Long before the development of meteorology, people relied on observation, pattern analysis, and folk wisdom to avoid being taken by surprise by the elements. Once you have mastered these methods and are in tune with the sky, the air and the behavior of animals, you will be able to predict the weather with reasonable accuracy.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Observe the Sky
Step 1. Examine the clouds
The types of clouds in the sky, and the direction they are moving in, can give you a lot of clues about the future climate. In general, tall, white clouds bring good weather, and low, dark clouds mean that rains and storms are on the way.
- The presence of cumulonimbus clouds in the early hours of the day, with a continuous increase in the following hours, may indicate a high probability of showers in the future.
- Mammatocumulus clouds (formed by falling air) can form in both severe and less severe storms.
- Cirrus clouds, high in the sky like long strands, indicate the arrival of bad weather in 36 hours.
- The high mounds, similar to mackerel flakes, also indicate the arrival of bad weather in the next 36 hours.
- Cirrus and altocumulus clouds may appear in the same sky. In this case, the rain is certain the next day.
- The mound towers indicate the possibility of showers later in the day.
- Clouds form at low altitudes and are threatening clouds, indicating that rain is imminent.
- A cloudy sky in winter often brings a milder climate, because clouds prevent heat radiation that would drop the temperature on a clear night.
Step 2. Look for the red sky
Remember the saying: "Red in the evening, hopefully good weather; red in the morning, the rain is approaching." Look for signs of red in the sky (not a red sun); it's not a bright orange or red in most cases, but that depends on where you live.
- If you notice a red sky at sunset (when you look west), it means that a high pressure system carrying dry air is bringing dust particles into the sky, causing the red color. Since the movements of fronts and currents usually move from west to east, dry air is coming your way.
- A red sky in the morning (in the East, where the sun rises) means that the dry air has already passed you, and what follows is a low pressure system that brings moisture.
Step 3. Look for the rainbow to the west
This is the result of the sun's rays rising in the east hitting the humidity in the west. Most storm fronts in the Northern Hemisphere travel west to east, and a rainbow in the west means that there is moisture that side, and that rain is probably coming. Conversely, a rainbow in the east at sunset means that the rain is passing and sunny days will arrive. Remember: "Rainbow in the morning, bad weather is approaching".
Step 4. Observe the moon
If it is red or pale, there is dust in the air. If the moon is bright or very focused, the low pressure has probably cleared the dust, indicating a high probability of rain.
A ring around the moon (caused by the reflection of light through cirrostrata associated with warm fronts and humidity) may indicate the arrival of rain in the next three days
Method 2 of 4: Feel the Wind and the Air
Step 1. Find the wind direction
If you can't tell the direction of the wind right away, throw a few blades of grass into the air and watch its descent. Winds from the east may indicate the arrival of a storm front; westerly winds often bring good weather. Strong winds indicate a large pressure difference, a possible indication of advancing storm fronts.
Step 2. Light a bonfire
The smoke should rise continuously. If the smoke swirls and falls, it is an indication of the presence of low pressure, which brings rain.
Step 3. Check for morning dew
If the grass is dry, this indicates the presence of clouds or strong breezes, and consequently the arrival of rain. If you notice any dew, it probably won't rain that day. However, if it rained during the night, this method will not be reliable.
Step 4. Look at the leaves
Deciduous trees show the undersides of their leaves in the presence of unusual winds, probably because they grow in a way that keeps them in the right direction during the typical prevailing winds.
Step 5. Take a deep breath
Close your eyes and smell the air. Plants release waste in the presence of low pressure, generating a compost-like odor and indicating the arrival of rain.
- Swamps will release gas just before a storm due to the low pressure, generating an unpleasant odor.
- A proverb says "Flowers smell better before the rain." Perfumes are stronger when the air is humid.
Step 6. Look for signs of moisture
Many people can feel moisture, especially in their hair (it curls and becomes frizzy). You will also be able to observe oak leaves or maple trees. These leaves tend to curl when humidity is high, a condition that precedes rains.
- The flakes of the pine cones remain closed if the humidity is high, and open if the air is dry.
- In humid conditions, the wood swells (notice if doors close poorly) and the salt forms lumps.
Method 3 of 4: Observe Animal Behavior
Step 1. Take note of the birds
If they fly high in the sky, there will probably be good weather. The lowering of air pressure caused by an impending storm causes a nuisance in the birds' ears, which fly low to relieve it. A high number of birds resting on power lines indicate a reduction in air pressure.
- Seagulls have a tendency to stop flying and find shelter on the coast if a storm is coming.
- The birds become very quiet just before the rain arrives.
Step 2. Watch out for the cows
Typically they will lie down before a storm. They also have a tendency to congregate before bad weather arrives.
Step 3. Observe the anthills
Some people claim that ants build very steep-walled anthills just before the rain.
Step 4. Observe the turtles
It is said that they often try to reach a higher position when it will rain a lot. You may see them on the street a day or two before the rain.
Method 4 of 4: Create Your Prediction Methods
Step 1. Learn the basics of prediction
Each method of prediction is based on the same principles: low pressure brings rain, and the main climate systems move from west to east. To make a forecast of the weather, you just need to recognize the indications of a change in pressure in your area.
Even if the prevailing systems move from west to east, single storms in a particular region may not, due to local climatic phenomena
Step 2. Be careful
By making assumptions and substantiating your predictions, you can hone your weather forecasting skills more than an article can.
- Those who reside in an area for a long time and spend a lot of time outdoors, especially farmers, fishermen and the like, learn to observe trends that can give clues to long-term climate development and seasonal changes in their specific area. geographical area.
- Pay attention to the unique flora and fauna of your region. Begin to notice repeating patterns that can help you better predict the weather.
Advice
- You can use a barometer (or create one) to measure pressure changes. Keep a journal and see what happens when the pressure changes. Be careful and you may discover weather forecasting methods specific to your area.
- The information on which the forecasts suggested in this article are based (e.g. westerly winds bring good weather) applies primarily to the northern hemisphere. Check out what are the most common trends in your area.
- Remember the saying "Heaven in sheep, water in tubs".
Warnings
- Some types of atmospheric phenomena, such as tornadoes, are very difficult to predict. Be sure to listen to the weather forecast to find out how to save yourself in the event of a storm.
- Predicting the climate in this way is not an exact science. Don't risk the life or life of others with these experiments.
