Haverhill Library Association

"Red at night, sailors' delight".  Many people have heard, if not used this or other phrases to forecast the weather.  These weather sayings are collectively known as “weatherlore”, and while most of us can use a smart phone, radio or TV for a weather forecast, these time-tested proverbs continue to delight, amuse, and inform people who depend on the weather for their enjoyment or livelihood.  Mark Breen, senior meteorologist at the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium in St. Johnsbury, VT, and voice of Vermont Public’s "Eye on the Sky” will share these sayings, and determine which ones are more reliable.  Mr. Breen will examine how these sayings have evolved, and how most hold true to some very sound scientific principles.  The talk is light and entertaining, and will be followed by questions, and the audience is welcomed to share their favorite weather sayings. 

Mark Breen is the Senior Meteorologist and Planetarium Director at the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, and for over 40 years he has been the morning voice of weather on Vermont Public's an "Eye on the Sky", as well as several local radio stations.   He is also the author of the award-winning children’s book, “The Kid’s Book of Weather Forecasting”, and the newly printed “Aratus: Phenomenae”, by Janus Press.  Along with weather forecasting for radio and newspapers, his work at the Museum involves teaching weather and science, as well as serving as the Planetarium Director for the Lyman Spitzer, Jr. Planetarium, Vermont's only public planetarium.   Mark lives in St. Johnsbury with his wife Sandi.   They enjoy golfing, gardening, working on their house, as well as performing with their singing quartet, WindRose.