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Most weather-related myths are based on longstanding observations and folklore rather than scientific rigor. Some, though, are grounded in valid atmospheric phenomena. It’s always interesting to see how traditional wisdom and modern science can intersect!

These tales often stem from observations and experiences that have been passed down through generations. They reflect human attempts to understand and predict the complex and often unpredictable nature of weather. 

Today is Friday the 13th, a day overflowing with superstition. So it’s a good day to take on some common myths relating to weather. Here are four surprising but common beliefs about the weather, including two that ring true.

1) Lightning never strikes the same place twice

Many of us know this is a huge myth debunked by science. Lightning can strike the same place twice, and in some cases more than a dozen times! According to the National Weather Service, the Empire State Building is hit by lightning an average of 25 times per year. In one storm, it was hit eight times in 24 minutes. 

2) Rain on your wedding day brings good luck

When it came time to picking a wedding date as a meteorologist, I made sure to pick a day that statistically was dry and had fair weather. It snowed … on my wedding day … in early October. While there isn’t any scientific research to back this notion, these beliefs are deeply rooted in tradition and symbolism. 

This tale goes all the way back to 1897 when Amos Dolbear made the observation of the number of cricket chirps and the temperature. His observation was even made into a law! 

Dolbear's law is based on the observation that crickets chirp faster when it's warmer and slower when it's colder. Try it next time your windows are open and you are enjoying a nice, summery evening. 

4) You can ‘feel’ the weather changing

Ever hear someone say they can feel a storm coming?

There have been multiple studies done on the relationship between changing weather and people’s aches and pains. The barometric pressure has a lot to do with why people can “feel” a shift in the weather. It is known that as pressure decreases (incoming storm), the tissues in our body increase, leading to stiffness and joint aches. 

Temperature changes can affect how humans feel as well. Cold temperatures can cause muscles to contract and tighten, leading to a feeling of rigidity. 

Weather not only affects our daily life in what we chose to wear, or what activities we decide to do, but also our physical bodies!

Mandy Thalhuber

Author

Most weather-related myths are based on long-standing observations and folklore rather than scientific rigor. However, some are grounded in valid atmospheric phenomena. Here are four surprising but common beliefs about the weather, including two that ring true.

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lightning striking the empire state building

On Friday the 13th, here are 2 myths and 2 truths about the weather

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