Scientific Meterology Still In Its Infancy ? 1869 Any Change To Date ?

[stewfox]

I came across an article which was published in 1869

The Times reported that everyone was posied and ready for a great storm on account of a much publised prophecy by Lieutenat Saxby navel engineer and 'lunarist'.

Saxby holds that the moons position relative to the equator along with various other astronomical occurances can fortell 'extreme atmospheric disturbances'.

In November 1868 he warns in the London press of great costal flooding and storm of exceptional intensity 5- 9th October

To the disappointment of those that travel to the coast nothing happens. No waves no distruction no deaths. The seas are tranquil the weather is bright

Scientific meterology and weather forcasts are still in their infancy so its not surprising people head Saxbys prophecies.

Now with Scientfic rigour, accurate measuring instruments and empirical procedures we have no more quacks or stange forcastes.

So why do we get them every day

Anyway I'm of to buy 20 shovels in case we do get the start of the ice age this winter .....(buggar they have sold out)

Edited October 10, 2011 by stewfox

[Nick L]

You only have to look at the short and medium range forecast accuracy from Met Office data to see that we have moved on massively in the last 50 years, let alone 150.