How did ancestors forecast weather?

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Humans have been trying to predict the weather since long before any mechanical equipment came into use. Written passages confirm that weather forecasts were made over a thousand years ago using all kinds of natural elements. Climbers, wilderness guides, and sailors still rely heavily on natural observation to predict weather changes quite accurately.

Looking at the sky has always been a popular way to predict the weather. Clouds change dramatically when a storm approaches, so they’re generally a definite sign of what’s to come. For example, dark clouds herald rain, while low white cotton clouds herald good weather. In general, dark clouds are always a sign of bad weather, but how bad depends on the thickness of the clouds and the presence of wind. Tornadoes, hail and electrical storms are all preceded by the appearance of dark clouds.

Looking at other elements in the sky can also help predict the weather. Examples include a halo around the moon to herald rain and a summer morning fog to predict good weather. Fog in winter can often herald rain.

Observing animal behavior is another popular way to predict the weather. Horses often get agitated when a tornado approaches, for example. In some countries, such as China and Japan, animals are being used to predict earthquakes, as their behavior is seen as a better way to predict them than any currently available equipment. Other animal behaviors have not been studied but are still part of meteorological lore, such as squirrels gathering an unusually large amount of food as a sign of an impending harsh winter.

Listening to the human body can also help you predict the weather. Approaching thunderstorms can cause pain sensitivity and worsen arthritis and gout symptoms. Back pain, tooth sensitivity, and migraine headaches can be aggravated by the approach of a low pressure front.

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