Last time, we discussed old-time expressions - many still used - that helped people predict the weather. We explained that weather in the middle latitudes usually moves in a band from west to east, alternating high pressure (fair) and low pressure (stormy) systems.

Let's continue today looking at relatively accurate weather predictors.

This expression predicted the weather in a very precise way, though it wasn't always accurate:

Red sky at night, shepherd's delight;

Red sky at morning, sailor's warning.

A shepherd wants a clear night for watching his sheep; a sailor wants a clear day for sailing.

Is this saying true? Often, yes. Remember that low and high systems tend to alternate, moving from west to east.

So if the sun rises in a moist (red) environment, a storm has just passed, and the day should be fair. But if the sun sets in a moist (red) sky, another storm must be on its way.

The problem is, if no "weather" is happening - if the systems are holding their places - you might have red sunrises and red sunsets, or neither.

This expression also talks about moisture in the air:

Ring around the moon, rain before noon.

It is also expressed like this:

When halo rings the moon or sun, rain's approaching on the run.

A "ring (or halo) around the moon" is caused by excessive moisture in the air, which often happens before a storm.

Animal behavior can also be a clue to weather changes. Often, their activity is increased as a low-pressure system approaches. Birds may be louder or sing at odd times, giving us this expression:

When the rooster crows before bed,

He will wake with a watery head.

(I can tell you as a long-time schoolteacher, the cafeteria was always noisier when rain is on the way! The kids behaved like little birds.)

On the other hand, when the bad weather is very near, the animals may seek shelter:

When the bees stay at home, rain will come.

When bees fly away, it will stay fine all day.

If birds fly low

Expect rain and a blow.

During times of high pressure, birds can fly relatively higher. When a low-pressure front is moving in, the birds will stay closer to the ground.