As summer approaches, Brits can only cross their fingers for some sunshine and warm weather, but given the UK's unpredictable climate, it might be worth turning to nature for clues. There are numerous old English weather sayings you've probably heard over the years, but have you ever paused to consider whether they actually hold water?
Ancient Proverb: Ash Before Oak
One particular proverb allegedly forecasts when to expect a rainy day during the summer months. The saying concerns trees — specifically oak and ash trees — which bud at varying times depending on their temperature requirements and seasonal growth patterns. The phrase goes: "Ash before oak is a soak, but oak before ash is a splash?" This suggests that if ash trees begin budding before oak trees, it could signal a challenging season of chilly temperatures and downpours. However, if oak flowers appear first, the season should be warm and bright.
Origins in the 16th Century
It is thought to originate from the 16th century, as a method traditionally employed by farmers and rural communities to forecast the months ahead. Back then, it was commonplace to use phenology, which involves observing nature's cyclical patterns and monitoring animal hibernation and plant changes. Naturally, it is rather difficult to uncover any genuine scientific evidence backing an ancient weather saying, but plenty of people still depend on them for predictions, and they have often proven surprisingly accurate.
According to the old tale, the two types of trees have differing patterns in terms of when their buds begin to burst, which can also vary depending on where they grow. Ash trees, for instance, typically thrive in the south, while oak trees are more commonly found in the north.
Scientific Backing from the Met Office
The Met Office has previously carried out studies that found certain age-old weather proverbs to actually be backed by scientific reasoning, lending some credibility to these long-standing sayings. Other well-known phrases of a similar nature continue to be widely used and have been passed down through generations. Perhaps the most famous of all is: "Red sky at night, shepherd's delight; red sky in the morning, shepherd's warning." This refers to the colour of the sky during sunrise and sunset to indicate what the following day's weather might bring. It was originally used to help shepherds prepare for the day ahead.
Shedding some light on the age-old theory, the Met Office is thought to have offered an explanation behind the vivid sky colouring. According to them, when the atmosphere traps dust and particles that scatter blue light, it can emit red light and, consequently, produce a reddened sky. A somewhat simpler proverb commonly used for weather forecasting is: "Clear moon, frost soon." This suggests that a clear night sky with no cloud cover will generally result in a sharp drop in temperature.
