How to Predict The Weather

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Long ago, before weather forecasts existed, sailors and shepherds relied on clues from the sky and nature to predict oncoming storms or mild weather. By observing the clouds, sun, moon, plants and animals, they learned to detect and understand atmospheric pressure changes that affected weather patterns. In this modern age, we’ve come to rely on television and radio forecasts, and meteorologists with sophisticated equipment for up-to-date weather information. We’ve forgotten the simple methods our ancestors used to assess weather stability, some of which are still relied upon by farmers, sailors, campers, and outdoors people alike.

Understand clouds to understand weather

To accurately perdict weather, it is important to know the different typs of clouds and why they are the shape, size, colour, or altitude that they are. Below is a small list of common cloud types and what their formations mean.

Cumulus clouds are low in the sky, big, white and puffy, like cotton balls. They are usually associated with pleasant weather, but if they are very tall it can mean precipitation. If they are large and bundled together, and temperatures are very warm, this could mean heavy precipitation. Cumulus towers indicate a chance of showers later in the day.

Stratus clouds cover the sky like a blanket. They are flat, low, and are generally dark grey to nearly white. They typically indicate rain, drizzle, fog or mist. However, if they lift quickly in the morning, it usually means a fine day is forthcoming.

Cirrus clouds form very high in the sky. They are thin, wispy, curly or feathery, and generally occur in mild weather. However, they are often said to precede bad weather, especially if they look like long streamers.

Nimbus clouds are puffy, dark, low and are indicators of precipitation. They tend to fill up the sky, but not necessarily cover it like a blanket.

Cirrocumulus clouds are what is known as “Mackerel Sky”. This funny name comes from the clouds’ fish scale-like appearance. This type of cloud usually indicates moisture in the air, and in winter it precedes snowfall.

Cumulonimbus describes the towering storm cloud with an anvil-shaped top. These clouds bring rain, sleet, hail, thunder and lightning storms, and tornadoes.