Sunny. Birthstone listing included

Good morning Augusta.

This morning it is clear. High of 37F. Winds less than 5 mph.

Tonight it will be partly cloudy. Fog overnight. Low of 21F. Winds less than 5 mph.

The readings from my own weather instruments are:

The humidity is 79% with a dew point of 21.7ºF and a wind chill of 27.4ºF.

The temperature is 27.4ºF.

Presently we have   West Southwest winds between 3.4 MPH and 5.4 MPH.

Our Barometric pressure is 30.12/HPA 1020.3 and falling with a weather graphic indicating snow.

The UV rating is 0 out of 16, sunset will be at 4:17 PM with Moon Rise  at 3:42 a.m. and the moon phase is waning crescent.

For the pilots out there: Raw METAR is –

METAR KAUG 081253Z AUTO 21005KT 10SM CLR M04/M07 A3021 RMK AO2 SLP235 T10391072

Visibility is 10.0 miles/16.1 Kilometers with a a good clear ceiling.

We have had a slight dusting of snow over the past 24 hours.

Birthstone lore

Did you know that in addition to looking sparkly and elegant in a ring, necklace, or earrings, your birthstone actually has a history? And in some cases, birthstones are thought to be imbued with specific healing and protective qualities!

While some sources such as 1st Century Roman-Jewish historian Josephus tell us birthstones originated on the breastplate of Aaron, with each representing the 12 months of the year and accruing 12 signs of the zodiac, others say the breastplate's stones signified each of the 12 tribes of Israel. Eighth and 9th Century religious treaties were written associating particular stones with apostles. And while more modern accounts, including folklore, do not identify the breastplate or religious connections, some claim wearing one during its assigned month enhances its therapeutic properties.

Throughout history, accepted birthstones rotated in and out, with style and availability sometimes determining which stones would reign. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers standardized the list, which was updated in 1952 by the Jewelry Industry Council of America. Among the changes were the addition of alexandrite to the month of June, citrine to November, pink tourmaline for October (pink was key), replacing alternate lapis with zircon in December, and switching around March's primary and alternate gemstones of aquamarine and bloodstone. In 2002, tanzanite was added as a December stone.

What can your birthstone do for you?

January: The garnet is said to aid blood, heart, and lungs, and to promote love, passion, sensuality, and intimacy.

February: An amethyst reportedly aids in reduction of insomnia, arthritis, circulatory and pain issues. It is thought to promote peace, balance, courage, and inner strength.

March: Known to release fear, calm nerves, and foster mental clarity, aquamarine (in Latin, "aqua" means water and "marine" means sea) is said to protect sailors and other ocean voyagers. It is also said to aid the liver, throat, stomach, jaw, teeth, eyes, and ears. March's alternate birthstone, the bloodstone, appropriately claims to have healing powers for blood disorders.

April: Those lucky enough to be born in the realm of the coveted diamond have many advantages. Called "adamus" by the ancient Greeks, which means invincible and indestructible, this gemstone symbolizes purity, perfection, and also authority. It is said to protect its owner from negative influences.

May: Associated with Venus, Greek goddess of love and beauty, the emerald is said to protect lovers from infidelity. Enhanced memory, eyesight, and intelligence are also byproducts of this gemstone, as is its ability to cure inflammation of the eyes.

June: The pearl, identified for its calming properties, is said to promote purity, charity, integrity, truth, and loyalty in its bearer.

July: Integrity, devotion, and happiness are qualities associated with the ruby, which is also purported to aid the emotions.

August: With abundance and prosperity hallmarks of the peridot, this gemstone is said to heal relationship stress, lesson anger and jealousy, and slow the aging process.

September: Credited as the gemstone of creative expression, inner peace, and meditation, the sapphire is said to encourage pain relief and encourage personal expression.

October: Pink tourmaline is associated with the heart chakra in Hinduism and Buddhism, signifying unconditional love and compassion. It is said to release tension and improve hand-eye coordination, assuage dyslexia, as well as promote overall flexibility, happiness, objectivity, compassion, serenity, and tolerance.

November: Considered among the most powerful of gemstones, the topaz signifies emotional balance and gives protection from greed. November's alternate, citrine, promotes increased hearing and fosters success, clarity of thought, and abundance.

December: Known as a healing and balancing stone, turquoise's lore and traditions go back thousands of years. The Aztecs believed it was sacred and made masks and other adornments for ceremonial purposes. Many spiritual and supernatural beliefs have followed this stone.

By: Beth Herman who is a freelance writer and frequent Farmers' Almanac contributor