How often have we heard or even experienced the cliche of rain spoiling the picnic? Sometimes this problem can be avoided by paying appropriate attention to the weather forecast or just by keeping a close eye on the sky. NOAA weather radios and local radio stations can be a good source for regional weather forecast but you can't beat the experience of local or frequent visitors to a particular location for good weather information.
Weather is very likely to be of more concern to you when camping than it is at home. At home we usually just adjust the thermostat and wait out bad weather. You may have to adjust your wardrobe if you're going outside depending on the weather forecast, but mostly we move from one climate controlled indoor space to another, usually via climate controlled vehicles, so weather isn't so critical. Whether you're camping in a tent or a luxury RV, weather will affect your comfort, your travel plans, and your activities. A comfortable RV will usually provide adequate protection from the elements as long as you don't run out of resources, like fuel or battery power. Tent campers are far more affected by weather and usually can do little about it but endure it or pack it up and go home. However, if you are properly prepared, you can be comfortable in your RV or your tent in just about any kind of weather. In order to be prepared, you need to know what to expect. Maintaining a comfortable temperature in a tent will be more difficult than in an RV, but if you are properly prepared, you can at least make it bearable. You might be able to retire to your vehicle to keep warm in particularly nasty weather. Or at least you can dress to stay warm. But first you have to know what kind of weather to expect, then how to deal with it. If you left home in warm sunny weather and only brought light clothes you'll have a hard time keeping warm if it turns cold and/or rains.
Weather can be even more of a problem for boaters. Wind and
rain can really wreak havoc when you are out on the water.
Thunderstorms are an even greater threat to boaters than to
land-lubbers, especially if you are in a sailboat with a tall mast.
Check the forecast before you leave home. The first step is to check your local forecast before you even leave home. Your local newspaper, radio and TV stations, and weather sites on the Internet are good places to get some idea of what to expect. My favorite Internet weather source is Weatherbug. It can be accessed on at Weatherbug.com. It is also available as a downloadable gadget that constantly monitors the local weather forecast. It constantly displays the current temperature on the status bar of your PC and sounds a chirping sound when an alert is posted for your selected area. It includes a forecast up to 7 days. Be aware that the Weatherbug gadget was once considered to be adware but the latest buzz on the 'net says it isn't far enough across the line to warrant concern. Once you know the weather forecast for where you're going you can decide whether to proceed with your trip or not and, if you decided to go anyway, what kind of preparations you need. What you bring along will vary greatly depending on the forecast. "Heat wave" will dictate light weight clothing coupled with cooling techniques, cold beverages, and frozen treats. On the other hand, a prediction of cold and/or wet weather requires warm clothing, rain gear, extra blankets, auxiliary heat, and warm treats.
Weather watches versus warnings etc. There seems to be some confusion about the terms "watch" and "warning". Many people use the terms interchangeably -- and incorrectly. Each has a specific and somewhat different meaning. A "watch" means conditions are right for a chance of the indicated condition. A "warning" means the condition is happening or is likely to happen. A third alert, "advisory" is sort of between a watch and a warning, indicating the specified weather has a "pretty good chance" of occurring. A watch means keep your eye out for the condition; an advisory means REALLY keep your eye out and start making preparations; a warning means it is happening or its probably happening and you should be taking immediate steps to protect lives and property. For example, when you hear a tornado warning for you area, seek safe shelter IMMEDIATELY! If it is just a watch, start making preparations so you'll be ready when the warning is issued. Make sure you know where you and your family are going to go and that you have necessary supplies prepared (food, water, clothing, flashlights, tools, etc). For example, a tornado watch means conditions are right for tornadoes to form and a tornado warning means tornadoes have been sighted in the area. In short, a watch condition means start making preparations; a warning means take cover NOW! When I hear an advisory I figure it is time to get ready to take cover and to closely monitor ongoing reports. Your tent or even your RV isn't going to provide sufficient protection against tornadoes. If you are in areas where tornadoes occur, check to see if there is a shelter nearby or look for someplace relatively save, like under an underpass. Basements or cellars usually offer the best protection within buildings but if you are in a building that doesn't have them, go into closet or bathroom without windows. A bathroom has the advantage of some additional structural integrity due the plumbing in the walls. Bathrooms are usually fairly small and have small windows, which also makes them less susceptible to wind and changes in air pressure that accompany tornadoes. However, tornadoes bring a sudden drop in air pressure which can cause buildings filled with air at normal pressure to explode.
