This article was taken from the January issue of Wired UK
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Look to the west
OK, we don't have empirical evidence, but we like the logic.
Weather in the UK prevails west to east. A rainbow in the west
(usually in the morning) often means bad weather is coming, whereas
a rainbow in the east (evenings) means bad weather has passed.
Smell the flowers
Their aromas are said to be strongest just before rain - scents
are stronger in the moist air that precedes precipitation.
Red sky at night, shepherd's delight: it
Sunlight in the morning and evening comes in at a lower angle,
meaning the red end of the spectrum is more visible than green,
blue and violet. Red clouds in the evening mean light travels a
clear path from the west to illuminate easterly-moving rain clouds.
The converse for the morning is also true: rain clouds are moving
Look for a lunar or solar corona
Milky halos around the Sun or Moon are caused by water vapour,
which often precedes moisture moving in much closer to the
If a woman's hair is curly but begins to drop and straighten,
it's may be a sign of rising humidity - which often precedes
They prefer to lie down if rain is due, and tend to stand facing
away from the oncoming wind.
Grow some scarlet pimpernel
Known as the Poor Man's Barometer, its flowers close when
atmospheric pressure decreases and rain is on the way. Dandelions
and tulips do the same.
Keep an eye on your dog
They are often sensitive to storms. Weather lore suggests their
aural and nasal sensitivity can detect distant thunderclaps. If
Fido gets agitated, it may be time to bring in the washing.
Check the hives
Bees don't like wet weather and can't fly in strong winds. Their
return en masse to a hive is said to presage a thunderstorm.
Hit the beach
If seagulls are on the sand, a storm is due: they prefer landing
on water but don't like rough seas.
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