Dandelion phenomena

This is something I noticed last Spring, around mid-May here on Long Island.  In the yard, all of a sudden dandelions popped up everywhere all over the lawn.  This was after I had mowed the lawn several days ago, and we had an extended dry period.  Guess what happened after the yard was covered with dandelions?  We had a day or two of record wind!  I wonder, do plants have mechanisms that respond to humidity and air pressure, so that they can take advantage of upcoming weather to optimize seed dispersal?