EVERY MAN A PROPHET

Taranaki Daily News, 5 June 1935, Page 11

EVERY MAN A PROPHET

FORETELLING; THE WEATHER. . SIGNS FROM THE SKIES.. . How far is it possible for the ordinary person to be a weather prophet?, asks the Daily Mail. Of course, it is useless for us-to hope to predict the weather with the accuracy of the meteorological experts. Nevertheless, it is possible ’by observation, and by the application of certain principles laid down by others—mostly sailors or countrymen, whose calling makes them familiar with weather conditions—to gauge a little what •is coming to us.

Everyone knows the meaning of a red sky at night, or in the morning; almost equally familiar is the saying: “Rain before seven, fine before eleven”; a high dawn is said to mean wind, and a low dawn fair weather. Similarly, soft delicate clouds foretell that it will be fair, and hard, ragged ones windy; misty clouds hanging over a height mean rain. A’white mist in the evening over a meadow'with a river will be drawn up by the sun next morning, and the day will be bright. Before heavy rain the clouds grow bigger and increase very fast, especially before thunder. If the wind veers about much rain is pretty sure. If in changing it follows the. course of the sun, it brings fair weather; if the contrary, foul. Whistling or howling of the wind is a sign of rain. Then there is the vexed question of , the moon. Scientists tell us with some scorn that the moon has no influence on the . weather. But more mundane folk, going by their own observations, are inclined to think, that, if this is really the case, it is a very remarkable coincidence that there should so often be a change 'of weather just when there is a change of moon! , Many people base their calculations as to the coming weather on what time of day the new moon comes in. If in the evening it will be fine, and if morning, wet; and so on. But in this connection here is a valuable hint. Take note, of the condition of the weather on the fourth and fifth days of the moon, instead of the day of the actual new moon, and it will be found that, more I often than not, such will be the, prevailing weather for the remainder ■of the month.