Page 321 - (DK) I Can’t Believe It! 2

TRUE OR FALSE? 319
A red sky at WEATHER WATCHING

night signals Meteorology, or the study of
the atmosphere, can be traced
back to India around 3000 bce.
It took off in the 18th and 19th
good weather The red color comes centuries with the invention of
accurate instruments to
measure weather. By the mid-
from dust particles in the
air, and increased pollution
also plays a part. 20th century, satellites were
circling in space to track Earth’s
weather systems from the sky.
Many people believe
their bodies can predict Some cultures use
the weather. Rheumatic the same red sky
joints or aches from past saying, but change
injuries are said to be a it to “sailors’ delight”
sign of rain on the horizon. instead, depending
on the people most
affected by the weather.

How are
seagulls
said to predict
the weather?

Before scientific forecasting techniques were
developed, people relied on their experiences
to provide accurate predictions. Red night skies
indicate that dust is trapped in the air by high
pressure. When this moves in from the west,
clear skies and sunshine are coming. Red skies
in the morning suggest the good weather has
moved east to be replaced by low pressure.
This is a red alert, warning of rain to follow.

US_318-319_309600_Weather.indd 319 20/12/17 5:32 pm