WEATHER SIGNS
 
There are several good indicators of climatic changes. 
  
 Wind 
You can determine wind direction by dropping a few leaves or grass or by watching 
 the treetops. Once you determine the wind direction, you can predict the type of 
 weather that is imminent. Rapidly shifting winds indicate an unsettled atmosphere 
 and a likely change in the weather. 
  
 Clouds 
Clouds come in a variety of shapes and patterns. A general knowledge of clouds 
 and the atmospheric conditions they indicate can help you predict the weather. 
 . 
  
 Smoke 
Smoke rising in a thin vertical column indicates fair weather. Low rising or 
 "flattened out" smoke indicates stormy weather. 
  
 Birds and Insects 
 Birds and insects fly lower to the ground than normal in heavy, moisture-laden air. 
 Such flight indicates that rain is likely. Most insect activity increases before a storm, 
 but bee activity increases before fair weather. 
  
 Low-Pressure Front 
Slow-moving or imperceptible winds and heavy, humid air often indicate a 
 low-pressure front. Such a front promises bad weather that will probably linger for 
 several days. You can "smell" and "hear" this front. The sluggish, humid air makes 
 wilderness odors more pronounced than during high-pressure conditions. In 
 addition, sounds are sharper and carry farther in low-pressure than high-pressure 
 conditions.