Weather Folklore Fact or Fiction?
Long before meteorologists existed, people forecasted the weather based on observations of daily conditions and the subsequent weather. Many of these forecasting methods became ingrained in our culture as “weather lore.” Today, we can examine these sayings and explain why they work — or don’t work — based on scientific study.
A FEW CAVEATS: Just because a weather saying has a scientific basis doesn’t mean it’s accurate. Forecasts based on lore might prove correct only by chance or geography. For instance, if you say it’s going to be a cold winter, there’s a 50-50 chance you’ll be right!
“RED SKY AT NIGHT, SAILOR’S DELIGHT. RED SKY AT MORNING, SAILOR’S WARNING.”
This famous saying originates from the days of sailing and shepherding. A “red sky at night” would be to the west — a clearly visible
