Weather Wisdom

[GordMay]

Some GENERAL Weather Predictors:

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 stacks 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 West at dawn
* No dew after a hot day

Clearing Weather Indicators:
* Cloud bases rise
* Smoke from stacks 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 East with clear sky to the West 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

See also:

Weather Basics ~ How to Read Weather Maps
by Gord May, “Good Old Boat” magazine Issue 45, Nov/Dec 2005

Pg. 36 ➥ Weather Basics - How to read weather maps Cruisers & Sailing Photo Gallery

Pg. 37 ➥ Weather Basics - How to read weather maps Cruisers & Sailing Photo Gallery

Pg. 38 ➥ Weather Basics - Page 38 - Weather Cruisers & Sailing Photo Gallery

Pg. 39 ➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/gallery...r&imageuser=79

[Captain Bill]

Gord, It would appear to me that many of the predictors you mention are particularly applicable to the temperate zones, with respect to direction. Wouldn't they fail in the tropics where the prevailing winds have more easterly component?

[GordMay]

Yes, the directional indicaters are for Mid-Northern Latitudes; but most of the predictors are more universal.

[jackdale]

Low pressure systems, which are a primary source of bad weather, rotate counterclockwise in the northern latitudes and clockwise in the southern latitudes.