Weather vanes, also called wind vanes, have been around for centuries. The first mentioned one in history sat atop the Roman Agora in Athens. The creations were usually made at the local blacksmith shop. The most popular figures at that time were animals such as roosters, moose, pigs, dogs, eagles, cats, and objects like airplanes, spears, arrows, compass points, or horses pulling a carriage.
Weather vanes for sale now offer more updated options. Besides the traditional vane choices, you can get ones that are topped by Mickey Mouse, dragons, schooners, sailboats, witches on broomsticks, moons, and specific animals like a particular dog breed or type of bird.
Weather vanes used to be crafted of cast iron but models today are typically made of cast aluminum, often recycled aluminum. Aluminum is more environmentally friendly and won’t rust, making it ideal for this outdoor ornament. Wrought iron and copper are other popular choice for weather vanes.
No matter what the design, a true weather vane is created so both sides of the figure on either side of the axis weigh exactly the same. When the wind blows, the side with the larger surface faces away from the wind and the smaller surface area side, which typically has an indicator, points in the direction that the wind is blowing. Authentic vanes also have directional markers below the pointer.
Weather vanes are making a comeback although more for the fashion statement they make than for their ability to indicate wind direction. The current vanes that are made for decorative purposes usually don’t have a balanced weight and don’t indicate true wind direction.
Functioning weather vanes need to be placed in a prime location. You shouldn’t just plop them on top of any building. Ideally they need to be at a height of ten meters and away from other buildings, trees, or other objects that can affect wind movement. Air flow measurements will tell wind direction as well as velocity. Some weather vanes have the ability to be connected to a remote reading station which can be kept inside your cottage. You no longer have to look up at the vane to know wind direction. Some even come with an anemometer, a device that measures wind speed. A very general guideline is that if the winds are coming from the north, it’s going to get colder; a southerly wind coming your way means warmer temperatures.
One of the world’s largest weather vanes, which are often misspelled ‘weather vains’, is located in Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory. The vane is a DC-3 CF-CPY which flew for decades for the U.S. Air Force, as a bush plane, and with Canadian Pacific Airlines. Now it sits outside the Yukon Transportation Museum beside the Whitehorse International Airport. The beauty swivels and points into the wind whenever a 5 km per hour breeze comes up.
Depending on what figure you choose, an ornamental weather vane can add a sophisticated or whimsical touch to your home; fanciful ones are even popping up in gardens. Consider picking up a functioning vane so you’ll always be on top of the weather.
Toby Welch - Toby is a full-time freelance writer who specializes in magazine articles, online writing, e-books, and manuscript editing.
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