How To Read The Weather: Pro Tips to Predict Like an Expert

Weather plays a huge and crucial role on every adventure. It can determine where, when, and how an adventure plays out and if you’re not prepared, weather can be a trip-ruiner. Here’s how to read the weather like a pro while out on adventures. 

We Are Explorers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

1. To Pitch or Not to Pitch?

It’s a question I often ask when I roll into camp at the end of a long day. I prefer to sleep under the stars rather than in a stuffy tent, so I try to avoid pitching whenever I can. Or at least that’s what I tell myself. It’s probably just because I’m lazy. 

Read more: Tarp Camping 101

Regardless, learning how to read the weather is an important skill when out hiking: especially on multi-day trips. The weather’s constantly changing, and that weather forecast you read four days ago has probably changed a lot since then. Plus, becoming your own forecaster is easy to do – all you have to do is look to the clouds.

@uwansays

2. Just Look Up

Before we jump into how to read clouds, you first have to understand the different cloud types. Cloud names may appear daunting, but all you need to name a cloud is its shape and height. 

@mandywestwood

Cloud Shapes

• Stratus clouds are wispy or flat, layered clouds. They can form sheets and cover large areas.
• Cumulus clouds are lumpy.
• Nimbus clouds are dark clouds that bring rain. If you see these on the horizon, there is a good chance you’re about to get wet. 

Coupla classic stratus clouds out to play | @jordanfmcqueen

Cloud Height

• High-level clouds (7km +) start with cirro-
• Mid-level clouds (2-7km) start with alto-
• Lower level clouds (0-2km) don’t have prefixes.

Still confused? Well, here’s a handy diagram of the cloud types based on height and shape. Also included in the diagram are the nimbostratus – an endless grey formation – and the cumulonimbus, also known as storm clouds. 

When was the last time you looked at a diagram? | By Valentin de Bruyn from Wikimedia Commons

3. Learn What Different Cloud Types Mean

Lumpy cumulus clouds

These clouds are indicators of good weather. However, if they’re growing into higher altitudes, they can become cumulonimbus clouds. If they’re small and somewhat wispy, break out the sunscreen.

Altocumulus clouds

Altocumulus clouds appear smaller and farther away than cumulus clouds. When they’re present, it looks like the sky is mottled. Unfortunately, they’re also one of the first signs of bad weather. However, context is essential. If the sky has been clear and these clouds begin to form, rain’s probably on the way. If it’s just recently rained, it may just be left-over moisture. 

Cirrocumulus clouds

These clouds look like tiny white puffs high in the sky, almost like rippling water. Depending on where you are in the world, they can either indicate good or bad weather. In tropical climates, they can precede cyclones, while in a colder climate, they can mean fair weather. 

Stratus clouds

Stratus clouds are one of the most challenging cloud types to read. They cover the sky at a low altitude and block the clouds above, and can be associated with good and bad weather, so it’s crucial to pay attention to the clouds that precede stratus clouds. 

Altostratus clouds

These clouds are responsible for some of the most beautiful sunsets around. They appear like strong streaks coming from the horizon and light up with colour at sunrise and sunset. Unfortunately, like altocumulus clouds, altostratus formations are a sign of bad weather. When these clouds start to lower and thicken up, you should start putting the tent up.

Love when altostratus clouds meet sunset | @alanrobertjones

Cirrostratus clouds

Cirrostratus clouds look like thin sheets high in the atmosphere. When they’re present, it can even look like there’s a halo around the sun or moon. They can appear up to a day before potential rain. 

Cirrus clouds

These are the most common type of high-level clouds. Due to their altitude, these clouds consist of ice crystals. They look wispy and thin — almost like lace blowing around. If you see these clouds, you’ll have good weather that day, but it may change in the future. 

Stratus clouds

Stratus clouds look like a uniform mist in the sky. Some drizzle can come from these clouds, but not much.

Stratus clouds? Or just fog? | @panjinda

4. Learn to Spot When Weather is Approaching

Now that you have all your cloud types nailed, let’s look at two common scenarios of approaching weather. The first is a storm. Storms can be fast to arrive and catch you off guard if you don’t watch the sky. 

To start, you might just see some small cumulus clouds. Then, in the afternoon, it starts to get hot, and the small cumulus clouds begin to grow upwards. Eventually, all these cumulus clouds grow outwards too, and before you know it, you have a scary-looking sky full of cumulonimbus clouds. I think it’s time to head for cover. 

Cumulonimbus can be pretty spectacular

The second scenario takes a lot longer to evolve – sometimes several days. High cirrus clouds can slowly cover the clear sky. Then, altostratus clouds can start to fill up the sky below the cirrus clouds. Finally, stratus clouds can appear in the lower atmosphere, growing thicker and denser, until nimbostratus clouds form and rain starts to fall. 

When you wake up early for sunrise but nimbostratus clouds are blocking the view #mistopportunity | @iswanarif

5. Don’t Forget About Pressure!

Purists might scoff at me here, but another easy way of reading changes in the weather is a barometric pressure reader. These days you can find them on most outdoor watches, or you can pick them up pretty cheap as individual units. 

