CLOUD-HUES AND WHAT THEY FOREBODE.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 May 1924, Page 1

CLOUD-HUES AND WHAT THEY FOREBODE.

By It. Al. Lester, in "Daily Mail.” LONDON, March, 31. Little ulieutioii .seems to have been

given by meteorologists to the colourtug of the sky and cloud, yet certain tints and shades are definitely associated with particular types of weather. Speaking generally, the softer and more delicate shades of colour betoken tine weather, whereas the well-defined and riehlv mixed colours are a sign of storm. Ceitain colours are associated

with special forms of cloud. Briefly, the colours und their pre dictions may be classified as tollows:

Red, in long narrow streaks over the setting sun, signifies drought in summer and frost in winter. (Tin’s wtts tt repeated feature ol the severe frnsi of 1 895). Also, a red glow from the west, evenly diffused over the upper sky. portends line weather. But it the red is upon lowering masses of ragged cloud,- in lower strata, storms and generally uusellloil weather may be anticipated. A Greenish Sky, where the blue should lie, is often noticed after sharp showers, when the sky has momentarily cleared of clouds. This signifies a moist tipper atmosphere, and heralds tt continuance of showery weather, with sunny periods intervening. A very dark blue sky, against which the passing clouds are sharply outlined, is followed by stormy weather. Imt a soft light blue betokens a tine spell. Puffy (Tends, drifting moderately low, when tinted strongly with a violet hue. often bring a spell of easterly winds. This colour is almost ulwaveonlined to the winter months. Clouds of Bright Copper tints are indicative of electric disturbance**, and usually bring thunderstorms, with hail in winter.

Grey is. associated with rain, particularly if a consistent ashy grey spreads slowly over the whole skv. This, however, must not he confused with the yellowish grey gloom which approaches from the east in periods ol drought, and is often mistaken for a gathering storm. Yellow appears to he tt frequent forerunner of heavy gales. Mr Lester’s observations are printed for iheir intrinsic interest, hut official meteorological experts state that data have not yet been compiled on this subject to an extent stifheiont to uarrant tho use of these signs m drawing up weather forecasts.