Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

HARDEN, v. Sc. usage. Of weather: to clear up or become settled after rain (Cai. 1902 E.D.D.; I.Sc., Cai., Bnff., Abd., Ags., m.Lth., Arg. 1956). Gen. with up. Also found in Yks. dial. Cf. Hard, adj. 5.Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 74:
We've hid eneuch o' rain noo. A howp it'll harden up.Cai. c.1920:
If there would come a “north hardenin,” they would soon get the corn in. “Hardenin” means a drying and “north-hardenin” a drying with a cool north wind.

Hence phr. the hardening of the drouth, the continuance of dry weather.Cld. 1880 Jam.:
This term regarding the weather is used by country people when, during a time of drouth, a dull threatening day has become clear and settled, “It was jist a hardenin' o' the drouth.”