This superstition warned people not to directly point at approaching thunderstorms or to gaze for too long at lightning—especially during summer storms. Doing so was believed to attract bad luck or cause mental disturbances, such as madness. The gesture of pointing invites the attention of malevolent forces or angers the spirits thought to dwell in the sky. People were urged to either look away quickly or cross themselves as protection. While no physical items or rituals were performed, behavioral caution—silent observation, hands kept at one’s side—was part of the practice. The belief aims to show respect for the power of nature and possibly prevents lightning-attracting movements in exposed areas, like raising one’s hand.

In certain rural or pre-scientific belief systems, an inexplicable stratum of warm air—particularly when felt suddenly or experienced while outdoors—was regarded as an ominous indicator of an evil presence. This phenomenon, often occurring near marshes or during sudden weather shifts, was thought to signal that the devil was nearby or had recently passed. People encountering this atmospheric anomaly might react with fear, leave the area immediately, or perform protective gestures such as crossing themselves, reciting blessings, or lighting candles. In some localized versions of the belief, the warm air was considered a ‘breath’ or manifestation of demonic energy, further blurring the line between environmental phenomena and spiritual fear. While no specific practice evolved to dispel the warm air, avoiding areas where it occurred became a preventative behavior.

This superstition holds that if the sun sets obscured by a dense bank of clouds, particularly along the western horizon, wind will arise from the west soon after. Traditionally observed by farmers, sailors, and fishermen, it was used as an informal weather forecast. Variations exist in different regions, but most associate a veiled sunset with a forthcoming shift in wind patterns. Practitioners would use this cue to decide whether to secure livestock, delay travel, or alter sailing routes. The cloud bank itself—being stationary and dark—symbolizes atmospheric pressure changes, reinforcing the belief that unfavorable or changing weather, especially wind, is imminent.

In this belief, viewing the aurora borealis—also called the Northern Lights—acts as an atmospheric omen. It is said that if these lights are seen, particularly in vivid motion or color, a storm will arrive from the south within two days. While not part of formal meteorological systems, this superstition allowed seafarers, farmers, and residents in northern locales to mentally prepare for harsh conditions. This predictive behavior was often used as a warning to stay inland, secure boats, or delay agricultural activity. Although scientifically unfounded in its generalization, auroras do result from solar activity, which can correlate with geomagnetic disturbances often misinterpreted as related to terrestrial weather changes. The practice was one of passive observation, with no rituals, tools, or interventions—it was simply seen as a sky-borne signal from nature itself.

The superstition suggests that a noticeable quiet or lull in the wind — usually after a storm or during unstable weather — is a deceptive calm. If the wind picks up quickly following such calm, this was believed to signal that a more violent storm, gale, or destructive weather was imminent. Farmers, travelers, and especially sailors observed these signs to prepare accordingly — reinforcing shelters, staying off the roads, or not setting sail. This belief is an example of meteoromancy — divination by weather observation — and relies on an intuitive understanding of atmospheric changes as omens.

This superstition is based on the visual observation of a halo—an optical phenomenon sometimes seen around the moon. On nights when a ring or halo forms around the moon, people would count the number of stars visible within or near this ring. Each star was said to represent one day until a coming storm. For example, if six stars appeared inside or close to the lunar halo, a storm was believed to arrive in six days. The practice was often used by farmers, sailors, and travelers who placed a high reliance on weather predictions for safety and livelihood. It reflects a practical attempt to read signs from the sky in the absence of modern meteorology. The superstition emphasized careful observation and offered a sense of agency in anticipating natural changes, especially during uncertain seasonal transitions.

This superstition holds that when a coal fire burns with unusually blue flames—rather than its typical orange or red—it signals that a storm or inclement weather is imminent. Blue flames were seen as unnatural or rare, prompting concern among those who relied on coal stoves or fireplaces, especially in rural or seafaring communities. People interpreting such signs might take precautions, such as securing property or avoiding travel. The belief likely stemmed from observing changes in atmospheric pressure and humidity that can affect how flame color appears. Though not practiced ritualistically, attentiveness to coal fire colors functioned as an informal weather forecasting method for many households.