Monitor weather forecasts in camp or on the water by listening to a local radio station or using a NOAA weather radio. The NOAA weather radio provides continuous local weather reports in most areas of the United States. If you have satellite or wifi Internet access or a Smart phone you can check weather on your favorite web sites too. One of the things I like about the Weatherbug app on my computer is that it "chirps" whenever there is any kind of severe weather indicated for my area.
Keep an eye on the sky. Regardless of the forecast, keep an eye on the sky. Invest a little time online or in the library learning a little about clouds and what they mean . Cloud forms and movement are pretty good indicator of pending weather. You can also get printed scales that let you estimate wind speed by observing the movement of leaves, branches, flags, etc. Check it out at Estimating Wind Speed. For example, if the flag is fully extended and makes a popping sound, the wind is about 30 mph. If you're camped where you can hear crickets, you can estimate the temperature by counting cricket chirps. For the temperature in Fahrenheit, count the chirps in 14 seconds and add 40. For example, 30 chirps in 14 seconds plus 40 = 70°F. For Celsius, count the chirps in 25 seconds, divide by 3, and add 4. Example: 48 chirps in 25 seconds divided by 3 = 16 plus 4 = 20°C. Know what direction weather usually comes from and note any changes in clouds in that direction. Large, dark, roiling clouds will usually bring rain or snow and sometimes thunderstorms fairly soon. High cirrus clouds (high wispy clouds) in and of themselves seldom produce any precipitation but are usually the leading edge of an approaching weather system that may bring rain or snow within a few hours. A low, even overcast may dampen your spirits but usually doesn't dampen anything else very much. Fog will inhibit visibility and condensation may dampen awnings, tents, table clothes, camp chairs, and OHV seats.
Talk to the locals. People who live or work or frequent a particular area get used to the weather patterns and can often be a good source for predicting what is going to happen in the near future. Since camping destinations are often on or near mountains, be aware that mountains often create their own local weather that won't show up on regional forecasts. The same is often true of large bodies of water.
Develop some weather prediction skills of your own. Predict-the-Weather-Without-a-Forecast is a web site with some simple lessons for predicting the weather using only what you see or feel around you by observing clouds, wind, and/or animal behavior. Clouds are probably your most obvious source of weather information. High, wispy clouds or no clouds usually indicate good weather while low, dark, roiling clouds signal a storm. An even, gray overcast usually doesn't produce rain or snow but often means cooler temperatures. Interestingly enough, a clear sky at night usually means cooler temperatures too.
"Red sky in the morning, sailor take warning, red sky at night, sailor's delight" is an old weather proverb that may actually have some scientific basis. Sunlight reflecting off clouds may indicate rain or shine depending on where the clouds are and from which direction weather usually comes. In the northern latitudes, weather usually moves from west to east, thus the "red sky" predictions. This same phenomenon is captured in the Holy Bible: "When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say: There cometh a shower: and so it is" (Luke 12:54) and "When it is evening ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, it will be foul weather today: for the sky is red and lowering" (Matt. 16:2–3). Moist air will create a yellow or gray sky sunset and dry air will yield a crimson sky (Red at night, sailor delight, assuming weather is coming from the west where it normally comes from due to the Earth's rotation.
Leaves sometimes are a pretty good indicator of pending rain. Two trees are particularly known for this: Silver Maples and Gensus Oaks. The change in barometric pressure due to an approaching storm will cause the leaves to turn over so their light undersides are exposed. This has to do with variations in the veins on the front and back of the leaves and how they respond to changes in pressure. Essentially they are natural barometers. Low pressure usually means rain; high pressure usually means clear skies.
