COUNTY LIFE
Weather folklore abounds this week from moon halo to Groundhog Day
There is a lot of weather lore being tossed around this week in the midst of the latest winter storm.
Besides Groundhog Day coming on Feb. 2, there also was Thunder snow and Thunder ice on Monday plus a halo around the moon during the weekend.
First, the halo around the moon. Before modern meteorology, watching the skies and relying on past history was the primary source of forecasting. For example, the halo around the moon, according to the Farmer’s Almanac, predicts wet or stormy weather.
Many of these proverbs were based on some bits of truth. The Almanac reports the ring around the moon usually indicates an advancing warm front, which means precipitation. Under those conditions, high, thin clouds get lower and thicker as they pass over the moon. Ice crystals are reflected by the moon’s light, causing a halo to appear. Despite some cloudy skies, several people reported seeing the halo.
There are several proverbs about thunder at various times during the spring.
Thunder in March betokens a fruitful year.
If it thunders on All Fools Day (April 1), it brings good crops of corn and hay.
Thunder in November, a fertile year to come.
Thunder in December presages fine weather.
Then we have Groundhog Day on Feb. 2. Will he or won’t he see his shadow? According to folklore:
If Phil does see his shadow (meaning the sun is shining), winter will not end early, and we’ll have another six weeks left of it.
If Phil doesn’t see his shadow (cloudy) we’ll have an early spring.
The folks at Punxsutawney, PA have been gathering for years in Gobbler’s Knob to see if Phil the groundhog shows his head out of the burrow. They have made something of a national celebration for it considering him the “Official Groundhog.”
The Farmer’s Almanac report that Phil’s “Inner Circle,” claim his predictions are almost always right, but records indicate it’s more like 39% since Phil began prognosticating back in 1887. The record shows he has predicted an early end to winter 18 times. In 2011 he predicted early spring only to see the eastern half of the U.S. get pounded with snow on into mid-March.
The date of Groundhog Day coincides with the medieval feast of Candlemas and its pre-Christian predecessor, Imbolc. An old Scottish prophecy foretells that sunny weather on Candlemas means a long winter.
No matter what the weather spring will officially arrive with Vernal Equinox at 5:24 p.m. on March 20. The Farmer’s Almanac reports warmer, spring-like weather may not come until a little later.
Take time to remember all those who gave all for our freedoms in America. The Bowie News staff wishes you a safe and happy holiday day weekend this Memorial Day. The News office will be closed on Monday for the holiday.
AUSTIN – With Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial start to summer boating season, Texas Game Wardens are preparing for one of the busiest boating weekends of the year and reminding Texans and visitors alike to put safety first before heading out on the water.
In 2025, Texas recorded 178 reportable boating incidents that resulted in 50 fatalities and 77 serious injuries. Eighty-four percent of those who died in boating incidents were not wearing a life jacket. Texas Game Wardens also made 223 Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) arrests last year.
“Memorial Day weekend is when many families get back on the water for the first time this year,” said Col. Ron VanderRoest, director of Law Enforcement for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “Before you leave the dock, take a few minutes to make sure your life jackets are on board, your boat is properly equipped and you have designated a sober operator.”
Texas Game Wardens encourage boaters to keep the following in mind before launching:
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Children younger than 13 are required to wear one while underway.
- Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The operator must wear the lanyard or have the engine cut-off switch fob on their person when operating a boat equipped with one.
- Operate at a safe speed and maintain a proper lookout.
- Take a boater education course. It is required for anyone born on or after Sept. 1, 1993.
- Check the weather before heading out and be prepared for changing conditions.
- Leave a float plan with someone you trust.
- Don’t overload your boat.
“Boating should be fun,” said VanderRoest. “A little planning and some common sense help keep it that way.”
Renting a Boat or Personal Watercraft
If you plan to rent a boat or personal watercraft, choose a licensed vessel livery (a business establishment engaged in renting or hiring out vessels for profit).
By law, vessel liveries must provide all required safety equipment, explain how to operate the vessel, review applicable boating laws and have the operator sign a form acknowledging they received this information. They are also required to carry liability insurance.
Before leaving the dock, renters should make sure the vessel has enough life jackets for everyone on board and that they understand basic operating rules, including those specific to personal watercraft.
Personal Watercraft Safety
Personal watercraft, including jet skis, are subject to special laws in Texas. Operators and passengers must always wear a life jacket, the operator must use the engine cut-off switch, and these vessels may not be operated between sunset and sunrise. Operators must also stay at least 50 feet from other vessels, people and the shore unless traveling at headway speed.
“Whether you’re launching your own boat or renting one for the day, take the time to understand the rules and make safety part of your plan,” said VanderRoest. “If you take safety seriously from the start, you’re far less likely to need help later.”
For more information about boating laws, required equipment and boater education courses, visit the TPWD Boater Education Program at tpwd.texas.gov/boatereducation.
Starting at noon on May 25 at The V (VFW) in Nocona there will be a program for the Memorial Day featuring speakers, cannons and a rifle team.
There will be a Memorial Day Celebration Dinner at 5 p.m. on May 25 at the Nocona Senior Citizens Center (Carpenter Shop).
Call for reservations at 940-825-3148. The meal will include barbecue ribs, french fries, beans, cole slaw, dessert and ice team. Adults are $10 and children $5.
Proceeds benefit the senior center and the Meals on Wheels program at Nocona.
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