Who hasn\u2019t checked the weather on TV before going on a trip or when planning a vacation? Well, in Spain we have more accurate way than just listening to a weather person, and that is to follow the Caba\u00f1uelas. This weird term refers to an ancient method of predicting weather. Used by our grandparents, simple country folk, has gained recognition in recent years. Even professional meteorologists certify the high level of accuracy in these readings of the environment, which ranges between 70-80 %.
\nThe origin of this practice is uncertain; some researchers date it as far back as prehistoric times, and then developed by Mesopotamic, Egyptian, Aztec, Mayan, Greek, and Arabic civilizations. The method of prediction is based on the observation of nature and the atmospheric phenomena, including clouds, winds, and even animals, to draw up a calendar. This was very much needed for mankind centuries ago, if we take into account the fact that climate was essential to choose the right place for a settlement, or to save harvests from storms, floods, o lack of rainfall. It was a form of survival.
\nEven though there are different types of caba\u00f1uelas, all of them focus on the month of august in order to predict the weather for the following year. The experts in caba\u00f1uelas pay attention to the days between the 1st and the 12th, corresponding to each month of the following year, starting from January and, after the 13th, according to the returning caba\u00f1uelas, in reverse order: the 13th is for December, and so on. Complicated? Maybe, but even more amazing is the fact that they are right! So I\u2019ll leave you with some of the predictions for the year 2011, just in case you are planning a trip to my region\u2026
\nIf anyone wants to enjoy Easter, you\u2019ll have to bear in mind that there will be \u201coverall storms and heavy rainfall during the first few days, while the rest of the week might be affected by some showers\u201d, just like the April Feria, in Seville. Tough luck!
\nOn the other hand, May and June will be \u201cuncommon, with cases of storms, rainfall, and hail, except for the coast, which will be affected by clouds\u201d. Moreover, \u201cthe months of July and August will start with cloudy skies in the morning, July will be rough with inland rainfall, but ending with sticky, humid heat that will be prolonged until August with plenty of heat waves\u201d. We\u2019ll see if that\u2019s the case.
\nFor the rest of this year, if the predictions from last year are true, we can expect snow very soon. Skiers will be happy, for sure.
\nFor the time being, I leave you with my weather forecast: see you in the next post!<\/p>\n