Predicting the Weather

[DOGMAN]

I have read in several posts about keeping a weather band radio as a survival tool. And, I agree knowing what type of weather that is moving in on you is valuable information. However, batteries can run-out, radioes can break, etc... But, that information is still just as important to have.

There are lots of ways to identify clouds and other weather patterns developing, and I was wondering if there are any of you that would be willing to share what you know about "predicting the weather".

[Mountaintrekker]

For me, I have to be in the area for a bit to accurately predict. I live in the high mountains as many of you do and we all know the weather can do strange and unpredictable things. Mountains tend to create their own micro climate and weather will actually develop and not "move in" per say. I find carrying something with a barometer built in "analog or digital" really works. You just have to take readings several times a day and see if there is a trend going up "good weather" or down "something is happening".
Just my.02

[wildWoman]

The vapour trails that jet planes leave is a good indicator - if they disappear right aways, high pressure system; if they spread and grow, low pressure system.
When out on big lakes in a small boat, it is prudent to keep checking what the water looks like as far ahead as you can see. If it starts looking a very dark blue, there's a strong wind whipping up waves and it's a good idea to head closer to shore.

[trax]

A good long term predictor in the fall is how rats and beavers build their houses. If they build higher, you're guaranteed more snow.

If geese and ducks start flocking earlier than usual, cold is coming earlier.

A halo around a full moon means the weather's going to warm up.

If things start to look kind of blurry at a distance, your barometric pressure is on the rise (or you shouldn't have tried those interesting looking mushrooms)

Sun dogs of course mean, yes it can get colder than it already is, just when you thought it couldn't possibly.

[Rick]

Ask the weather man?

Here's a thread on predicting the weather:

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...icting+weather

[trax]

Dang, I'm repeating myself. But Rick, ask the weather man? I think folks around here might wind up in a lot of situations where the weather man isn't available to ask.

Dang, I'm repeating myself. But Rick, ask the....whoops never mind.

[Rick]

My advice would be to check what time the weather is actually on. Many news casts begin at 6:00 but the weather doesn't actually come on until 6:18. So, perhaps the weather man IS available and folks are just tuning in at the wrong time.

[trax]

Yeah, when I'm out in camp I can always plug my tv into a currant bush.

[Rick]

There you go. See? You can think these problems through. Some might find that a shock or have some resistance to doing that but when you're on the backpacking circuit you sometimes have to switch gears. If you do, you just might get a charge out of it.

[ATough]

You should also keep an almanac, it isn't always spot on but can be pretty reliable and an idea on what to look for in the weather.

[Sourdough]

Look in a used book store for a "Commercial Pilot" training books, they should be cheap, and contain a lot of information on visually assessing the weather.

[trax]

Look in a used book store for a "Commercial Pilot" training books, they should be cheap, and contain a lot of information on visually assessing the weather.

....and usually in like new condition?

[Sourdough]

....and usually in like new condition?

Yes, only used once by a pilot who forgets all of the information after getting there "Commercial Ticket".

[Sourdough]

What do you "Really need to know" to be a pilot.....? Answer: Push stick forward, trees get bigger. Pull stick back trees get smaller.

[hermitman]

I try and check the dew on the grass dry at night and it will rain before the sunrise. No dew in the morning and it will rain before sunset.

[BraggSurvivor]

Rain before seven, sunshine by eleven.

Oh, and don't kill any spiders or it will be sure to rain.

[wareagle69]

i use the halo around the moon myself but i have proven that it means precipitation in the next 72 hours, my teacher says 24 but he just told me that last week so i'm waiting to prove that theory but for me 72 hours has always proved itself.

trax, have you used your idea, does it have to be a full moon? and is there any way to gage how warm it will get?

using wild womans idea works well also asa front comes in it brings heavy pressure so you will notice more moisutre in your nose may also smell dirty watch the plants they are effected also.

an old saying red sky at night sailors delight red sky in morning sailor take warning.
this i have proved also but be careful red sky is not red sun or moon but it is effective also

[Ole WV Coot]

Oldies I guess everybody has heard: birds sitting not flying, rain , leaves turning up on trees rain, red sky in am, rain, truck windows down-major rain, windows left open-blowing rain, dog wants in-rain, sky red in evening-nice next day, arthritis pain left hip-rain, sleet, snow, plague of locusts. Most accurate: walk outside in your undies-weather forecast immediate.

[Blood Groove]

You can have a campe fire and throw some damp leaves on it. If the smoke rises high into the air, then ther weather should be clear, but if the smoke stays low to the groud then it's supposed to rain.

[Rick]

Or you need to open the top on the tipi so it will draft.