Reading Weather

The benefits of learning to read the weather can go a long way to keeping you out of the snow, sleet, rain or otherwise, and luckily for survivors, it's easier than they might think. No matter the day - natural disaster, zombie outbreak or otherwise - no one likes getting caught in a storm, burst of rain, snowfall or other uproar of sudden weather.

From darkening skies to misting rain and everything else in between, many factors go into reading the weather. If you're looking to avoid getting caught in whatever might be coming your way... well you'd better read on.

Consider the Clouds:
Generally speaking, the darker, lower, and denser the cloud formation, the more likely it is that a storm is on the way or has just finished up. The higher, lighter, and less dense a cloud formation is, the less likely is is that a storm is on the way.

Altocumulus. These patchy ripples look almost like the scales on a mackerel. Altocumulus form after a recent storm, but can also mean that there's a bit of rain on the way. If present with Cirrus clouds, rain is sure to follow.

Cirrostratus. These clouds are formed by ice particles and create the appearance of a halo floating around the sun. Cirrus clouds that darken and turn into Cirrostratus clouds, are usually a sign of rain, snow or hail, depending on the ambient temperatures.

Cirrus. High, thin, trailing wisps of clouds that streak across the sky, cirrus are most often a sign of bad weather headed into the area over the next 24-36 hours.

Cumulus. These are the classic puffy cloud that we've all stared up at, imaging them to look like everything from ice-cream cones to automobiles and even the undead. When widespread across the sky these clouds are a sign of fair weather, but as they grow more densely packed and taller these often signal hail, thunder, lightning, and strong winds on the way.

Nimbostratus. Thick low-lying blankets, of this dense and dark cloud formation mean long-runs of immediate rain or snow, lasting for up to hours at a time.

Stratus. This low-lying fluffy fog-like layer of clouds can send a light drizzle down, though it's usually nothing to worry about. Typically speaking, if present in the morning hours, these clouds will burn off for a sunny day ahead.

Cloud cover on a winter night are actually a sign of warmer weather the following day, because they prevent heat from radiating outward like it would on a clear night.

See The Sky: Red skies, rainbows, and rings around the moon can have a lot to say about the coming weather.

Red Skies. Signs of a red sky during sunset (looking to the west), signals that warm dry air is most likely headed towards you, which signals in a nice day. Red skies in the morning (looking eastward) means that a low pressure system is on the way and that you'll need to keep an eye on the sky.Remember: Red Sky at night, sailor's delight; Red sky at morning, sailors take warning.

Rainbows. While they might be nice to look at and hold dreams of leprechaun gold, they don't only appear after a rainfall, sometimes they are a signal of what is yet to come. Rainbows, forming to the west means that rain is likely on the way, but forming early and to the east likely means a sunny day.

Rings Around the Moon. A bright, sharply focused moon with a glowing ring around it means that a little rain or snow is on the way, depending on the ambient temperature. A ring around the moon, means rain or snow is coming soon.

Watch the Wind: While the wind can offer some obvious indicators high up (cloud movement), it's good to get a ground-level look at things.

Detect Direction. Wetting a finger and holding it to the air isn't as reliable as many of us have been led to think. Instead take some small pieces of grass, a fistful of dust, of other lightweight particulates and sprinkle them into the air. Pay close attention to the direction they head and you've got a reading on the wind.

You may think that wind is wind, what does it matter which way it flows? Well, winds blowing in from the east often indicate a coming storm, while western winds often mean good weather on the way. The stronger the winds, the more likely that it's pushing a storm front your way.

Detect Drops. Identifying low pressure systems (those that bring rain and snow) is as simple as lighting a small fire and watching the way the smoke moves. Smoke that rises straight and steady indicates good weather, while smoke that swirls and is pushed back towards the ground means a bit of nasty weather is on the way.

Breath Deep. Those of us with working noses all know what a fresh rain smells like, but do you know why and how to predict it BEFORE it happens?

Scents are stronger and last longer in cool moist air, like that of an oncoming rain. Close your eyes and breathe deep. Plants release their waste products just before a rain, adding a little compost scent to the air. In swampy areas and wetlands, swamp gasses will rise and escape into the air, adding an unpleasant decay smell to the air.

Handle Humidity. Look for physical signs that humidity is on the rise, which is also a sign of heavy rains on the way. Frizzy hair, closed pine cones, curling leaves, and swelling wood are all signs of humidity on the rise.

Observe the Birds: Unlike human-beings, birds are tuned to changes in the weather. Watching wildlife can reveal key components to detecting what comes next.

Altitude and Attitude. Birds are extremely sensitive to changes in air pressure, flying high during fair weather, dropping closer to earth as storms approach, and resting entirely when a storm is imminent. Despite being one of the more social creatures on the planet, birds often go silent right before a rain.

These methods are not an exact science, and many places have unique weather patterns that lie just outside of the ordinary for the area. Take note of weather trends wherever you are, pay attention to all the signs, and never throw caution to the wind.