Red sky at night....

[Mikesmith165]

is there any truth in the saying.. " red sky at night shepards delight red sky in the morning sheperds warning"? If so why are these colours the case?

[Clanad]

I've usually seen your quote in reference to sailors, but there's no reason in wouldn't have been observed by shepherds as well. Unlike many sayings, the Red Sky prophecy appears to have some basis in reality, although explanations vary. Here�s one, for what it�s worth: In mid-latitude locations storm systems typically move west to east. A red sunrise means light is shining on clouds to the west, and sailing is clear to the east. Clouds moving from the west mean a storm is coming. But a red sky at night means the sun is shining on clouds to the east, and conditions are clear to the west. The ancients also devised weather predictions based on astronomy and volcanic activity. But we're fortunate today to have more reliable forecasts... usually!

This particular saying is quite ancient as seen by the following Bible verse:

Matthew 16:3 -- He answered and said unto them,
"When it is evening, you 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.'"

[BillyBB]

Midlands - Shepherd

North West - Sailor

I'm guessing it's because we don't see many sailors.