Anyone who spends time outdoors knows how quickly the weather can change. A clear, sunny day can turn rainy and stormy in a just matter of minutes. When outdoors, these weather changes can hamper your plans or even put your life in danger. For example, afternoon thunderstorms are common in higher elevations where you could get struck by lightning. Moreover, you might be in a place where you cannot access a smartphone or GPS to get a weather update. It is a good idea to be able to notice changes in the weather without technology for your own safety.
Here are three ways to spot changes in the weather:
Observe the Sky
Paying attention to the sky and noticing it at regular intervals throughout your trip can clue you in to weather changes. Generally speaking you can get a good idea of changes by observing certain types of clouds. Those that are high in the sky and white are signals of good weather, and those clouds that are low and dark could mean that rain and/or thunderstorms are coming. In certain locations and seasons of the year, afternoon storms are a regular occurrence. These are indicated by cumulonimbus clouds in the early part of the day. There are also a wide variety of other clouds that can indicate specific weather.
Besides clouds, there are also other things to watch for when observing the sky. The old phrase, “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in morning, sailor’s warning,” has some truth to it. A red sky at sunset usually indicates high pressure is coming along with clear or partly cloudy skies and dry air. A red sky at sunrise typically indicates that a low pressure system is moving in along with the possibility of rain. Another way to look for changes in the weather is to examine the moon. There is another wise phrase, “circle around the moon, rain or snow soon.” A ring around the moon can signal that rain is headed your way (within the next three days), but if the moon is a reddish color or pale, that is a signal for clearer skies.
Determine the Direction of the Wind
Determining the direction of the wind can go a long way in helping you spot changes in the weather. Winds that blow from the east are typically indicators of a storm front moving in. On the other hand, winds that are blowing from the west indicate good weather. If the wind suddenly picks up, that is a concrete sign of a change in air pressure. That usually means a storm front is coming your direction, and it is time to seek shelter. You can determine the direction the wind is blowing by throwing small grasses into the air or by building a fire and watching the direction of the smoke.
Watch the Behavior of Birds or Other Animals
Another clue to watch out for is animal behavior. Animals appear to be more in tune with Mother Nature than modern humans and can give us signs of bad weather. Noticing the behavior of birds, in particular, can be helpful because they fly high in the sky in good weather but fly lower when a storm is approaching. It can also be effective to listen for the presence or absence of animal noises. A sudden absence of animal or insect sounds might mean that these creatures are seeking shelter and you should too.
As a rule, check the weather forecast before heading out and be willing to modify your plans if severe weather is coming your way.
