FORECASTING WEATHER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11512, 7 October 1915, Page 5

FORECASTING WEATHER.

Soldiers and sailors have several in- ' Konious Avnys of forecasting weather. Clouds provide commanders with v-filu-ai)i<> clues its 1o the condition of the weather likely to take place in the !««•;»c future. J fbtfc. widely extended cloud- streaked like tho markings on a inaekerel, is a Mire Mjru of approaelijjjruin or snow. Stun li, v,ell-defined, roilnded masses of clouds, in close horizontal arrangement. are sure foreru liners of storms. Fair-weather clouds ave (hose which pile t hemseives lip in piehiresrjue heaps high in the sky. although when ragged, at the top they fomshadow mild thunderstorms. Soldiers are largely jojided liv tije dav. n in then' oidninus ;is to lulure weather condit ions. A hisdi dawn which is iirs- light b.hitid a bank of clouds foretells wiiil" an unusual clearness near the horiy/in in the early lion i s is a very sure sijr n of rain. A gray dawn is a reliable forecast of lire weather, hut the red dawn means bad weather or rain. Red sunsets tell soldiers that fair 1 weather niav lie exported on the inor- I row. and bright, yellow at sunset foretells wind, a'id a pale yellow sunset ! rain. Sailor* tobacco as a valuable J barometer. It requires only a tnero , running of Ihe finger,-- ihrough i'nei .small pieee- of shag M !''il an ex]>eri- I cmvd Jack Tar wluit hind of weaiher | to expect. I If tobaeeii is lHt uneoverc-r! where j tllC outside atmosphere can reach it. | it -will indicate very accurately Hie I probable condition of weather for scve- j ral hours ahead. j V»"hen the tobacco becomes very dry, ; it is a. sure sign that rain will not j come for several hours. Should the to- i baeco set:in tough or not dry and not verv crisp to the touch. rain is near at hand. According 1o Hie different changes in the appearance and feel of hi.s favourite weed, a sailor can forefell rain or damp, eloudy weather, or -1 <r weather r-f