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Weather affects almost everything we do, from what we wear to how we spend our time outdoors. Usually, we rely on apps or news reports to see what’s coming.
But sometimes, those tools aren’t available, or you might want to rely on your own observations. Knowing how to read the sky, plants, and other natural signs can help you decide when to plant, when to protect crops, or when to plan activities.
Here are 15 hands-on ways to forecast the weather yourself.
1. Cloud Observation
This might seem obvious, but it’s the quickest way to predict the weather. Watch cloud shapes, movement, and type.
- Cirrus clouds: Fair weather, but a storm might be approaching in a day or two.
- Cumulonimbus clouds: Thunderstorms are likely.
- Low, gray stratus clouds: Persistent rain or drizzle.
2. Wind Direction
Use a windsock, flag, or observe tree movement to determine the direction of the wind.
- What It Tells You:
- Winds from the west: Fair weather.
- Winds from the east: Storms or wet weather approaching.
3. Temperature Drop
Monitor the temperature, especially in the evening. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can still feel the change.
- What It Tells You: A sudden temperature drop could indicate an incoming cold front or storm.
4. Humidity Levels
Observe how damp the air feels or use natural indicators like hair frizzing.
- What It Tells You: High humidity often precedes rain or storms.
5. Animal Behavior
Watch for changes in how animals behave. They have very sensitive senses and can feel bad weather, earthquakes and tornadoes before humans.
- What It Tells You:
- Birds flying low: Falling air pressure which means bad weather.
- Frogs croaking loudly: Rain may be coming.
6. Insect Activity
Observe ants, flies, or bees. Like animals, they have sixth senses that give them a heads up to get to safety before bad weather rolls in.
- What It Tells You:
- Ants building higher mounds: Heavy rain might be on the way.
- Mosquitoes or flies more active: Increased humidity, potential rain.
7. Dew or Lack of It
Check for dew on grass in the morning.
- What It Tells You:
- Dew present: Likely fair weather.
- No dew: Clouds or rain may be forming.
8. Halo Around the Moon or Sun
Look for a glowing ring around the moon or sun.
- What It Tells You: Indicates moisture in the upper atmosphere, often preceding rain.
9. Smells in the Air
Notice if scents are stronger than usual. You probably know an older person that has stepped outside and turned their noses to the air and said something like ‘weather is coming.’ They’re right.
- What It Tells You: Rain intensifies odors as moisture releases them from the ground and plants.
10. Red Sky Rule
Observe the color of the sky at sunrise and sunset.
- What It Tells You:
- “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight”: Fair weather.
- “Red sky in the morning, sailor’s warning”: Storms likely.
11. Smoke from Fires
Watch the direction and movement of smoke rising from your campfire.
- What It Tells You:
- Smoke rising steadily: Stable weather.
- Smoke swirling or falling: Low pressure, possibly rain.
12. Rainbows
Observe the location of a rainbow.
- What It Tells You:
- Morning rainbow: Rain approaching.
- Evening rainbow: Clearing skies.
13. Pressure Changes
Feel ear pressure or use a homemade barometer made from a sealed jar, water, and a straw.
- What It Tells You:
- Falling pressure: Storms or wet weather.
- Rising pressure: Fair weather.
14. Plant Behavior
Look at how plants react to changes in moisture or light.
- What It Tells You:
- Pinecones close up: Humidity increasing, rain likely.
- Flowers opening wide: Sunny weather ahead.
15. Sound Clarity
Listen to how far sounds carry. This can be you shouting or banging a spoon against a pot.
- What It Tells You:
- Sounds traveling farther than usual: Rain may be approaching due to denser, humid air.
