Let's talk weather
John Schlageck
Friday, September 11, 2009
For the first time this week a touch of fall filled the early morning air. All the signs are here: overnight lows dipping into the 40s; cool, brisk winds blowing from the north; long-sleeved shirts or light jackets for the early morning hours; and a longing for something warm to drink to ward off a chill.
With the coming of fall and approach of winter it’s fun to recall some of the time-tested weather sayings. Most folks have heard some of these once or twice in their lifetime.
And, if we’re from a rural or agricultural background, chances are we’ve used some of them ourselves. We may even use them today — I know I do.
Many of the following weather signs were collected while talking to farmers and ranchers across the state. It seems there is very little people would rather talk about than the weather. So let’s talk weather:
- During the winter season, strong northerly winds indicate snow and sometimes a blizzard within 24 hours. Southerly winds are a sign of dry, warmer weather.
- When cattle stand in a line with their backs toward the northwest, you can figure on a heavy, driving snow.
- Dense fog at dawn is a sign of clearing skies by mid-morning.
- The absence of birds around water denotes an approaching storm.
- White fluffy small clouds are a sign of fair weather ahead.
- Odors become easier to detect just before rain. High pressure usually traps odors like a lid due to air density, while lowering pressure releases odors.
- When you see lightning in the north, rain is likely within 24 hours.
- When distant sounds appear louder, rain is usually on the way.
- Rising smoke is a fair weather sign. When you see smoke going downward or showing very little rise, rain is likely.
- Birds perch more before a storm because the low barometric pressure makes it more difficult for them to fly. When you see hawks circling high in the sky, this is a fair weather sign.
- When frogs begin to croak, look out for rain.
- Hens and other barnyard fowl pick at themselves — oiling their feathers — just before a rain.
- Lots of dead skunks on the road mean plenty of moisture is on the way. Another good sign of approaching wet weather is the aggravation of corns, bunions or arthritis pains.
These signs are surprisingly accurate because they are based on generations of farmers, ranchers and other people who have observed cyclical changes in the weather.
Today, meteorologists watch weather patterns via satellites. Much of what these satellites detect while orbiting the earth hundreds of miles overhead, we can see by watching television, dialing up on our computer or listening to the radio.
There is plenty to be said for the folk wisdom of our ancestors. They watched and charted weather patterns for generations rather than just a few hours or days. It’s fun to hear their conclusions handed down from one generation to the next, and anyway, what would we have to talk about if not for the weather?
- John Schlageck is a leading commentator on agriculture and rural Kansas.
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
The weather man caused by last divorce, that's right, this guy was always calling up and wanting to know if the coast was clear.
September 12, 2009 at 8:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
"Bush caused hurricane Katrina!"
I remember hearing that weather saying a lot back in the day. I still hear it from time to time.
R.
September 12, 2009 at 8:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
There is an old Indian chief out in Denver, Colorado that said, "the coming winter is going to be very bad." When asked what his secret was, he replied, "white man gather much wood."
September 12, 2009 at 8:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
How about when the ladybugs swarm inside houses? I don't have a well to compare to. They aren't doing that this year yet, but they have the past 3 or 4 winters which has been good for my plants.
I heard this week that the caterpillars are fuzzier this year and that means a colder winter. I'm curious to know how much fuzzier and how much colder. I'll probably live on these forums this winter because I hate the cold and being curled up in a blanket near a heat vent with the laptop is warm.
September 12, 2009 at 11:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Here's one from tropical Hawaii where I grew up. Wind movement across the ocean creates waves. On real windy days, sick calls to work or school are highest. Beach food shacks are stocked up days in advance as plate lunch sales are sure to soar. Grab your board, baby. Surf's up!
September 13, 2009 at 9:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )