No...I didn't get it wrong, this is the proverb listed by the publication of 'Weather Proverbs' originally published in 1883 (new version: ISBN # 0-89875-217-5) - "March comes in like a lamb and goes out like a lion."

However, the much more commonly accepted phrase is the reverse saying "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb."

BOTH are considered commonly accepted weather proverbs today.

The origin? It's believed that the relative positions of the constellations, Leo (the lion) at the beginning of the month and Aries (the ram [or lamb]) at the end of the month are the culprits!

BUT, many now associate the phrase to weather conditions during the month of March. If the weather is wild and volatile during the start of March, it's expected to be quiet towards the end (and vice versa).

Remember, most weather folklore are usually vague and are rarely consistently accurate. The reason for this is that many years ago, most weather observations (folklore) were made from farmers (rather than radar, satellite, and all the other advanced equipment we have now).

However, there is a hint of truth to this phrase: March can be a very volatile month (due to the collision of cool, winter temperatures and warm, spring temperatures). As a result, it's not uncommon to have a few rough (lion-like days) towards the end (or beginning) of the month.

Here is South Carolina, it seems that either statement is true...

Between 1990 and 2000, there were 13 reports of tornadoes across the state during the first 10 days of March, and 13 reports during the last 10 days of March.

However, one of the most singificant tornado outbreaks occurred on March 28, 1984. According to the South Carolina office of Climatology, "the second highest loss of life from tornadoes occurred when 11 tornadoes touched down along a narrow band that extended from Anderson County through Marlboro County. These tornadoes caused 15 deaths, 448 injuries, and damage of over $100 million. These tornadoes also caused several other storm related fatalities."

F.Y.I - the start of March 1984, was relatively quiet...

The first two days of the March 2008 were 'lamb-ish', but severe weather may 'roar' into the picture on the 4th, making the start of the month a bit closer to a 'lion'.

March is typically an active month. But hopefully this year, our weather won't be too 'baaaaaad'...