Even a relatively mild blow can be a knee-wobbler, especially if you're on a smaller boat or out with your family. You don't have to be a trained meteorologist to spot bad weather on the approach, you just have to refresh yourself with the basics of storm-spotting, and remember, the more indicators of bad weather you see, the more important it is to head for port immediately. Better to be safe than sorry.
Observe The
Clouds
As a general rule, gathering clouds indicate a gathering storm, so always keep your eyes on
the skies. A laminated cloud chart (available from www.cloudchart.com) is a pretty cool thing to
keep on board, as it helps you identify cloud formations quickly and positively. Even without a
chart, you can easily spot potential bad weather by watching for sudden changes in the clouds or
their formations. Two developments are particularly important to watch for. A "lowering ceiling,"
in which the clouds and their height seem to be getting lower and lower, is usually caused by an
approaching warm front. Second, and more dramatic, is when puffy cumulus clouds begin to grow
vertically (get taller), indicating an imminent thunderstorm. Also, remember that in the United
States, most weather systems move from west to east, so keep an extra-sharp eye out to the western
horizon for approaching trouble.
Feel The Wind
When you're out on the water on a hot summer day, a cool breeze is sweet. But if you notice
the temperature suddenly dropping more than a couple of degrees, especially if the winds are
picking up or changing direction, that's a sure sign it's time to head for home. Cold fronts are
notorious for bringing squalls and thunderstorms, and an approaching front will frequently show
itself first by increased winds actually blowing toward the approaching front, as the low pressure
associated with the front draws air. When the front arrives, you'll usually notice that the winds
suddenly shift 180 degrees, and instead of being refreshingly cool, the breeze can be downright
chilly. If you notice that it's suddenly gotten quite a bit cooler on board, especially if it's
gotten windier as well, look quickly to the skies for signs of storms and make your way to
port.
Watch The
Pressure
Mariners and meteorologists know that low-pressure systems have a strong tendency to
generate intense, dangerous storms. Thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes tend to cluster around
low-pressure systems, giving boaters at least three good reasons to get off the water if and when
the atmospheric pressure starts dropping. The tough part is, we can't tell by sight, sound, or
touch when the pressure drops. That's why the smart boater keeps a barometer on board. Mount the
barometer on the dash at the helm and check it every two or three hours. Make sure your barometer
has a "set needle" that you can use to mark the pressure when you arrive on the water - this way,
you can see changes in atmospheric pressure at a glance and take appropriate action.
Tune In
The ultimate weather warning system is one that should be on every boat and in every home -
an NOAA Weather Radio. Depending on its features, these radios cost anywhere from $20 to over $200.
You can save money by getting a basic, battery-powered unit, making sure that it carries the
"Public Alert" logo, indicating that the unit meets the Public Alert Standard set by the Consumer
Electronics Association and the National Weather Service. When dangerous weather approaches, NOAA
broadcasts a 1,050-hertz tone that will automatically turn on the radio so you can be sure you'll
receive the warning, even if you're catching 40 winks on a summer afternoon. Replace the batteries
every six months, and the NOAA Weather Radio will be your last, best line of alert when there's a
chance the weather could go sour.