Clear nights, cold days is another folk proverb that appears to have some validity. Clear nights also tend be colder than cloudy ones since the lack of clouds allows heat from the ground to escape more easily.
If a circle forms 'round the moon, it will rain very soon. The presence of high-level cirrus clouds often means rain is on the way and such clouds can cause a "circle 'round the moon" you can see the night before.
I remember being told as a kid that if the snow was crunchy, it was below 10°F. Not sure of the scientific accuracy of that bit of folk lore (although it does seem to be supported by anecdotal evidence and personal experience). From a scientific point of view, snow does crunch more at colder temperatures than at warmer ones. The crunching is caused by ice crystals rubbing together as you compress the snow. The colder the temperature, the louder the crunch. At warmer temperatures, friction between the crystals is reduced and they slide silently past each other. I typically observe "soft" crunching at about 20°F and very sharp crunching when it gets down around 10°F or below here in Utah and where I grew up in Idaho. I have also observed that when temperatures drop close to 0°F or below, my nose immediately reacts to cold air when I go outside, feeling sticky just inside my nostrils, probably from the mucus thickening or freezing. Speaking of snow, folk myths say it can't snow if it gets too cold. That isn't strictly true. It can still snow at very low temperatures, as long as there is enough moisture in the air. However, sustained low temperatures may literally freeze all the moisture out of the air and then it can't snow for a while. A new weather front with lots of moisture could move into a cold area and you could get snow even at very low temperatures. On the other hand, clearly it can be too warm to snow. For snow to form the atmospheric temperature must be at freezing or below. For snow to stick, the ground temperature must be at or below freezing. Snow can form high up in the clouds and then melt as it falls through warmer air near the ground. If the snow is falling thick enough and fast enough, some of it may be visible near the ground before it melts. Generally, snow will not form if the ground temperature is 41°F or warmer. By the way, even though snow is made of ice crystals, it is a pretty good insulator. A foot of snow is about equal to the R-13 fiberglass insulation in the walls of the typical home. That's why igloos and snow caves can keep you warm.
Speaking of snow, did you know that a blizzard is more than just a common term for a nasty snow storm? According to the US Weather Service, there is a specific definition for a blizzard. To qualify as a blizzard according to meteorological definitions, you have to have falling or blowing snow that reduces visibility to 1/4 mile or less plus sustained winds of 30-35 mph for at least 3 hours. Doesn't matter much to a driver or a camper whether the raging snow outside is officially a "blizzard" the roads are slick and you can't see where you're going, but it is an interesting bit of trivia. Of course you can experience blizzard-like conditions that may not last long enough to meet the formal definition but certainly do last long enough to be real nuisance or even a hazard in camp or on the road. You won't really care if it is officially a blizzard if blowing snow prevents you from finding your exit.
A "whiteout" is a condition where falling or blowing snow reduces visibility to virtually zero. During a whiteout it is just about impossible to tell the difference between the snow-covered ground and the snow-filled air. There is no discernible horizon. If you encounter a whiteout, it is best to stop and wait it out. Continued travel is very dangerous. If you're on the highway, you could easily drive off the road. If you are already traveling off-highway, you may get totally lost. Anytime you are moving you are at risk of running into unseen obstacles or other travelers. If you MUST move, do so cautiously. If you pull over, try to get far enough over so you're out of traffic to reduce the chance of getting hit. Even though weather may reduce other traffic on the road there will still be some, including snow plows. If you happen to get in their way you are pretty much guaranteed to come out on the short end of the deal!
