There are many different methods to predict the weather.
Meteorologists will use science, historical data, satellite images and radar to predict the weather. However, there are other ways to tell what’s coming this winter.
Ask anyone in the Snow Belt what winter will be like and you’ll hear, “Well, last year was mild so we’re due for a bad one this year.” You’ll also hear people talk about bunions and joint pain and say the storms are on the horizon.
Here’s a look at several unscientific ways to determine the weather and whether they’re accurate.
Halo around the sun or moon
If there is a halo around the sun or moon, it will rain or snow. According to the Northeast Regional Climate Center , there’s some science and truth behind this folklore. Halos are optical phenomena caused when light refracts off ice crystals in high cirrus clouds in the upper atmosphere. When there is water vapor in the atmosphere, it increases the risk of precipitation.
Woolly bear caterpillar stripes
The legend states that wolly bear caterpillars can predict how harsh winter will be based on the marking on the caterpillar. If the caterpillars have long black bands winter will be severe. If the caterpillar has brown bands, a mild winter will occur.