WEATHER SIGNALS

are displayed at prominent places near lake and ocean ports, to warn mariners and other interested persons of the approach of storms. Various symbols have been used at different times, but attempts at international standardization have resulted in discarding all forms, except cones and flags for daylight signals and two and three lantern systems for use at night. Latterly naval and government radio stations are being used to broadcast storm warnings. Such weather signals are not to be confused with weather forecasts. The latter are made a day or two ahead, and are sometimes unreliable, while the former are usually reliable and are posted only when a storm is known to be moving toward the point at which the signals are displayed. The movement of storms was first systematically studied about 1850-60 and signals were posted in England in 1863. France and Germany soon followed. In the U.S. observations began in 1870 and the signal service was inaugurated in 1871. For complete description and interpretation of the signals refer to the International Weather Signal Code as published by the various governments.