Weather forecasting through the generations
In the present day, we hear a lot about weather models.
I talk about them all the time and you will see data from weather models almost every time you take in a weather forecast.
But long before weather models and weather instruments, recurring observations, subtle changes and trends signalled the weather to come.
Janice Wells contacted me following my recent column on crickets and air temperature and told me how growing up, her mother, who was the daughter of a long line of seafarers, would also notice and link subtle changes to impending weather. It’s something that’s stuck with Janice to this day.
Janice has allowed me to share some of these generational observations, some of which you might know as well. The first one links back to the crickets: “It’s going to
be a hot one – just listen to the crickets.”
The next piece is related to something you’ve likely witnessed yourself: mackerel sky.
“Better get that garden done today cause it’s gonna rain look at those mackerel-back clouds.”
Mackerel-back clouds refer to the altocumulus and cirrocumulus clouds that are often displayed in rows or waves with a rippling pattern that frequently resembles fish scales.
The mackerel sky is linked
to changing weather and often indicates rain. Separate weatherlore also states: “a mackerel sky, not 24 hours dry.”
Another one Janice shared with me was: “The leaves are showing their bellies - a big rain’s coming.” Leaves on trees like oak and maple will sometimes turn upward before wet or stormy weather arrives as high humidity and gusty winds can cause the leaves to curl.
Two others that Janice’s mother noted: “There’s a storm coming - feel how quiet the air is,” and in the wintertime, “It’s going to be a beautiful day - just look at the smoke.”
Janice said the generational well-honed observations are a comfort to her of self-reliance and ended with this piece of advice.
“Slow down. Unplug. Observe.”