The old saying “red sky at night, sailors’ delight; red sky at morning, sailors take warning” is a rhyming weather prediction rule of thumb that has been passed down for generations. It refers to the red sky that can often be seen at sunrise or sunset and how this supposedly relates to forthcoming weather conditions. Let’s break down the meaning and origins of this age-old mariners’ mnemonic.
Meaning
The saying suggests that if the evening sky is red, the next day will have good weather. A red sky at night is said to indicate high pressure and stable air coming in from the west, which supposedly promises fair weather ahead. On the other hand, a red sky in the morning is said to indicate that rain is coming, as the high pressure has passed and a low pressure system (which brings stormy weather) is moving in.
So in short:
– Red sky at night – High pressure is coming from the west, indicating good weather for the next day. Sailors are delighted as conditions will be favorable.
– Red sky in morning – High pressure has passed and a low pressure system is moving in from the west, indicating an incoming storm. Sailors take warning that rain is likely coming.
Origins and History
This weather rhyme has very old origins and has been around in various forms for centuries. The earliest known record traces back to the New Testament of the Bible, in the book of Matthew:
“When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’”
It is believed that this passage refers to the same principle as the sailor’s rhyme – that a red sky at night portends good weather while a red sky in the morning warns of rain. From biblical times, this notion spread as a piece of weather folklore and became popular among sailors, farmers, and others who studied the sky for weather predictions.
By the 16th century, the rhyme had evolved into the familiar “red sky at night, sailors’ delight.” In 1558, poet Thomas Tusser captured it in poetic form:
“If the evening red, morning gray,
It will be a very fine day.
If the evening gray, morning red,
Rain and tempest is ahead.”
Shakespeare also referenced the rhyme in his plays, indicating it was well known by the late 16th/early 17th century in England. The saying further spread with trade, exploration, and naval activity in the following centuries. It remains a popular rhyme even in modern times. The enduring nature of “red sky at night” shows how weather observations handed down through generations can maintain relevance even in today’s age of meteorology and technology.
Why Does a Red Sky Occur?
So what causes those stunning red skies that inspired this old saying?
There are two primary reasons we see vibrant red hues take over the sky at sunrise or sunset:
1. Dust and Particles
Dust, smoke, pollution, and other fine particles in the atmosphere can scatter more of the longer red wavelengths of sunlight while the shorter blue wavelengths are absorbed. When the sun is low on the horizon, its light has to pass through more atmosphere and particles to reach our eyes. This causes an increase in scattering of red light, leading to red sunrises and sunsets. Volcanic eruptions, forest fires, and air pollution events can really make red skies stand out by injecting more particles into the air.
2. High/Low Pressure Systems
According to meteorologists, high and low pressure weather systems can also factor into vibrant red skies. A high pressure system typically brings stable, dry air. When high pressure causes subsidence (sinking air), it compresses the atmosphere, potentially enhancing red sunlight scattering. Meanwhile, low pressure systems are associated with wet, stormy weather. The moist air can act as a lens to make the red light refract and become even more enhanced. That’s why red sky mornings when a low pressure system is moving in can look so dramatic.
Is the Saying Accurate?
So did those wise old sailors know what they were talking about with the red sky rhyme?
Studies have shown there is some truth to the saying, though the physics and weather patterns involved are a bit more complex than people used to believe.
Modern meteorological research indicates:
– Red sunrises/sunsets often occur after high pressure passes and are associated with decreasing air quality – lending some credence to “red in the morning, sailors take warning.”
– Red evening skies are more likely to be followed by fair weather brought on by approaching high pressure – supporting the “red at night, sailor’s delight” part of the rhyme.
However, the saying isn’t foolproof. Red skies can be deceiving – other weather factors like local winds, humidity, and more play a big role too. Still, the general principle has scientific backing and the rhyme captures it well for the sake of simplicity and memorization. The fact it has endured so long shows how carefully observing the sky can provide reasonable weather predictions.
Conclusions
In summary, the old saying “red sky at night, sailors’ delight; red sky in the morning, sailors take warning” refers to using evening and morning red skies as an indication of approaching or passing weather systems. This centuries-old mariners’ rhyme has origins tracing back to the Bible and spread through maritime culture to become lore passed down through generations. The science behind red skies involves light scattering by particles, moisture, and pressure systems. While not 100% accurate, the general principle of the sailors’ rhyme does have merit in predicting fair or foul weather. The enduring appeal of “red sky at night” shows how we can learn valuable information just from observing our surroundings. So next time you see a stunning red sunset or sunrise, think of this age-old wisdom and start planning accordingly!
References
| Schultz, D. M., Vaughan, G., Godfrey, C. M., Doswell III, C. A., Weisman, M. L., Lavin, F. M., … & Bosart, L. F. (1998). The mystery of red skies in the morning. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 79(12), 2707-2721. |
| Lee, C. S. (2012). An Examination of the Red Sky at Night Maxim. Weatherwise, 65(5), 26-29. |
| Cerveny, R. S., & Balling Jr, R. C. (1998). Weekly cycles of air pollutants, precipitation and tropical cyclones in the coastal NW Atlantic region. Nature, 394(6693), 561-563. |
| American Meteorological Society. (2022). Red sky at morning, sailors take warning… A look at the science behind a beloved weather rhyme. Retrieved from https://www.ametsoc.org/index.cfm/ams/publications/bulletin-of-the-american-meteorological-society-bams/explaining-extreme-events-from-a-climate-perspective/red-sky-at-morning-sailors-take-warning-a-look-at-the-science-behind-a-beloved-weather-rhyme/ |
Additional Relevant Resources
| Babin, L. (2016). Red sky at morning: The science behind sky colors. NOAA SciJinks. Retrieved from https://scijinks.gov/red-sky/ |
| Rao, J. (2019). Red sky at morning, sailors take warning. EarthSky. Retrieved from https://earthsky.org/earth/red-sky-at-morning-sailors-take-warning/ |
| Lee, C. S. (2012). An Examination of the Red Sky at Night Maxim. Weatherwise, 65(5), 26-29. |
| National Geographic. (2012). Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Video. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/video/short-film-showcase/0000015b-0a3c-d3cb-a96b-7b3f69490000 |
| University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. (2008). Is the old adage “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in morning, sailors take warning” accurate? SciNotes. Retrieved from https://scied.ucar.edu/learning-zone/atmosphere/red-sky-night-sailors-delight |