^^

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