Discussions

I thought Abbysmom's post on the tornado thread, about her grandmother observing a future change in weather, was interesting.  
 
I love watching the sky/clouds and observing things around me and how they all interconnect.  
 
I am not looking for old wives tales that have no bearing, but instead some of the wisdom that actually rang true from years past to help predict the day's weather on the Canadian prairies, just by observation.  
 
If we should be watching & observing (and I firmly believe every adult should take responsibility for themselves & those in their care), what do we actually look for and what can each thing tell us about what is coming?  
 
I am hoping this generates a good, informative, and helpful discussion.

I had stumbled on this page a few months ago, and a lot of the stuff on it are things my grandmother says. Especially about the leaves and the smoke. My kids and I have discussed doing a project of recording our observations from this list daily and then comparing it to what actually happens or what's in the forecast from weather professionals.  
 
http://www.wx4rnk.org/diy.html

Great list. I did not see a note about green colours amongst the list but if you do see them one would know to take cover.  
 
When our prevailing westerlys change to the east I take note. I think I did see that massively quick temperature drops is a sign of trouble.  
 
Watch when your pets start acting different they have a better built in weather radar than us.  
 
Last? Winds. It can be very calm on the ground but you see birds hitting massive heads winds or flying backwards the weather may be a changing. Lol.

Some that I remember are:  
Birds flying lower in the sky  
The scents around you like flowers, or other garden plants like dill are stronger.  
Pine cones will remain closed in high humidity, and your hair will be frizzy lol.  
Ants will build up the walls of the the ant hill.  
Cows will group together and lay down.

What do each indicate? I know some of them, but I would like to know what each one might predict. Most look like they indicate that a storm is coming.

When I was a kid growing up in the country , the bird calls were significant. especially the Blue Jays and Chicadees. It still holds true. Blue jays calling early this year means early winter .so prepare. Chicadees depending on the call they have many , will herald warm weather and when its going to get colder.Crows flocking early in the trees also means early fall.

Mean a storm is coming.  
 
Birds are sensistive to air pressure, so they are a good indication.

We have some wild bees on our property, and my husband was observing them the other day when a thunderstorm rolled through. He said the bees all hightailed it back into the nest about 5-10 minutes before it started thundering.  
 
I've also noticed that mosquitoes get bad right before a good rain, even at midday.  
 
Edited by Abbysmum, 2018-08-06 12:26:01

My dad always said the leaves turning meant rain Was on the way..