Do-It-Yourself Weather Forecasting(please note: these are merely general indicators and should not be relied upon instead of normal forecasts)
Deteriorating Weather Indicators:
* Clouds lowering and thickening, ceiling lowers * Puffy clouds begin to develop vertically and darken * Sky is dark and threatening to the West * Clouds increasing in numbers, moving rapidly across the sky * Clouds at different heights moving in different directions * Clouds moving from East or Northeast towards the South * Heavy rain occurring at night * Barometer falling steadily or rapidly * Smoke from chimneys lowers * Static on AM radio * Wind shifting North to East and possibly through East to South * There is a ring (halo) around the moon * If on land, leaves that grow according to prevailing winds turn over and show their backs * Strong wind and/or a red sky in the morning * Temperature far above or below normal for the time of year
Impending Strong Winds Weather Indicators:
* Light, scattered clouds alone in a clear sky * Sharp, clearly defined edges to clouds * Yellow sunset * Unusually bright stars * Major changes in the temperature
Impending Precipitation Weather Indicators:
* Distant objects seem to stand above the horizon * Sounds are very clear and can be heard for great distances * Transparent veil-like cirrus clouds thicken, ceiling lowers * Hazy and sticky air. Rain may occur in 18-36 hours * Halo around the sun or moon * Increasing South wind with clouds moving from the West * Wind (especially North wind) shifting to West and then South * Steadily falling barometer * Pale sunset * Red sky to the East at dawn * No dew after a hot day
Clearing Weather Indicators:
* Cloud bases rise * Smoke from chimneys rise * Wind shifts to West, especially from East through South * Barometer rises quickly * A cold front has passed in the past 4 to 7 hours * Gray early morning sky shows signs of clearing * Morning fog or dew * Rain stopping and clouds breaking away at sunset
Continuing Fair Weather Indicators:
* Early morning fog that clears * Gentle wind from the West or Northwest * Barometer steady or rising slightly * Red sky to West with clear sky to the East at sunset * Bright moon and light breeze at night * Heavy dew or frost * Clear blue morning sky to West * Clouds dot the afternoon summer sky |