How to Read “夜上がり天気雨近し”
Yoagari tenkiame chikashi
Meaning of “夜上がり天気雨近し”
This proverb represents a meteorological observation that after the sky clears up at night, weather rain (rain that falls despite clear skies) is likely to occur the following day.
“Night rising” means the clouds clearing up at night, and “weather rain” refers to the phenomenon of rain falling despite clear skies. Even in modern meteorology, it is known that after the phenomenon of clouds clearing rapidly at night, localized rainfall is likely to occur the following day. This is due to changes in atmospheric pressure and unstable atmospheric conditions. This proverb is an empirical rule that people discovered through careful observation of natural phenomena in an era without scientific observation instruments. Even today, it is sometimes used as a reference for predicting the next day’s weather when observing rapid changes in the night sky. Even now that weather forecasting has developed, it retains value as the wisdom of ancient people who could read minute changes in nature.
Origin and Etymology
“Night rising weather rain near” is a weather-related proverb that has been passed down since the Edo period, but in reality, clear documentary records of the exact origin or first appearance of this proverb do not remain. While the origin is uncertain, several theories are considered.
The most credible theory is that it originated from the experiences of people in occupations closely connected to nature, such as fishermen and farmers. People in the Edo period needed to predict the next day’s weather from cloud movements, wind changes, and the appearance of the night sky, without modern weather forecasts. The expression “night rising” in particular refers to the phenomenon of clouds clearing up at night, which was observed as a precursor to the next day’s weather rain (rain that falls despite clear skies).
Another theory suggests that this phrase was passed down among samurai and merchant families as an empirical rule for weather observation. Various weather prediction methods are recorded in books about calendars and agricultural affairs from the Edo period, and it may have become established as one of these methods. In any case, it can be said to be a crystallization of wisdom born from people’s keen natural observation skills before the development of scientific meteorology.
Usage Examples
- The stars were so beautiful last night, but since they say “Night rising weather rain near,” I’ll take an umbrella today
- Just as “Night rising weather rain near” suggests, it’s been sunny since morning but it’s starting to drizzle
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the accuracy of weather forecasting has improved dramatically, and satellite images, radar, and computer prediction systems allow us to predict weather several days ahead with high probability. Therefore, the need to rely on empirical rules like “Night rising weather rain near” has significantly decreased.
However, the value of this proverb lies beyond mere weather prediction. Many modern people spend long hours indoors and have fewer opportunities to notice minute changes in nature. While we can check weather forecasts on smartphones, our ability to read direct messages from nature—such as the color of the sky, cloud movements, and the scent of wind—tends to deteriorate.
In our information society, this proverb teaches us “the importance of observation skills.” It shows the importance of sensing changes in our surroundings with our five senses, rather than relying too heavily on data and information. This is similar to how the business world values not just numbers and data, but also the ability to read minute changes and atmospheres in the field.
Moreover, in modern times when interest in environmental issues is growing, the significance of deepening understanding of natural phenomena is being reevaluated. As traditional weather patterns change due to climate change, combining ancient wisdom with modern science in observation may lead to new discoveries.
When AI Hears This
People in the Edo period observed clouds disappearing at night and used this phenomenon to predict the next day’s sun showers. From the perspective of modern meteorology, this was remarkably accurate observation.
At night, “radiative cooling” occurs as heat from the earth’s surface escapes into space. While clouds form from daytime solar heat, they dissipate due to this nighttime cooling effect. In other words, “night clearing” is evidence that the atmosphere is stable.
However, this stable atmosphere is precisely what causes the next day’s sun showers. When water vapor remaining in the upper atmosphere is rapidly heated by daytime solar energy, localized convection occurs. This is the mechanism that produces sudden rain, or what we call sun showers.
Modern weather radar confirms this pattern of “nighttime cloud dissipation → next-day localized precipitation.” This phenomenon appears more prominently in inland areas, where nighttime radiative cooling is stronger.
Farmers and fishermen of the Edo period read these complex atmospheric phenomena by relying solely on nighttime cloud movements, without weather satellite data or numerical forecasts. Their observational skills possessed accuracy that perfectly aligns with modern meteorological theory. This serves as a valuable example of how human sensory observation of nature was grounded in scientific principles.
Lessons for Today
What “Night rising weather rain near” teaches modern people is the importance of noticing small changes around us. In our busy daily lives, we tend to rely on convenient information tools, but the insights gained from observing our surroundings with our own senses have irreplaceable value that cannot be substituted by data.
This proverb also teaches us the spirit of “more haste, less speed.” Rather than immediately seeking answers, deeper understanding can be gained by taking time to observe and accumulate experience. In work and human relationships too, the ability to sense changes in others’ expressions and atmosphere, not just superficial information, enriches communication.
It’s also important to have the flexibility to respect ancestral wisdom while combining it with modern knowledge for practical use. Rather than rejecting everything old, the attitude of applying the observation skills and insights contained within to modern times enriches our sensibilities. Through dialogue with nature, we want to cultivate peace of mind and rich sensitivity.
Comments