Weather on Cliff Island
During the fall of 2004, Cliff Island students interviewed several lobstermen about the importance of weather to living on an island and working on the water. Decisions to go out, where to lobster and fish, and the dangers faced while on the water all are directly impacted by weather conditions. Important indicators such as clouds, winds and tides help to interpret weather conditions. Much of this knowledge is gained through experience working on the water. The direction weather systems come from towards the island is also very important.
 Dylan holding a weather-witch used for predicting changes in the weather. |
Weather Folklore
A halo around the moon means change.
A sundog (spot on one side of the sun) means a change to BAD weather.
If the brown/black striped caterpillar has thick fur and a wide stripe it means a cold winter.
High muskrat houses mean a warm winter with lots of rain.
Low muskrat house means lots of snow.
Circling seagulls, way up high mean lots of wind.
Handbills are puffy clouds sometimes called Harvey Wall Bangers or Flocks of Sheep.
When you see handbills:
If the wind is off the land (from the mountains) it called a Canadian High and it brings good weather.
-The water will be clear!
-There will be pretty whitecaps off the top of the chop.
-The wind can actually blow so hard from Mt.Washington that it knocks the 'sea' down.
-If the wind is off shore the water will be murky and muddy from the 'sea' mixing it up.
In shedder season it is good in the morning then the wind will come around every afternoon and blow hard from the SW. (July & August)
