When the flame is blue, theres no change in view!
Since 1956, Milwaukeeans needed only to look toward the downtown skyline to get their weather forecast. Thats when the Wisconsin Gas Co. installed the flame-shaped, color-changing light atop their iconic Art Deco building on Wisconsin Avenue.
The flame isnt just decorative, its a weather report. The meaning of the colors isnt obvious, so a rhyme was created to help people remember:
When the flame is red, its warm weather ahead!
When the flame is gold, watch out for cold!
When the flame is blue, theres no change in view!
When theres a flickering flame, expect snow or rain!
Now this historic and simple weather forecast is on your iPhone!
The Milwaukee Gas Light app will give the forecast for your current location, so even if youre not downtown, you can still see flame.