Weather forecasts from the National Weather Service, weather apps, or local meteorologists are a great way to get an idea of the weather in the coming 7-10 days, but they lose much of their accuracy beyond that. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration‘s Climate Prediction Center does release monthly forecasts far ahead of time, using general climate trends to predict the temperatures and precipitation levels across the United States. But these forecasts usually lack specifics. As a result, many people turn away from science and toward folklore.
People have been relying on signs in nature to predict the incoming weather for centuries. Forecasting organizations like the Old Farmers’ Almanac use a mix of solar science, climatology, and folklore to provide weather predictions on the year ahead in order to help gardeners and farmers determine what to plant and when to plant it.
Farmers, homesteaders, and general weather enthusiasts have kept their eyes on birds, plants, insects, and more to give a general idea of what the upcoming winter will look like far ahead of time. Some of these signs are based solely on folklore, others hint toward or lean toward the more scientific. Here are 7 ways the moon can be used to predict a cold and snowy winter according to the Old Farmers’ Almanac.
7 Ways The Moon Can Predict A Cold And Snowy Winter According to the Old Farmers’ Almanac
- A winter full Moon indicates a time of long cold snaps.
- A full Moon in the month of April brings frost.
- If the new Moon stands on its points, expect incoming precipitation.
- The days immediately following a full Moon or a new Moon are typically stormy.
- Rings around the Moon indicate rain or snow coming real soon.
- A clear Moon in the winter indicates incoming frost.
