Difference between revisions of "Predict the Weather Without a Forecast"
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| − | + | Long before technology was developed to predict the [[Make a Simple Weather Barometer|weather]], people relied on observation, patterns and folklore to avoid being caught off-guard by the elements. Once you practice these methods and become attuned to the sky, the air, and animal behaviors, it's possible to predict the weather quite reliably. | |
| − | [[Category:Meteorology]] | + | [[Category: Meteorology]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Observing the Sky=== | ===Observing the Sky=== | ||
| − | #Examine the clouds. The types of clouds in the sky, as well as the direction in which they're moving, can tell you a lot about upcoming weather. In general, clouds that are white and high indicate good weather, and clouds that are dark and low mean rain or storms are on the way. <ref>http://pvs.kcc.hawaii.edu/ike/hookele/weather_forecasting.html</ref> | + | #Examine the clouds. The types of clouds in the sky, as well as the direction in which they're moving, can tell you a lot about upcoming weather. In general, clouds that are white and high indicate good weather, and clouds that are dark and low mean rain or storms are on the way. <ref name="rf16570">http://pvs.kcc.hawaii.edu/ike/hookele/weather_forecasting.html</ref> |
#*The presence of cumulonimbus clouds early in the day, with more developing throughout the day can mean there's a greater chance of severe weather occurring soon. | #*The presence of cumulonimbus clouds early in the day, with more developing throughout the day can mean there's a greater chance of severe weather occurring soon. | ||
#*Mammatus clouds (formed by sinking air) can form with both severe and non-severe thunderstorms. | #*Mammatus clouds (formed by sinking air) can form with both severe and non-severe thunderstorms. | ||
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#*If you see a red sky during sunset (when you're looking to the west), there is a high pressure system with dry air that is stirring dust particles in the air, causing the sky to look red. Since prevailing front movements and jet streams weather usually move from west to east, the dry air is heading towards you. | #*If you see a red sky during sunset (when you're looking to the west), there is a high pressure system with dry air that is stirring dust particles in the air, causing the sky to look red. Since prevailing front movements and jet streams weather usually move from west to east, the dry air is heading towards you. | ||
#*A red sky in the morning (in the East, where the sun rises) means that the dry air has already moved past you, and what follows behind it (on its way towards you) is a low pressure system that carries moisture. | #*A red sky in the morning (in the East, where the sun rises) means that the dry air has already moved past you, and what follows behind it (on its way towards you) is a low pressure system that carries moisture. | ||
| − | #Look for a rainbow in the west. This is the result of the rising sun's morning rays from the east striking moisture in the west. Most major storm fronts in the Northern Hemisphere travel west to east, and a rainbow in the west means moisture, which can mean rain is on its way. On the other hand, a rainbow in the east around sunset means that the rain is on its way out and you can look forward to sunny days. Remember: ''Rainbow in the morning, need for a warning.''<ref>http://www.almanac.com/content/weather-predicting-do-it-yourself</ref> | + | #Look for a rainbow in the west. This is the result of the rising sun's morning rays from the east striking moisture in the west. Most major storm fronts in the Northern Hemisphere travel west to east, and a rainbow in the west means moisture, which can mean rain is on its way. On the other hand, a rainbow in the east around sunset means that the rain is on its way out and you can look forward to sunny days. Remember: ''Rainbow in the morning, need for a warning.''<ref name="rf16571">http://www.almanac.com/content/weather-predicting-do-it-yourself</ref> |
#Gaze at the moon. If it is reddish or pale, dust is in the air. But if the moon is bright and sharply focused, it's probably because low pressure has cleared out the dust, and low pressure means rain. | #Gaze at the moon. If it is reddish or pale, dust is in the air. But if the moon is bright and sharply focused, it's probably because low pressure has cleared out the dust, and low pressure means rain. | ||
#*A ring around the moon (caused by light shining through cirrostratus clouds associated with warm fronts and moisture) can indicate that rain will probably fall within the next three days. | #*A ring around the moon (caused by light shining through cirrostratus clouds associated with warm fronts and moisture) can indicate that rain will probably fall within the next three days. | ||
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#Take a deep [[Breathe|breath]]. Close your eyes and smell the air. Plants release their waste in a low pressure atmosphere, generating a smell like compost and indicating an upcoming rain. | #Take a deep [[Breathe|breath]]. Close your eyes and smell the air. Plants release their waste in a low pressure atmosphere, generating a smell like compost and indicating an upcoming rain. | ||
#*Swamps will release gasses just before a storm because of the lower pressure, which leads to unpleasant smells. | #*Swamps will release gasses just before a storm because of the lower pressure, which leads to unpleasant smells. | ||
| − | #*A proverb says ''Flowers smell best just before a rain.'' Scents are stronger in moist air, associated with rainy weather.<ref | + | #*A proverb says ''Flowers smell best just before a rain.'' Scents are stronger in moist air, associated with rainy weather.<ref name="rf16571" /> |
#Check for humidity. Many people can feel humidity, especially in their hair (it curls up and gets frizzy). You can also look at the leaves of oak or maple trees. These leaves tend to curl in high humidity, which tends to precede a heavy rain. | #Check for humidity. Many people can feel humidity, especially in their hair (it curls up and gets frizzy). You can also look at the leaves of oak or maple trees. These leaves tend to curl in high humidity, which tends to precede a heavy rain. | ||
#*Pine cone scales remain closed if the humidity is high, but open in dry air. | #*Pine cone scales remain closed if the humidity is high, but open in dry air. | ||
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#*Pay attention to the unique flora and fauna in your region. Start noticing patterns that lead you to understand the weather patterns better. | #*Pay attention to the unique flora and fauna in your region. Start noticing patterns that lead you to understand the weather patterns better. | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
