Reading the Sky for Weather Changes

Reading the sky is one of the oldest sailing skills. Before modern forecasting, sailors relied on visual cues to predict weather changes.

High, wispy cirrus clouds often signal a weather front approaching in 24-48 hours. Watch for these “mare’s tails” as an early warning sign.

Cumulus clouds – the puffy white ones – are generally a sign of fair weather. But if they start building vertically into towering shapes, thunderstorms may develop.

A red sky at sunset usually indicates fair weather tomorrow. The old saying holds true: “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight.”

Rapidly falling barometric pressure is a strong indicator of incoming bad weather. Keep a barometer aboard and check it regularly.

Trust your instruments, but don’t ignore what the sky is telling you.