How to Tell the Weather in the Woods

Knowing how to tell the weather in the woods is vital to being comfortable and safe. If you dress to warm you can get hyperthermia where the body core is elevated. This can cause dehydration and brain damage. If you don't have enough protection you can get hypothermia where the body core drops to dangerous levels. This can cause organs to shutdown.

My favorite methods are the string and rock methods. Each method has similiar indications but the main objects are different.

String Method

The sting method involves tying a string from a tree branch in an unprotected location. Not under a tarp or awning. You can check the string once in a while. Constant monitoring is not necessary.

Indications

String is hanging still

The wind is calm

String is moving

Slight breeze

String is moving with vigor

High winds

String is wet

Raining

String is stiff

Freezing temperatures

String is missing

Violent storm

Tree is missing

Hurricane or tornado : Run for your life

Rock Method

Using the rock method involves placing a rock in an unprotected area not covered by a tarp or awning and away from a source of heat such as a fireplace. It is not necessary to place the rock on a table but if you do, make sure the table is heavy enough to support the rock. Constant monitoring in not needed.

Indications

Rock is still

The wind is calm

Rock is moving

Slight breeze

Rock is moving with vigor

High winds

Rock is wet

Raining

Rock is slippery

Freezing temperatures

Rock is missing

Violent storm

Ground or table is missing

Hurricane or tornado : Run for your life

When you are out in the woods you are open to what ever Mother Nature throws at you. So, it is important to know what is going on at all times. These simple methods on how to tell the weather in the woods can be a deciding factor on how comfortable you are or even being a deciding factor on saving your life.