How To Predict The Weather Without A Forecast

Before going outside, you know to check the weather forecast. You are also aware that predictions can only go so far and are often not correct. It's clearly useless if you forget to check the forecast or are unable to do so. 

Maybe you're on a long wilderness trek with no connectivity to the internet. Maybe the prediction you examined has been incorrect for several days in a row, and you want a different method of determining what will happen next. How can you predict when a storm is approaching or what the weather will be like the next day? Weather forecasting is a difficult subject to master, and it's even more difficult without expensive tools or computer models, but there are a few tips to interpreting the weather on the road. There are entire guidebooks on the subject, so if you want to become an expert, you should study them or attend some seminars, but the following suggestion is an excellent place to start.

The force imposed by the weight of air above you, known as atmospheric pressure (sometimes termed barometric pressure), is one of the most dependable indicators for detecting impending weather changes. Although all areas have a standard air pressure based on elevation, the actual pressure fluctuates widely depending on the weather. High atmospheric pressure indicates that air is weighing down more than usual, suggesting that the weather is stable. Low pressure indicates that air is rising and is usually indicative of an imminent storm.

The presence of high air pressure implies that the weather is steady and that you are most likely in the clear. Low air pressure, on the other hand, signifies the impending arrival of a storm.

Although you cannot feel variations in pressure, there are techniques to monitor or detect them using proxies in the surroundings. A barometer is a device that measures air pressure precisely. An altimeter, which measures elevation, is powered by a barometer, which may also track pressure changes.

However, you most likely don't carry an altimeter with you, therefore, you'll have to rely on proxies to tell you how the atmosphere is doing. Smoke from a campfire is a traditional sign. Low pressure is indicated by smoke rising high in a straight column from the fire. You have high pressure if it stays low.

Good luck on your next hiking trip!

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