The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-05-05
FORECASTS FOR MAY.
The Hev. Irl L. Hicks Predicts Great At
mospheric Disturbances.

The hev. Irl L. Hicks Predicts Grest At
mospheric Disturbances.
A rectionary storm period is central
on the 1st and I'd of May, with moon
in apogee and new on the 1st. On and
next to these dates look for general
storm conditions to pass castwardly
over the country. All should under,
stand when we use the word storm
we do not always mean to convey the
idea that danger is to be apprehended.
An ordinary rain, with higher tempe
rature and moderate depression OF the
barometer, meteorologically speaking,
we call storm" a very warm
wave is apt to attend the disturbances
the two or three first days of May,
ending in some rapid storms. Much
cooler nights will follow the aistur-
bances, being attended by possible
frosts in macy parts between the 80
and 9Th.
A Mercury equinox is central ON
the 7th, the same day as the regular
Vulcan storm period. There will be
marked tendency to cloudy, unsettled
weather much of tie time of Mercury's
period, which runs from the Sd to 18th,
but the time of grea test and heaviest
storm probabilities will be about Fri.
day, the 7th, to Tuesday, the 18th. II
the temperature is high, air sultry,
winds easterly to southerly and baro-
meter low and falling, dangerous
storms should not surprise any section
At the same time, the disturbances
may be harmless and gentle. Ample
time and unmistakable indications
will be given those who watch, if tor
dadic and dangerous storms are brew.
ing. We again remind the public OF
the fact that storms about this time OF
the year are much inclined to repeat
themselves in cycles, or intervals, of
about IL and "a hours for several days
in succession, the hours in which the
two periods eliminate gradually ap-
preaching each other until the two
cycles come together and the general
disturbance breaks up in great and
and violent storm. Very cool nights
and some heavy frosts to the north
will follow with the high barometer
that succeeds these disturbances.
About the 18th begins reactionary
period of change and storm that will
more than likely continue over the
full moon on the 10th, and into the
Vulcan period central on the 18th.
There are several reasons to believe
that storms of much violence may ap-
pe ar between the 14th and 21st. The
moon is at perigee on the 18th, and
at extreme South declination on the
18th, all of which are favorable to a
marked degree for great atmospheric
disturbances. This is also at the centre
of abnormal electrical and atmospheric
perturbations almost sure to result
from the opposition OF the planets,
Saturn and Uranus. 1t is also the
time of year when the central path of
the suns magnetic power, inits swing
from the equator Northward, lies in
an East and West direction through
the central parts of our continent.
We therefore admonish hepeople that
they should be watchful and cautious
at the approach of all threatening
storm clouds through all the central
parts of May. Do not worry or suffer
alarm, however-no danger may re-
suit, but if it should 60 quietly to your
cellar or other safe refuge.
At such times as this perfectly reli-
able barometer is OF incalculable value.
Storm clouds may be appalling in ap-
pearance and at the same time be per
fectly harmless. If the barometer
does not fall decidedly there may be
heavy rain and thunder, but danger
Gus wind or tornado storms will not
result. In Northerly sections it will
be prudent to anticipate frosts during
nights following the passage of storm
areas. Earthquake shocks need not
surprise Or alarm any one, especially
in this country, during this month.
On and about the oath and 25th, re.
dictionary storm conditions will ap-
pear with rain and bluster in many
sections. The month goes out in a re.
gular storm period with the moon at
Fnew" on the 31st, being the second
new moon in May. A very warm
wave will be in progress with storms
moving from Western extremes as the
month goes out. But for the opposi.
tons of Saturn and Uranus in May,
we should expect a month of placid
ness. Look for much fine weather
any way and push your belated agri-
cultural work.