“The higher the clouds, the better the weather.”

This saying is somewhat misleading, since the types of clouds are a better indicator of impending rainfall than their height. Fluffy white cumulus clouds tend not to produce rainfall, even though they may be low in the sky, unless they morph into dark threatening thunderheads (cumulonimbus clouds). These low-lying clouds can produce intense thunderstorms. Nimbostratus clouds, which are thick layers of low-lying clouds, tend to produce more prolonged rainfalls.

However, cirrus clouds, which are high wispy clouds, can also signal rainfall. These clouds sometimes appear in advance of an incoming warm front, which may signal rain a few hours later. The cirrus clouds themselves are unlikely to produce rainfall but may be followed by rain-producing clouds. However, cirrus clouds may also be a sign of dry air and high pressure, which both indicate fair weather. So, high cirrus clouds can signal either good or bad weather. The key is to observe whether they are more or less stationary or whether they are moving. If moving, they are more likely to indicate that bad weather is coming.

Status: Sometimes true

“When stars shine clear and bright, we will have a very cold night.”

As mentioned in the article on weather folklore, clouds tend to act like a blanket over the Earth’s surface, preventing heat from escaping out into space. At night, clouds tend to keep in the heat, keeping the temperature warmer. But in the absence of clouds, heat will tend to escape, and you can expect a very cold night. And if there are no clouds, you can, of course, see the stars.

Status: True

“The farther the sight, the nearer the rain.”

According to this proverb, if rain is coming, the air will be clear and you can see for a great distance. Bad weather tends to be accompanied by low pressure. When you have low pressure, air tends to move into an area, clearing away any dust or other particles that may obstruct visibility. High pressure, on the other hand, signals fair weather. High-pressure regions tend to be marked by stable air. If the air is still, dust particles tend to build up in the atmosphere, reducing visibility.

Status: Generally true