What Does a Red Sky in the Morning Mean?

Red sky at night, sailor's delight. Red sky in the morning, sailor's warning.-

In recent weeks here in western Kentucky and southern Indiana, in February and early March, we were facing the threat of severe weather. That happens in this neck of the woods this time of the year. For example, we had some unseasonably warm and record-setting days in February. Subsequent cold fronts brought with them a substantial risk for damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes. That cosmic, atmospheric clash is never good when it happens.

On one day in particular, when we were expecting a nearly 50 degree drop in temperatures from one day to the next, a friend called my morning radio show. Theresa Wright lives in Tell City, Indiana and southern Indiana, on that particular day, was under that enhanced risk for severe weather. During our conversation, Theresa quoted that ancient rhyme that's even found (paraphrased) in the Bible- in the Book of Matthew. She said, "Red sky at night, sailor's delight. Red sky in the morning, sailor's warning."

She then explained that she has heard that saying since she was a kid. For context, I do want to add that the sky was fiery red the morning she called. Was Mother Nature really giving us a warning that severe weather was approaching? Is there truth to this old adage?

The meteorologists at AccuWeather say there is absolutely truth to it. In fact, they recently shared a video that explains the science behind what causes us to see those colors in the sky and the shift in pressure they signal.

The folks at AccuWeather aren't the only meteorologists on board. The team at TVH 11 confirmed those ancient sailors were right.

While a red sky in the morning may not indicate severe weather's on the way 100% of the time, it certainly can signal that, like those sailors, you should keep your eyes to the sky.