Spring weather can be unpredictable. That’s why you need a backup for what the local forecasters are telling you. Plus, it’s just way cool to know stuff like this. (Admit it, you always wanted to be a TV weather girl!)
Watch how your coffee bubbles. If the bubbles group together in the middle of the cup after a pour, it’s going to be a sunny day. High air pressure, which is associated with nice weather, causes the coffee’s surface to become slightly concave. If the bubbles migrate to the outside of the cup, then low pressure is taking over. Note: This is one more reason (besides calories) not to order whipped cream.
Turn to the moon. When a storm system is approaching, the upper atmosphere contains ice crystals that refract light. This effect causes a ring to appear around the moon. If you see one, it means that precipitation will arrive within 48 hours.
Monitor your air space. In addition to jokes about their large tail feathers, birds are extremely sensitive to air pressure. As it drops—a sign that rain is coming—they’ll congregate on power lines or fly lower. Watch out!
Listen to crickets. These little guys are nature’s very own thermometer. The faster they chirp, the warmer it is, and vice versa. In fact, weather lore holds that if you count a cricket’s chirps for 14 seconds and then add 40, you’ll know the temperature in Fahrenheit.
Note the hue of the horizon. If the sky is unusually red at dawn, the light is being filtered through water molecules in the upper atmosphere. Pack your Wellies. Conversely, if the sky is red at sunset, there’s dry air to the west. It’s safe to wear the sandals.
Consult with the herd. When bad weather is approaching, cows will group together and/or lie down.
Sniff the air. If your backyard smells particularly earthy or your garden flowers unusually sweet, a storm is probably on the way. Low pressure causes plants (and some older relatives) to outgas.
Examine your hair. If it’s curlier or frizzier than normal, there’s additional humidity in the air, which usually means it’s going to rain.
Slam a few doors. High humidity also causes wood to expand, so if doors and windows are sticking, close them tight against the coming storm.
Check the wind direction. If it’s out of the west, you’re generally clear. But if it’s blowing from the east, something is brewing out there.
Call Grandpa and ask about his arthritis. As barometric pressure falls, inflammation builds and joints become less mobile. If Pop-Pop seems particularly ornery, you may want to postpone the visit for reasons other than his foul mood.
Dress Up a Plain Suit
