EYE ON THE SKY

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Wildlife will also provide us with clues as to approaching weather changes. If you observe deer moving in numbers from highlands to valleys, expect snow within a day or two. When hawks and vultures play on rising columns of air (thermals), conditions are ripe for the formation of large cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds. It has often been reported that insects swarm near the ground before bad weather, mice and squirrels are restless and noisy, and chickweed, clover, dandelions, hawkweed, indigo, marigolds and tulips close up while the pitcher plant opens. Though not an iron-clad indicator, our house dog, Spencer, gets so sluggish before a storm that we can hardly coax him out for a walk.

Your body, too, will offer clues to changing conditions. People who are prone to the pain of sore joints will experience more trouble during times of higher humidity (one indicator of approaching storm systems). There is even a proven statistical correlation between antisocial behavior and low barometric pressure. In general, we are likely to feel worse, physically and mentally, when humidity increases and pressure decreases.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said that weather is "the daily bread of our eyes," and nothing will convince you more of this fact than getting involved in the subtle and stormy (but always beautiful) sky. Just try to make sure the neighbors can't quote you on your forecasts.

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