When the air pressure around you starts to drop quickly, it indicates that the weather’s beginning to change. It may seem like cheating, but using a barometer while also reading the clouds is an almost foolproof way of spotting lousy weather early. 

Read more: 7 Tips For Rainy Day Hiking

For those who can’t stand the thought of using devices to read the weather, you can also use animals and plants to help predict changing weather. It’s less reliable but a whole lot more satisfying when you get it right. Here a few potential indicators of coming rain:

• Birds fly lower 
• Cicadas, crickets and frogs grow louder 
• Insects and spiders become more active 
• There’s less birdsong 
• Dry grass in the morning – Dewy grass indicates fair weather

Dew is a good sign for you! | @mattseymour

5. Be Prepared To Be Wrong About the Weather

Before you send me angry messages about how you hung out all your gear to dry, and then it poured, it’s important to note that all these methods aren’t 100% reliable. Even weather forecasters, with all their equipment at their disposal, get it wrong.

The critical thing to do is prepare. Always take your rain gear, check the weather forecast, as well as the local climate for the time of year. 

And remember, ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing’ – Alfred Wainwright.

Shot by Dakota Donagh-De Marchi

Tips For Reading Weather Forecasts

A weather forecast doesn’t just include temperature – detailed weather maps include information about air masses, wind direction, and atmospheric pressure that will shape the day ahead.

When planning future adventures, watch for low pressure systems and cold fronts, which bring strong winds, heavy rain, and severe weather events, while high pressure systems mean fair weather.

A typical weather map shows sea level air pressure, wind speed, and weather patterns. Learning to read a weather map will help you plan ahead. Don’t just check the chance of rain; look at how long it might last and whether warm fronts or cooler air could shake things up.

Finally, make sure you understand what the ‘chance of rain’ metric means on weather maps and forecasts.

An 80% chance of rain in a weather forecast means there’s an 80% probability that rain will occur somewhere within the forecast area during the given time frame. It doesn’t mean it will rain for 80% of the day or cover 80% of the region—just that there’s a high likelihood of precipitation occurring at some point in the forecasted location.

@wanderer_rachel

FAQs Figuring Out the Weather Forecast DIY-Style

How can I tell if it’s going to rain while hiking?

Watch for low pressure systems, which often bring heavy rain and strong winds. Dark, towering cumulonimbus clouds, a thickening layer of altostratus, or a sudden drop in atmospheric pressure are key signs. If birds start flying lower and insects get extra active, a cold front or moist air could be on the way…meaning rain is likely.

What’s the easiest way to read the weather on an adventure?

Look up! Clouds are a natural weather map. Wispy cirrus clouds signal fair weather, while dense, grey nimbostratus clouds suggest heavy rain ahead. A barometric pressure reader can help track rising air and shifts in sea level pressure to predict changes if you want to get super technical about it, but you could also use an app you can read a weather map as you go, or learn to recognise weather patterns and wind direction changes over time.

Can I predict a storm without a weather app?

Yes! Watch for warm air that will boost cumulus clouds to grow taller throughout the day. If they stretch high, a severe weather event could be incoming. If the start to notice warm air, or the air feels humid, expect strong winds and rain. Pitch your tent before cold fronts arrive.

Do high clouds mean good weather?

Not always. Cirrus clouds at high altitude usually mean fair weather, but if they thicken into cirrostratus, a low pressure system could be forming. This often means a cold front or warm front will bring rain within a day. While you’re learning, practice making predictions then check a weather forecast for confirmation.

Why do birds and insects act differently before bad weather?

Changes in atmospheric pressure affect their behaviour. Birds fly lower to avoid strong winds in low pressure weather systems, while insects become more active before severe weather.

What are low pressure systems?

Low pressure systems are areas where atmospheric pressure is lower than the surrounding air. These systems often bring severe weather like strong winds, heavy rain, and cold fronts. When air rises in a low pressure system, it cools, leading to moist air condensing into clouds and precipitation. If you’re checking a weather forecast, a low pressure system usually means unstable conditions, while a high pressure system is linked to fair weather.

How reliable is cloud-watching for weather prediction?

Pretty solid, but not foolproof. Even meteorologists with high-tech gear get it wrong sometimes. Use cloud-reading as a guide, but always pack for all conditions.

What’s a weather map?

A weather map is a tool that helps you read a weather forecast by showing weather patterns across a region (the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) share them). Maps includes low pressure systems, high pressure systems, cold fronts, warm fronts, and wind direction. Weather map symbols represent different conditions, while sea level air pressure readings help predict severe weather events. By learning to read a weather map, you can use it to spot changes in air masses and prepare for shifting conditions, from warmer air ahead of a front to cooler air after it passes.

What’s a high pressure system vs low pressure systems?

A high pressure system usually means fair weather is coming, with clearer skies and more stable conditions. If a low pressure system is approaching, expect strong winds, heavy rain, and possible storms. Consider altering plans or choosing a sheltered route.

Still not sure how to read the weather? These will help!

• How To Survive Hiking in Hot Weather
• Check Out The Bureau of Meteorology Indigenous Weather Knowledge Map
• The Best Bad Weather Kit (That Isn’t Clothing)
• Best Wet Weather Gear For A Rainy Summer Outdoors

Feature photo by @naomihut

Table of contents image by @lachyp123p