Wind can be a weather problem all by itself. You don't have to have tornado or hurricane conditions for wind to create a hazard. Strong gusting winds can wreak havoc with your campsite. They can damage awnings, tents, and canopies. They may blow camp chairs or other light objects away or into your fire pit. Winds can pick up debris that can cause injuries or damage. Wind can sometimes create dust storms that reduce visibility and cause breathing problems for many people. Wind can wreak havoc with campfires and scatter embers that can start unwanted conflagrations. What can you do about wind? First of all, make sure your campsite is as secure and wind-resistant as possible. Put away canopies, umbrellas, folding chairs etc. Make sure you tent is securely anchored. Head your RV into the prevailing wind. Put out your campfire. Then stay inside your tent or RV until the wind subsides. By the way, always put up your camp chairs or at least fold them up and lay them flat when you retire from the campfire each night. I've seen way too many light weight aluminum chairs blown into firepits where hidden coals have destroyed them by morning. Wind can be problematic on the trail too. Hikers, horseback riders, and OHV riders may encounter difficult and/or dangerous conditions brought on by wind. I've seen dirt bikers literally get blown over when they topped a hill one windy day in the Mojave Desert. They hit the top of the hill and went over like Arty on the tricycle on the old Saturday Night Live stunt. Wind may kick up dust and debris that affects visibility and could injure your eyes. Head winds may affect vehicle mileage, significantly shortening your normal travel range. That cute little decorative windsock on your RV awning must might be more useful than you think. After all, small airports still use windsocks to give pilots information about wind direction and speed.
Thunderstorms often bring severe weather conditions that require special attention. Even fairly distant thunderstorms can cause flash floods miles away, so avoid low-lying areas and especially sand washes when there are storms anywhere in the area. Lightning is another hazard of thunderstorms. Stay out from under tall objects like lone trees, light poles, power poles, and radio towers. You can estimate how close lightning is to you by counting the number of seconds between the flash and when you hear the thunder. Divide the number by 3 to get the distance in kilometers or by 5 for the distance in miles. If you don't have a watch to count the seconds, you can estimate the time by counting 'one one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand, etc). When I worked outdoors we were instructed to stop work, leave the job site, and seek immediate shelter if lightning were within one mile.
Weather instruments, such as a barometer, can help you get a feel for what is coming. A rising barometer usually means fair weather ahead. A falling barometer may indicate an approaching storm. Falling temperatures and increased wind often precede a storm too. Typical clusters of weather instruments for your home or RV will include a barometer, thermometer, and a humidity meter. I like to have an indoor/outdoor thermometer in my RV so I can keep an eye on both temperatures easily. One I saw recently accommodates up to 3 remote transmitters so a single instrument could monitor inside and outside temperature and the temperature in your refrigerator and freezer. There are more sophisticated electronic weather stations you can buy that give you a plethora of weather information, some if it useful, some of it pretty arcane. Another useful device is one to measure wind chill. Wind chill is the perceived temperature felt on exposed skin due to wind. Wind chill isn't measured when the temperature is above 50°F and is never higher than the static temperature. It is usually colder than the actual air temperature. You feel colder because the wind removes heat from your body more quickly than still air does. If the air is 40°F and there is a 10 mph wind, it will feel like its 34°F. At higher temperatures (above 50°F), the heat index is used to measure the increase in perceived temperature due to a combination of heat and humidity. High humidity makes you feel hotter because your perspiration doesn't evaporate as quickly to keep you cool. If the air is 90°F and the humidity is high, it will feel more like 105°F. Some people believe they can predict a change in the weather by the feeling in their joints. There might be some truth to that. The fluid in our joints reacts to changes in barometric pressure. Anyone who is sensitive to such changes might actually be a fairly accurate barometer!
Use local resources when you can. Your campground host, rangers, law enforcement officers, and other campers familiar with the area can be a valuable source of weather information. They may be familiar with typical weather patterns and can tell you what to expect. Very often, their predictions are far more accurate than formal weather reports. They can also alert you to potential flash flooding along streams or dry washes. I once worked at summer resort where it rained every day at 1:00pm. You could almost set your watch by it.
One of my favorite weather anecdotes is the "weather string". Hang a string outside your window. If you can see it, is probably clear and the sun is probably shining. If you can't see it, it may be dark or foggy or snowy outside. If it moving, the wind is blowing. If it is wet, it is raining. If it is frozen, it is cold. If its gone you may have really strong winds. While this is intended mainly as a joke, a weather string can help you judge wind strength and direction, just as pilots judge wind wind strength and direction from wind socks. The little toy windsocks folks hand on their RV awnings can actually give you a fairly good idea of wind speed and direction once you get used to reading them.
Be weather wise!
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