Simple Weather Signs.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 366, 7 March 1932, Page 6

Simple Weather Signs.

rjHIE FIRST THING to remember when watching for weather signs is to look in the correct direction--at the horizon in the direction from which the wind is blowing. An unsteady wind or one which veers about foretells unsettled weather. This is indicated by one layer of clouds passing in one direction, and another layer travelling in the opposite direction. If the air is damp or sultry—this can easily be discerned upon a looking-glass or any polished surface—the handiest thing to carry is an umbrella!

Here is a simple and reliable way of telling if rain is coming during the day. As early as possible in the morning search the sky for the smallest cloud that is in sight. Keep it under close observation for five minutes or so, and note whether it alters in size. If the cloud becomes smaller one can be almost certain of a fine day. If it increases in size, rain will surely fall in a few hours.

Alteration in the size of clouds is due to the state of the atmosphere. When the air is very dry and rain is unlikely the clouds soon vanish; if the atmosphere is charged with moisture the masses of vapour increase, and the vapour will soon be discharged in the form of rain.