From The Principal Winds & Currents of the Globe
By Captain R. Jackson, R.N.
Published in 1904
English Channel
The prevailing winds are westerly, and gales from that direction are felt in all seasons, but from October to March, inclusive, they are most frequent and often last three or four days; during May, June and July, they are comparatively rare. When S.E. winds are accompanied by rain and a falling barometer, they almost always become gales, during which the changes of wind depend upon the centre of the storm passing north or south of the place; the wind veering if the centre passes to the northward, and backing if it passes to the southward. It is dangerous to be on the French side of the Channel at such times.
Gales from North to N.E. also occur, but they do not usually last so long, nor does the wind shift as with those from the westward. During their continuance the land is generally covered with a white fog, resembling smoke; this is also the case with all easterly winds, which are sometimes of long duration. Easterly winds prevail more in February, March, April and part of May, than in the rest of the year.
Moderate winds from N.W. to N.E. bring fine weather. In summer, regular land and sea breezes frequently become established in fine settled weather; at night it is calm with heavy dews. When there is little or no dew it is a sign of a change of weather.
Calms are of rare occurrence and do not last long; in winter they are generally precursors of bad weather. The most certain indications of bad weather are swell in the offing and surf on the coast during a calm.
Fogs are frequent in all parts of the Channel, but in summer they only hide the land in the morning until the sun acquires strength. Mirage is considered an indication of fine weather when it only tends to enlarge the apparent size of the objects, but when it distorts them and renders them difficult of recognition it is usually followed by rain or by strong easterly winds.
