“In Like a Lion” and More Weather Lore

B-r-r-r-r. This sudden cold snap has really put a damper on my hopes that spring might be early this year—the end of February (at least in Alberta) was warm, and most of the snow had melted. But it seems like Mother Nature isn’t quite done with winter yet. 

I shouldn’t be surprised. Weather is a pretty big topic in my family since my grandparents are canola farmers and rain, snow, and sunshine have a direct impact on their crop production. But this brisk weather is a cool reminder that weather is unpredictable, despite some go-to resources that some people believe can make accurate predictions.

I’ve talked a lot about the Farmer’s Almanac on my blog before, but this cold in March is making me think about other weather predictors like legends and lore. You probably know the famous saying, "In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb.” But is there any truth to it?

Maybe. It’s a little like pinning all your hopes on the groundhog seeing his shadow, though. The truth is, March is the most changeable month. My grandma always says she doesn’t like to travel in March because the weather can change in an instant—and if you look back over the years, that’s so true! So, we can hope that if March starts off stormy that it will end calmly. But mostly, it’s just a rhyme. 

Kind of like these popular sayings:

A dry March and a wet May? Fill barns and bays with corn and hay.

As it rains in March so it rains in June.

March winds and April showers? Bring forth May flowers.

And of course, this sailor lore (which is featured in the Superman Duffy comic, SHIVER ME TIMBERS): Red sky at night, sailors' delight. Red sky at morning, sailors take warning!

It’s possible the predictions might come true, but there are other factors that come into play as well. 

Maybe I don’t completely believe in weather rhymes—no matter how steeped in lore they seem—but I DO hope that this March goes out like a lamb…and stays like that until late fall! How about you? Are you ready for Spring?

Gotta jet! Have a great weekend—and stay warm!  

~ Chase Superman Duffy