Perhaps the most often quoted weather proverb among mariners is:

Red sky in morning, Sailors take warning. Red sky at night, Sailors’ delight

A red sky at night (when the sun is to the west) is caused by light passing through dust particles in the air to the west. Dust indicates dry weather and since most weather changes come from the west, a red sky at night usually indicates dry weather approaching. A red sky in the morning, however, indicates that the dry air has moved away. A gray sky at night means that the western air is filled with moisture and it will likely rain soon.

The first recorded use of this system of weather forecasting can be found in the Bible. In Matthew 16.2-3, Jesus says to the fishermen, “when it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ and in the morning ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.” Since it has lasted so long, we think there must be something to it.

Rainbow to windward, foul fall the day; Rainbow to leeward, rain runs away

If the wind is coming from the direction of the rainbow, the rain is heading toward you. Conversely, if the rainbow is in the opposite direction, it has passed you.

Mackerel skies and mares’ tails Make tall ships take in their sails

Cirrus clouds (That’s a mackerel sky or clouds that looked as if they’d been scratched by a hen, according to the old-timers) often precede a warm front which brings winds and rain. That means you might want to bring the sails in and avoid the wind.

When halo rings the moon or sun, Rain’s approaching on the run

The halo is caused by high cirrostratus (ice crystal) clouds that are indicative of an approaching warm front and predict rain within 20-24 hours. The U.S. Weather Service confirms that rain follows about 75 percent of sun halos and about 65 percent of moon halos.

The higher the clouds the better the weather

These clouds generally indicate both dry air and high atmospheric pressure – usually associated with fair weather. Lowering ceilings indicate rain, while higher clouds are generally non-threatening.

If the goose honks high, fair weather. If the goose honks low, foul weather

This is another one that’s based on atmospheric pressure differences. A high flying goose will “honk high” because it’s higher in the air. That means high pressure and better weather. If it’s closer to the ground, that means lower air pressure and worse weather. I don’t believe there is any scientific basis to back this one, but I’ve found it to be accurate.

When clouds appear like towers, the Earth is refreshed by frequent showers

Cloud shape gives away a lot about what the clouds are doing. If the clouds appear as towers, meaning they appear dynamic or that they’re rising, then that’s a good sign there’s a lot of movement. Temperature shifts from the bottom to the top of clouds cause this effect. There’s a good chance a storm is therefore brewing.

Anvil shaped clouds bring on a gale

An anvil-shaped cloud would be a cumulonimbus incus and these develop during thunderstorms. The warm air moves up, hits the cold stratosphere, and flattens out like an anvil. Expect cold ran and wind with these clouds.

A wind from the south has rain in its mouth

A south wind blows in advance of a cold front and also blows over the east quadrant of an approaching low pressure cell.

Seagull, seagull, sit on the sand, It’s a sign of rain when you are at hand

In general, birds roost more during a period of low pressure. Before a hurricane, flocks of birds will be seen roosting. Take off may be harder when the pressure is low or the air is thinner because the natural updrafts are lessened.

Wind from the North, wise fishers don’t go forth;
Wind from the South, blows the hook in fish’s mouth;
Wind from the East, fish bite least;
Wind from the West, fish bite best

This is a long one to be sure, but it covers all the bases for anyone fishing at sea. Especially if you’re concerned with the best time to go fishing. Like the other proverbs that deal with direction, it’s really just about playing the odds. North winds are cold and inhospitable, usually. That means it’s bad for fishing. Storms tend to go west to east, and also counterclockwise, so you’re just playing the odds here.

When pipes smell stronger, it’s going to rain

This had to be a fun one for old sailors back in the day. In dry air, scent molecules have a harder time adhering to surfaces like the inside of your nose. If the air has some humidity to it, smells become richer, deeper, and sharper. It’s a potential indication that rain is coming. Of course, it’s not just pipes but literally anything that produces an odor.

If it rains before seven, it’ll be fine by eleven

Not the most sound theory ever but it’s both meant to be an affirmation and a prognostication. The first part relates to good things coming after bad. Weather the storm and things will be alright. The other is based on the fact that few storms last 4 hours. On average, a storm by seven will probably be gone by eleven.

If three nights dewless there be, ’twill rain, you’re sure to see

This one is based on the idea that a lack of dew is essentially a sign that moisture is building up. After a number of dry days, in this case three, the raid will have to come because it’s been dry for so long.

When there is enough blue sky to patch a Dutchman’s breeches, expect clearing weather

Obviously sailors want to see clear skies, so that part makes sense. But the rest? Sailors used to wear fairly wide trousers and Dutch sailors had a stereotype of wearing wider than normal ones. Thus, you’d need bigger patches to mend them. So as long as the patches of clear sky are fairly large, you can expect good weather.

 Weather Proverbs Published in 1883 by the War Department

These are based more on folklore than science, and we don’t find to be accurate

  • One crow flying alone is a sign of foul weather; but if crows fly in pairs, expect fine weather.
  • When porpoises and whales spout about ships at sea, storm may be expected.
  • Two full moons in a calendar month bring on a flood.
  • Comets bring cold weather.
  • If shooting stars fall in the south in winter, there will be a thaw.
  • Lightning under the North Star will bring rain in three days.