Do swallows know about rain? Kazhydromet analyzed popular folk omens

Tengrinews.kz — A red sunset signals wind, low-flying swallows mean rain, and a ring around the moon forecasts snow. Many weather folk omens have been passed down through generations. But which of them are actually rooted in atmospheric processes? Kazhydromet experts explained the science behind these well-known folk observations.
Red sky at night, wind in sight; red sky in the morning, rain is forming
The hue of the sky at sunrise and sunset is caused by the scattering of sunlight in the atmosphere.
As specialists explain, under certain weather conditions, a red or crimson sky can indeed accompany a change in weather. For example, such shades may be observed before an approaching atmospheric front, when cloud cover and atmospheric conditions shift.
However, the color of the sky should not be taken as a precise forecast, as it is influenced by several factors simultaneously.
Swallows flying low means rain is on the way
There is a clear scientific explanation for this omen. Humidity rises before rainfall, causing the insects that swallows feed on to stay closer to the ground. The birds simply follow their prey, resulting in a lower flight pattern.
Thus, while folk observation correctly identifies atmospheric changes, the swallows themselves are not "predicting" the rain.
A ring around the moon forecasts rain or snow
A lunar halo is another phenomenon long associated with weather changes. The glowing circle around the moon is caused by the refraction and reflection of light through ice crystals in high-altitude clouds. These clouds often appear ahead of atmospheric fronts.
Therefore, a halo can indicate an approaching change in weather, although rain or snow does not always follow.
Crunching snow underfoot signals severe frost
This omen is based on the physics of snow rather than a forecast. At low temperatures, snow crystals become hard and brittle. When stepped on, they break and rub against each other, creating that characteristic crunching sound.
The more severe the frost, the sharper and louder the sound becomes.
A heavy morning frost leads to a clear day
This folk observation also has a scientific basis. Hoarfrost typically forms during clear, calm weather. At night, the earth's surface rapidly loses heat, temperatures drop, and water vapor transforms into ice crystals.
Consequently, abundant morning frost often confirms that the night was characterized by light winds and minimal cloud cover.












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Publication by the Republican State Enterprise "Kazhydromet" (@kazhydromet)


Can we trust folk weather omens?
It should be noted that folk omens cannot provide an accurate weather forecast. While they help identify natural changes, weather is influenced by numerous factors at once. Omens should be viewed as interesting observations, but for an accurate forecast, it is best to rely on professional meteorological data.