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Predicting the holiday weather in 2012

Rain, rain, go away, come again another day (preferably late October, when we’re ready for you).

 

With this wet start to July the question on everyone’s lips is “will the summer weather in 2012 get any better?

We’re not forecasters so we’ll leave the science to others, but here are our favourite Old Wives’ Tales for predicting the weather.

Predicting the 2012 holiday weather: wives tales or nature’s indicators?

Pine cones are nature’s weather men. On dry days the scales shrivel and stand out stiffly, when it’s damp and rain is expected, they absorb the moisture, become flexible and the cone returns to its normal shape.

Leaves on deciduous trees show signs of forthcoming rain, apparently curling or showing their underside when it is going to be wet.

If you live by the coast, there are a couple of ways of predicting what will happen. Seaweed shrivels and feels dry when the weather is fine, but swells and becomes damp if rain is expected. Seagulls are said to return to land when bad weather is coming, so a cluster of birds on the beach is a sign of rain on its way (Seagull, seagull sit on the sand, it’s never fine weather when you’re on the land).

There are lots of animal-based ways of predicting the weather. Cows lie down when they can sense rain, perhaps to make sure they have a dry spot to rest. Rooks are good for long range forecasting, as the higher up in a tree they nest, the better the weather will be.

Nature gives plenty of clues as to the weather situation. The rhyme “Red sky at morning, sailors take warning; red sky at night, sailor’s delight” can be an accurate predictor of the next day’s weather. A red sky when the sun is setting is a sign that lots of dust particles are in the air, which means high pressure and stable air coming from west, with good weather following.

The direction of the wind is also a useful indicator: an easterly breeze (blowing to the east) suggests rainy weather, and westerly winds something better.

Book a rain-free BreakFree Holiday

Of course, one way to ensure the weather won’t rain on your holiday parade is to book a break with a few safety measures built in.

  • Choose a holiday park with a large indoor pool complex so the kids can splash around
  • A break with kid’s clubs included means that your little ones will always have plenty to keep them entertained and lots of people to make friends with
  • Plan some wet weather activities in advance – there are plenty of attractions and theme parks where you can head to on a rainy day
  • Creature comforts come in handy in wet weather. Mobile homes have hot showers, heating, kettles for a warm brew and a grill for bacon sandwiches – cosy!
  • A great tip for storing your wellies or walking boots is to bang a cricket stump in to the ground and hang your muddy footwear over the top, so you’re not traipsing mud into your holiday home

So, check out the cows on your way to work – if they’re standing proud (or even if they’re on the ground) isn’t it time to book your BreakFree Holiday?