How To Predict The Weather

#HowToTuesday

People have been watching the skies for millennia to help them predict the weather. Check the following folklore predictions with your own observations to see how many might be true. 

• Red sky at sunset is a sign of a fair tomorrow. (The sky you see at sunset is air that will reach you tomorrow. Dry air produces a red glow, whereas wet air produces a yellow-gray sky color.)
• Dull moon and stars foretell a rainy tomorrow.
• Lightning from the westerly sky is from a storm that is on its way toward you. 
• Towering, ragged clouds predict a rain squall and wind. 
• A sky full of webby cirrus clouds foretells a rainy spell on its way.
• A halo around the sun or moon means a warm front is on its way, with rain. 
• Dark clouds against a lighter ceiling foretell a windy rainstorm.
• The higher the clouds, the finer the weather. Lowering clouds foretell rain. 
• When swallows fly high, it will be dry.
• If the cows are lying down, it will rain.
• A good fall for fruit means a hard winter to come. Wind direction also helps forecast the weather:
• The west wind generally brings clear weather, except when it blows off the ocean.
• The north wind brings clear, cold weather.
• The south wind brings heat and sometimes showers.
• The east wind brings rain east of the Rockies. When rain is near, nature gets excited. Look for these signals:
• Tree frogs cry.
• Fish swim near the surface.
• Flies sting.
• Low clouds move swiftly.
• Gone-to-seed dandelions close up like an umbrella.
• Cloverleaves fold together.