Watching the weather is a fun pastime for children anytime of year. Can your child look at the clouds, predict the weather and be ready for what’s in the forecast?
Research:
A great method for learning anything is to see what experts have written about the subject. Take a trip to the local library and locate several books on the subject of weather forecasting. Look for Weather by Eric Sloan, or any book that contains pictures of the types of clouds. A science textbook may also contain the needed information. A book on local types of storms such as snow and blizzards, tornadoes, hurricanes or earthquakes will add to your study. Look through all the books on weather. Read as many as you can. Keep some on hand as references for looking up weather facts.
Making a Weather Chart:
Make a dated grid weather chart. You can design your weather chart on poster board with large squares for each day of the month. Line off your chart laying the days in weeks according to the calendar.
Look at daily newspapers and study the keys they use to report the weather forecast. Decide on what your weather chart will record. For example, will you use a cloud white with a sun peeking out for partly cloudy? How about a dark cloud with rain for rainy weather? A dark cloud with lightning bolt for thunderstorms? A white cloud with snow flakes under it can represent a snow storm.
Today's Temperature:
Begin by recording today’s temperature. Use an outdoor thermometer. Carefully study the thermometer to be certain of an accurate reading. The thermometer should be hung out of open sunlight. If you don't have access to a thermometer, try getting the reading by phone from a local weather service.
Rain and Wind:
You will need a rain gauge and a windsock or be able to see a flying flag or a weather vane. These can be purchased or made of simple household items. A windsock can be made of light material like a ladies scarf, sewn into a sock shape and hung on a wire that is free to pivot with the air flow.
A rain gauge can be any open glass or heavy plastic container with the inches marked carefully with a waterproof marker or paint on the side. The container must have straight sides and you must have some way of attaching the container upright so the wind during a rain will not blow it over.
Record Readings and Compare: Take readings at about the same hours every day so that your records will be consistent Read weather reports in the newspaper, on the internet for your zip code area, on television , if you have a local weather report, and radio reports. Compare these reports with your own.
Clouds--Weather Indicators:
Studying the types of clouds is a basic. Learn the shapes names and results of different cloud formations. Which types usually precede snow, rain, clearing conditions, extreme heat or cold. What is the wind doing to the clouds? How fast are the clouds moving and in what direction?
Observing the basic weather patterns will help you develop a weather sense which once came naturally to farmers and people who worked outside. Weather forecasting is a skill which you can learn.
Keep Notes:
- Write down how you can tell a thunderstorm may be coming.
- What do you observe about the sky? The clouds?
- What is barometric pressure?
- What happens before a tornado?
- What weather signs do people look for?
- What does the wind tell us about the weather?
Studying your chart each week and comparing that to published weather reports can gradually instill a feel for weather in your subconscious mind. Before and after weather changes jot down your observations in a notebook or somewhere on your chart.
- Did you hear birds? See any?
- Was the wind suddenly still before a storm?
- Was the sky reddish?
- Were clouds building into high peaks?
- Were clouds moving or still?
- What smells can you observe before a thunderstorm hits?
- What can you observe during the weather?
- Did the temperature go up or down?
Watch a rain fall.
- Note the slant of the rain.
- Is there lightning? Thunder?
- What time of day is it?
- How long is the space between lightning flash and thunder boom?
Weather forecasting is done with basic instruments, but there is no doubt that people can learn to forecast through careful observation and record keeping. Your eyes must be open and your senses alert for changes. Soon you will know what signs to watch for and when and how to expect weather changes. Keep safe and plan happier outdoor activities with your new-found skill!
