The Met Office has issued a forecast which could bug the England team as it seeks Euro glory in Sunday’s final against Italy – millions of flying ants could be about to descend on Wembley.
The insects take advantage of three months every summer when they weather conditions are ideal for them to mate while flying around England.
On Friday the Met Office tweeted weather radar images that showed, as well as rain clouds, vast swarms of flying ants around London.
“Our radar is picking up more than just #rain this morning – it’s actually insects!” the Met Office said. “Whilst there are a few rain showers, many of the echoes are in fact insects.”
Our radar is picking up more than just #rain this morning – it's actually insects!
— Met Office (@metoffice) July 9, 2021
Whilst there are a few rain showers, many of the echoes are in fact insects 🐜#FlyingAnts #FlyingAntDay pic.twitter.com/ZWEyaxTnkD
Insect experts said the ants prove annoying for players and spectators alike at the Euro 2020 final, while they would also likely make an appearance on centre court for the weekend’s Wimbledon finals.
Adam Hart, professor of Science Communication at the University of Gloucestershire and a fellow of the Royal Entomological Society, told Sky News the swarms signalled the beginning of this year’s flying ant season.
Professor Hart added: “If conditions are right on Sunday there may be more than three lions on shirts at Wembley and all around the country.”
