“Red in the morning, Shepherd’s warning; Red in the night, Shepherd’s delight.”
This saying has been a part of weather folklore for centuries. It holds the promise of predicting the weather based on the colours of the sky during specific times of the day. Growing up, I always knew of this saying, and I often overhear the guests behind me in the vehicle repeating the saying, or the maritime version similar to the “Sailor’s warning”. But where does this adage originate from, and is there any truth to its predictive powers? Let’s delve into the fascinating history and science behind this age-old saying.
Ancient Origins of the Saying
The roots of this saying can be traced back to ancient shepherding communities that relied heavily on weather patterns to protect their flocks. Observing the sky was one of the most accessible methods for predicting weather changes before modern meteorological tools existed. As a result, people began noticing patterns between the colours of the sky and impending weather conditions.
The rhyme certainly has some heavyweight credentials, with the Gospels and William Shakespeare offering early support. The impact of red skies is first discussed in Matthew 16, with Jesus telling the Pharisees: “When it is evening, ye say, it will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, it will be foul weather today: for the sky is red and lowering.”
“Red in the Morning, Shepherd’s Warning”
When the morning sky appears red, it is often a sign that weather conditions may worsen throughout the day. This phenomenon can be attributed to the presence of dust and other particles in the lower atmosphere. During sunrise, the sun is low on the horizon, and its light has to pass through a thicker layer of the atmosphere, which scatters the blue and green wavelengths. The remaining colours, particularly red and orange, become more prominent, giving the sky its fiery hue.
Nothing beats a misty sunrise. All the colours are amplified by the surrounding haze and moisture. And with the rising sun comes the reassuring warmth of another spectacular day in the bushveld.
The scattering of shorter wavelengths by particles and dust is an indicator of the presence of a weather system. Such weather systems are often associated with approaching fronts and disturbances, heralding potential rain or storms. So, when shepherds saw a red morning sky, they knew to brace themselves for possible adverse weather conditions later in the day.
“Red in the Night, Shepherd’s Delight”
Conversely, a red or vibrant sunset implies a clear, unobstructed atmosphere. During sunset, the sun is again low on the horizon, but this time, its light passes through less atmosphere, resulting in less scattering of shorter wavelengths. The unfiltered light accentuates the warm hues, creating a picturesque red sky.
The sun setting over the distant Drakensberg. The Altitudes of the portion of the mountain range that we see reach about 2000m, whilst the average altitude at Londolozi is 350m – a stark contrast!
A red sky at night generally indicates that the weather will be calm and stable. High pressure often dominates during such conditions, and the likelihood of clear skies and fair weather is increased. For shepherds, this meant a peaceful night ahead and a chance to rest easy without worrying about any impending weather challenges.
High vs Low Weather Systems
A high-pressure system is like a “happy” or “good weather” system. It occurs when the air in a particular area is heavier and sinks toward the ground. This sinking air creates a sort of “bubble” of pressure at the surface. High-pressure systems are usually associated with clear skies, sunny weather, and calm conditions. So, when you see a high-pressure system on the weather forecast, it often means you can expect nice weather with little chance of rain or clouds.
Just taking some time to sit a view a breeding herd of elephants at a waterhole can keep you entertained for hours at end. On clear, warm days you can often find these herds expressing their joy around the water’s edge.
On the other hand, a low-pressure system is like a “moody” or “stormy” system. It happens when the air in an area is lighter and rises upward. This rising air creates a “dip” in pressure at the surface. Low-pressure systems are often linked to clouds, rain, and sometimes even storms. When you hear about a low-pressure system in the forecast, it usually means there’s a higher chance of rainy or cloudy weather.
Guests enjoy a later afternoon drink whilst watching the cloud formations of a frontal system build on the horizon.
Is There Truth to the Saying?
While the saying has been passed down through generations and many people swear by its accuracy, it is important to acknowledge that weather prediction is an intricate science. The colours of the sky can provide valuable information about atmospheric conditions, but they are not foolproof indicators of specific weather events.
Meteorology has made tremendous advancements in the past century, enabling us to use sophisticated instruments to analyze and predict weather patterns accurately. While ancient weather lore like the shepherd’s saying can be entertaining and sometimes useful, it should not be solely relied upon for critical decisions.
The correlation between the colours of the sky and impending weather conditions does hold some truth, owing to atmospheric scattering phenomena. However, it is essential to remember that weather prediction is a complex science that requires modern meteorological tools for accuracy.
So, the next time you witness a stunning red sky at dawn or dusk, take a moment to appreciate the artistry of nature and the wisdom passed down through generations. While you might not need to tend to a flock, these vibrant colours remind us of the harmony between the natural world and human experience, connecting us to our ancestors and the ever-changing beauty of the skies above.
Love this Robyn Thank you for sharing this very evocative saying, and an even more evocative and beautiful suggestion for reflection at the conclusion of your post. I will certainly not miss the opportunities you offered to “remind us of the harmony between the natural world and human experience, connecting us to our ancestors and the ever-changing beauty of the skies above.” Tis the season for red sunsets here in California, so opportunities to connect abound!!
Lovely photos of the wonderful red skies.
Thanks for the blog.
Robyn the weather prediction is a lot of science and very complicated story. The colours of your images are absolutely amazing and may I say “Red in the night” then the shepard have a good night sleep and they are calm, brings back many memories of the people looking after the sheep in the fields. Very interesting and good information thank you Robyn.
Robyn, the old adage is well documented, and has always indicated potential for weather. I find some of the older wisdom to be the most reliable over time.. Thanks for the reminder and your insights.
Beautifully written Robyn, about a subject we all appreciate, especially during safaris in Africa. We look forward to both the sunrises and sunsets, and never give a thought to how the colors develop. I believe now, I’ll give more thought to what the weather might be, based on the colors.