According to folklore, the weather on St. Swithin's Day determines the weather for the next 40 days. Learn why.
Read MoreWeather Lore
Before there were weather apps for your smartphone, Doppler radar, or the National Weather Service, our ancestors were busy observing their natural surroundings and noticed that animal behavior, clouds, and other elements of nature gave clues about the weather to come.
The result: weather folklore — sayings, rhymes and anecdotes that were passed down from generation to generation. Weather lore is one of our favorite subjects here at Farmers’ Almanac, and It’s been a reader favorite since our very first edition in 1818.
Below is a collection from our archives.
The ancient Greeks believed the Sun traveled across the sky in a flaming chariot pulled by four fiery, winged horses. Learn more!
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July is the start of many summer events that prompted a wave of weather folklore sayings. See the list!
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The Seneca Tribe once believed tornadoes were actually an evil spirit named Dagwanoenyent. Learn more!
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In Norse mythology, thunderstorms were believed to be caused by the god Thor riding into battle. Learn more!
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The ancient Greeks believed there were four wind gods — one representing each cardinal direction — each with a personality of his own. Learn more.
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Before we knew what caused the cycle of seasons, the ancient Greeks had their own explanation. Learn more!
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Before we knew about hypothermia, the ancient Japanese blamed an evil snow woman spirit. Learn more!
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Will it snow? Here are some signs from nature you may want to look for.
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We all know that it isn't possible for the clouds to open up and hurl household pets to the Earth. So why does the English language include this oddity? We explain.
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