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How to Predict the Weather

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By eHow Contributing Writer
(65 Ratings)
Predict the Weather
Predict the Weather

Weather forecasting takes time and research. Here are just a few tips on scientific weather forecasting along with some interesting weather folklore.

From Quick Guide: Local Weather Guide
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Umbrellas
  • Weather Maps
  • Weather Radios
  • Emergency Food And Water
  • First Aid Kits
  • Barometers
  • Compasses
  • Pouch Rain Poncho
  • Snow Shovels
  • Thermometers For Outdoor Temperatures
  • Flashlights
  • Hand-cranked Or Solar Radios
  • Flashlights
  • Umbrellas
  1. Step 1

    Watch for a steadily falling barometer with winds from the east/northeast. This usually indicates the arrival of a storm from the south or southwest within 24 hours.

  2. Step 2

    Expect fair weather if the barometric pressure is steady and winds are coming from the southwest to northwest.

  3. Step 3

    Look for the presence of cirrocumulus clouds that are in patches or in widespread layers. This is usually a sign of an advancing, large, unstable weather system.

  4. Step 4

    Watch for the formation of cumulonimbus clouds early in the day. As they become more vigorous, the likelihood of severe weather increases.

  5. Step 5

    Expect nice weather if the sky is blue and cloudless.

  6. Step 6

    Expect nice weather the following day if the night sky is clear.

Tips & Warnings
  • Here are some unscientific ways that folks forecast the weather:
  • Expect fair weather if geese fly high in the sky.
  • Expect showers if clouds look like rocks and towers.
  • Prepare for a bad winter if it is warm in November.
  • Prepare for a cold winter if turkeys at Thanksgiving have thick feathers.
  • Prepare for a storm if you hear an owl hoot in the daytime.
  • Prepare for a storm if smoke coils downward and lingers.
  • If you live in an area where severe weather is possible, seek weather information from professional meteorologists.

Comments  

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natlog said

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on 10/14/2009 Pilot training manuals have quite a bit on predicting weather, and you don't need the most up-to-date edition for this. Try your library, used book stores, or pilot friends.

elvis1935 said

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on 3/27/2008 Lightning Detectors, Instead of buying one, many of you already have one. If you have a AM Radio this is a good lighting Detector. You can hear the static on you AM Radio. Louder it gets the closer the storm is. Just a Cheap thought.

elvis1935 said

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on 3/27/2008 You can't miss with this weather Rock. If the Rock is white, Snow. Wet, Rain, Dry, good weather. GONE,Tornado. 100%

CCrock said

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on 1/8/2008 Sailors - Red in the morning, sailors take warning, red at night, sailors delight!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Before a thunderstorm or rain storm animals (birds especially), get quiet. Before a thunderstorm cows will lie down.

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