Pioneers and early settlers in various parts of the world did not have access to the sophisticated meteorological tools and technology that we have today. But the observational skills they developed in the hostile environment they called home could really surprise you.

That just goes to show that even when all odds are stacked against you, you can always make the best of your situation and still manage to thrive without issues.

Here are some of the ways pioneers could predict the weather:

Observing the Sky

As you might already know, pioneers would often look at the sky for clues about upcoming weather. They noticed changes in cloud patterns, the color of the sky, or the presence of certain types of clouds.

Red Sky at Night, Sailor’s Delight; Red Sky in Morning, Sailor’s Warning. This is a well-known saying that pioneers often used. A red or pink sky at sunset was seen as a sign of good weather the following day, while a red sky in the morning was believed to indicate an approaching storm. The reasoning behind this saying is that a red sky at sunset can be caused by high-pressure systems with dry air and dust particles, while a red sky in the morning can be a result of dust and moisture being carried by a low-pressure system, which might bring rain.

Pioneers paid close attention to the appearance and movement of clouds. For example, towering multi-level clouds (also known as cumulonimbus clouds) were indicative of thunderstorms. High, wispy, and detached clouds (also known as cirrus clouds) could signal a change in the weather, often preceding the arrival of a warm front. A sudden shift in cloud cover from clear to overcast could suggest an impending change in weather conditions.

A halo, or a ring of light around the sun or moon, was often associated with the approach of a warm front and impending rain. The ice crystals in high-altitude cirrus clouds can create these halos.

The quality of light and colors during sunrise and sunset could also provide clues. Unusual or particularly vibrant colors in the sky at these times might be taken as signs of changing weather. For example, a vivid red sky during sunset or sunrise can be caused by the scattering of sunlight by particles and moisture in the atmosphere.

Changing weather patterns were of particular importance to our forefathers, especially when they intended to travel long distances. Some pioneers, particularly those who were well-prepared, never feared incoming storms or the toll they might take on their homes because of the hidden shelter they had built in their backyards. You can find a sketch of this project here, along with instructions on how to build it yourself.

Animal Behavior

Pioneers also paid attention to the behavior of animals. Many animals are sensitive to changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature, and their actions could provide hints about impending weather changes.

Birds were a common source of information for pioneers. They noticed that birds would often change their behavior in response to impending weather changes. For example:

• Birds flying high in the sky were often seen as a sign of fair weather, as they might be hunting for insects carried up by rising air currents.
• Birds flying low and close to the ground, or seeking shelter in trees, were taken as a sign of approaching storms or rain.
• Seabirds or shorebirds moving inland were seen as a sign of an approaching storm from the sea.

The behavior of insects, such as ants and bees, was also observed. If ants were unusually active and building up their mounds, it was sometimes interpreted as a sign of dry and sunny weather. Bees, on the other hand, were believed to become more active before a rainstorm.

The behavior of domesticated animals like cows, horses, and sheep was closely observed. For example:

• Cows were believed to lie down before a rainstorm, and their feeding patterns might change before the arrival of bad weather.
• Horses or dogs might become more restless or agitated before a storm.

For settlers living near the coast or fishing communities, the behavior of fish and marine life was important. Changes in fish activity, like feeding patterns or swimming closer to the surface, were seen as potential signs of changing weather conditions, particularly in the case of approaching storms.

The Texas winter storm of 2021 serves as a stark reminder of the importance of being prepared for even the harshest weather conditions. A sudden blackout can leave anyone incapacitated, unable to use electricity for heating, or to call for help. In such dire situations, the Modular Backyard Power Plant can be a crucial failsafe device.

Imagine the peace of mind of knowing that, regardless of the severity of a power crisis, you have a reliable backup plan. The Modular Backyard Powerplant, with its simple construction and effective functionality, becomes a beacon of hope in the face of unexpected blackouts.

By understanding the lessons from events like the Texas winter storm or Hurricane Katrina, we are prompted to embrace preparedness and invest in solutions that can safeguard us when the grid fails.

Wind Patterns

The wind was another tool that pioneers and early settlers used to predict the weather, as it could provide valuable information about impending weather changes.

Pioneers often noticed the direction from which the wind was blowing. Different wind directions were associated with specific weather conditions:

East Wind: An east wind was often linked to the approach of a storm or wet weather. In some regions, an east wind might bring rain or snow.

West Wind: A prevailing west wind was generally associated with fair and dry weather. Pioneers often saw it as a sign of good weather.

North Wind: A north wind is usually linked to cooler temperatures. It might be associated with clear and cold weather.

South Wind: A south wind was often associated with warmer temperatures. It could also be a sign of an approaching weather front.

The speed of the wind was another factor pioneers observed. A gentle breeze might indicate stable weather, while strong, gusty winds could signal the approach of a weather system or storm.

Similarly, a complete absence of wind or calm conditions was often seen as a prelude to changing weather. Calm conditions could bring fair or stormy weather depending on other factors.

In hilly or mountainous regions, pioneers also paid attention to local wind patterns. For instance, the direction and strength of winds flowing down a valley or off a mountain could provide insights into the local weather conditions.

Folklore and Proverbs

Over time, pioneers developed a rich body of folklore and proverbs that contained weather-related wisdom. For example, the saying, “When the leaves show their undersides, be very sure that rain betides,” reflected the belief that certain leaf behaviors could indicate rain.

With the weather app on their mobile phones or the morning weather report on TV, people tend to quickly dismiss this type of knowledge. Well, as someone who lived off the grid for the past decade, I can assure you that predicting what the weather is like can save you in disastrous events like a large-scale blackout. That’s one of the worst things that can happen to you while living off the grid, especially in a cold season.

Your livestock can be harmed, your crops can be harmed, and even your family can be harmed. You need to know how to predict what the weather is going to be like tomorrow, even if you do have access to electricity, a TV, or the internet.  At this point, you have to be prepared for anything that comes at you.

Remember, the next crisis we prep for is what folks 150+ years ago called daily life.

…no electrical power, no refrigerators, no Internet, no computers, no TV, no active law enforcement, and no Safeway or Walmart.

Our forefathers got things done, or else we wouldn’t be here!

It’s never too late to learn some of the skills and knowledge they base their livelihoods on. You might need them sooner than you think.

You may also like:

What The Pioneers Did To Survive Harsh Winters

Do You Know Why You Should Never Put A Tall Fence Around Your House? (Video)

Cold-Weather Crops Care

In 10 Years You Wish You’d Known This

How To Store Water In Your Car For An Emergency