Image: April Showers & May Flowers – clipartpanda.com
The proverb "March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers", first recorded in 1886, or the shorter, trochaic version "April showers bring May flowers" (originally "Sweet April showers/Do spring May flowers", part of a poem recorded in 1610) are common expressions in English speaking countries.
In the Northern Hemisphere, April tends to be a rather wet month with an influx of spring rains. One of the major causes of the often-heavy downpours is the position of the jet stream. In early spring, the jet stream starts to move northward, allowing large depressions to bring strong winds and rain in from the Atlantic in both North America and Europe. In one day, the weather can change from springtime sunshine to heavy showers often of wintry sleet and snow.
Usually, we try to dodge April showers, but the one that arrives the morning of April 22 may be worth seeking out. Every year in late April, Earth passes through the dusty tail of Comet Thatcher (C/1861 G1), and the encounter causes a meteor shower – the Lyrids. The best time to look, no matter where you live, is during the dark hours before dawn.
The Full Pink Moon won't be until the 29th and won't interfere with observation. Look for information on the best viewing times to enjoy this particular “April shower…”
The proverb "March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers", first recorded in 1886, or the shorter, trochaic version "April showers bring May flowers" (originally "Sweet April showers/Do spring May flowers", part of a poem recorded in 1610) are common expressions in English speaking countries.
In the Northern Hemisphere, April tends to be a rather wet month with an influx of spring rains. One of the major causes of the often-heavy downpours is the position of the jet stream. In early spring, the jet stream starts to move northward, allowing large depressions to bring strong winds and rain in from the Atlantic in both North America and Europe. In one day, the weather can change from springtime sunshine to heavy showers often of wintry sleet and snow.
Usually, we try to dodge April showers, but the one that arrives the morning of April 22 may be worth seeking out. Every year in late April, Earth passes through the dusty tail of Comet Thatcher (C/1861 G1), and the encounter causes a meteor shower – the Lyrids. The best time to look, no matter where you live, is during the dark hours before dawn.
The Full Pink Moon won't be until the 29th and won't interfere with observation. Look for information on the best viewing times to enjoy this particular “April shower…”