WEATHER FORECASTING - traditional way

Indicators of Deteriorating Weather:
Clouds lowering and thickening, ceiling lowers.
Puffy clouds begin to develop vertically and darken.
Sky is dark and threatening to the West.
Clouds increasing in numbers, moving rapidly across the sky.
Clouds at different heights moving in different directions.
Clouds moving from East or Northeast towards the South.
Heavy rain occurring at night.
Barometer falling steadily or rapidly.
Smoke from stacks lowers.
Static on AM radio.
Wind shifting North to East and possibly through East to South.
There is a ring (halo) around the moon.
If on land, leaves that grow according to prevailing winds turn over and show their backs.
Strong wind and / or a red sky in the morning.
Temperatures far above or below normal for the time of year.

Indicators of Impending Strong Winds:
Light, scattered clouds alone in a clear sky.
Sharp, clearly defined edges to clouds.
Yellow sunset.
Unusually bright stars.
Major changes in the temperature.

Indicators of Impending Precipitation:
Distant objects seem to stand above the horizon.
Sounds are very clear and can be heard for great distances.
Transparent veil-like cirrus clouds thicken, ceiling lowers.
Hazy and sticky air. Rain may occur in 18-36 hours.
Halo around the sun or moon.
Increasing South wind with clouds moving from the West.
Wind (especially North wind) shifting to West and then South.
Steadily falling barometer.
Pale sunset.
Red sky to the West at dawn.
No dew after a hot day.

Indicators of Clearing Weather:
Cloud bases rise.
Smoke from stacks rise.
Wind shifts to West, especially from East through South.
Barometer rises quickly.
A cold front has passed in the past 4 to 7 hours.
Gray early morning sky shows signs of clearing.
Morning fog or dew.
Rain stopping and clouds breaking away at sunset.

Indicators of Continuing Fair Weather:
Early morning fog that clears.
Gentle wind from the West or Northwest.
Barometer steady or rising slightly.
Red sky to East with clear sky to the West at sunset.
Bright moon and light breeze at night.
Heavy dew or frost.
Clear blue morning sky to West.
Clouds dot the afternoon summer sky.