The word “bellwether” is most commonly used in contexts talking about trends — the bellwether is the indicator of what’s to come. A certain musical act might be a bellwether if tons of other artists try to recreate their style. Higher ocean temperatures are considered a bellwether for a strong storm season. While the pronunciation of “wether” and “weather” is the same, they don’t share a root. In Middle English, a belleweder was a ram with a bell around his neck that would lead the other sheep in the flock.