Barometers
If you’re lucky enough to have one, a barometer makes predicting weather
a heck of a lot easier. Decreasing air pressure usually indicates the approach
of a lowpressure system, which brings clouds and precipitation. Increas
ing air pressure, on the other hand, means that a high pressure system is
approaching, bringing with it fine weather.
Wind and Wind Patterns
To predict wind patterns, start by gaining an understanding of the prevail
ing winds for an area. You can then detect if a wind is coming from a dif
ferent direction. If this occurs, or if winds are beginning to swirl around
every which way, a change in weather may be coming.
Clouds
I still have a hard time naming all the different types of cloud patterns,
whether they be cumulonimbus or nimbostratus. I can, however, make a
pretty good guess as to what they foretell, and that’s largely based on a few
general characteristics:
The darker and lower the clouds, the more likely they are to carry precipitation.
The higher and finer the clouds, the better the weather will be (though it may
become windy).
A general increase in the density of clouds may indicate a change in the
weather. I’ve been in many situations where this was an indicator that a system
was developing.
The approach of a long bank of clouds on the horizon on an otherwise fair day
may also indicate that foul weather is on its way. Fireside Smoke
You can actually use the smoke from your fire to help make very rough
weather predictions. If the smoke rises steadily with little change, the
pleasant weather you’re currently enjoying should stay for a while. If you
see that the smoke begins to swirl after rising a little way, or if it seems to
be beaten down, a storm or shower may be on its way.
If you’re near a lake and notice that the smoke hangs low over the
water, rain may be approaching.
(^280) | Survive!