message that spring has arrived. Most crossing sites in the Monadnock Region are still too frozen for any amphibian activity at all, but if tonight’s rain comes as predicted, a few early spring peepers and wood frogs could emerge from thawed pockets at low-elevation sites like North Lincoln Street and Eastern Avenue in Keene.

If there are pockets of thawed ground where you are and you’re still awake when tonight’s rain arrives, don your reflective vest, grab your flashlight, and head to your nearest crossing to see if you can find the first frogs of the year! Then, tell us what you find out there — even if it’s nothing — via the “Submit Counts” form on our Volunteer Materials page. Before you go, be sure to review these important reminders for Big Nights.

March 9, 2026

Much of the Monadnock Region is still blanketed by snow, but this week’s balmy temperatures could melt what’s left of the snowpack at sites with thinner snow, such as North Lincoln Street in Keene. The big question is whether the ground at those sites will have thawed enough to spur amphibians to action if it rains as predicted on Wednesday night. (Although wood frogs can thaw in as few as four hours, it takes about a day for them to fully rouse.) If the ground at those sites has thawed sufficiently — a big “if” and by no means certain — it’s possible we could see our first amphibian movement of the year at a few low-elevation and south-facing sites, but it’s too soon to tell. Stay tuned…

February 17, 2026

Salamander season is right around the corner! Dig out your reflective vest, put fresh batteries in your headlamp, register for this year’s Salamander Crossing Brigade workshop on March 12 if you’d like a refresher or are new to the Brigades, sign up to volunteer this spring if you’re a veteran Brigadier — and check back in mid-March for the start of our 2026 salamander forecasts.