June 8, 2026, 1:43 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Long before weather models and satellite images existed, people relied on farmers’ sayings to predict upcoming weather. These traditional weather proverbs are based on observations of nature and still play a role today. But what do they actually say about the weather?
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“As the weather is on St. Medard’s Day, so it will remain for six weeks afterward”: This farmers’ saying refers to June 8 and is one of the so-called “Lostag” rules. It is based on the idea that the weather on certain calendar days can provide clues about the weather in the coming weeks. But how reliable is this prediction from today’s perspective? myHOMEBOOK asked Jörg Riemann from the Wettermanufaktur.
What’s Behind the Farmers’ Saying
The farmers’ saying about St. Medard’s Day suggests that the weather on this day should indicate the weather for the following weeks. Accordingly, a rainy and unstable weather pattern is expected to continue in the coming weeks, while sunny and dry weather suggests a more pleasant phase. The expert emphasizes: “It’s important not to focus on just one specific day. With farmers’ sayings, it’s usually a period around a certain day that’s meant.”
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Is the Farmers’ Saying About St. Medard’s Day True?
“This farmers’ saying is one of those that have been studied,” the expert explains. In two out of three cases, the saying proved true. “However, this farmers’ saying only holds if June is rather changeable and the sunshine duration is below average.” The expert also reports that this saying only holds in one direction. It does not apply in good weather with lots of sunshine. “As it stands now, it doesn’t hold true this year. It looks like there will be a weather change in the middle of the month,” the expert reveals.
How June Will Develop Further
Summer continues to be elusive in Germany. According to the weather expert’s assessment, the weather will remain changeable and mixed in the coming days, “though not consistently bad.” Alongside dry and pleasant periods, showers are possible. Starting Tuesday, the so-called “sheep cold” will also become noticeable. A sustainable improvement in the weather is currently only expected in the second half of the month.