Weather insights and their origins:

Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning;
Red sky at night, sailors delight.

Most weather in the Northern Hemisphere moves from west to east.   A red sky is caused by dust and other particulates in the atmosphere and is associated with dry weather.   Consequently, a red or pink sky in the morning (east) means dry weather has already passed over you (and wet weather will likely follow.)   Conversely, a red or pink sky at night (west) indicates dry weather is coming your way.

Mackerel sky and mares’ tails
Make lofty ships carry low sails.

Like the rings around the sun or moon, mackerel skies (cirrocumulus clouds) and mares’ tails (cirrus clouds) indicate moisture in the air, and the pending arrival of a warm front and wet weather.

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

If the wind is blowing from the direction of the rainbow, then rain is heading toward you.   Conversely, if the rainbow is downwind, then the rain has already passed by you.

A wind from the south
Has rain in its mouth.

Typically, a south wind blows in advance of a cold front and also blows over the east quadrant of an approaching low-pressure cell.   In either case, rain is coming.

Sea gull, sea gull, sit on the sand;
It’s a sign of rain when you are at hand.

Generally, birds roost more during a period of low air pressure.   Takeoff may be harder in the low pressure and it’s probably harder for them to maneuver.   If you live along the coast, you can see them hanging around in the parking lots at your favorite supermarket or mall (usually by the dumpster.)

If you know of any other weather ditties, send an e-mail and let us know about them (click on the Send Fishmail icon below.)