The weather and our environment go hand in hand and sometimes what’s in our own backyard can display the obvious signs and how they both link together.

Louise McKay of Timaru says…

One of the most reliable of all natural weather indicators I have found are pine cones. These have traditionally been used to forecast the weather as they change shape according to whether it is wet or dry. In dry weather, pine cones open out as the scales shrivel up and stand out stiffly. When it is damp, they absorb moisture and as the scales become flexible again, the cone returns to its normal shape.

Thanks Louise.  Feel free to add a comment.