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Travel on icy or snow-covered roads can be hazardous, so motorists are warned to use extra
caution.

All those who are unaccustomed to dealing with life-threatening aspects of severe cold should
remember to keep exposure to cold weather to a minimum. Frostbite is harmful and painful.
Hypothermia, or low body temperature, can be lethal, and it is particularly hard on infants and the
elderly. When the weather turns cold, don’t go outdoors unless you have to. If you must go
out, dress in layers and cover your ears, head and hands. Remember, high wind speeds
dramatically increase the effects of cold temperatures by increasing the “wind chill factor.”
 

Stock up on heating fuel and prepare emergency heating sources, such as fireplaces, wood stoves
and space heaters. (WARNING: Never burn charcoal briquettes indoors.)

Use extreme caution when operating a portable generator. Be sure to read the owner’s manu
first. Do NOT operate a generator indoors or in any confined space, exhaust fumes can be very
dangerous.
Remember the usual emergency supplies: a flashlight and batteries, a battery-powered radio, extra
non-perishable food and water, extra medicines and baby items, and first-aid supplies.

Top off the fuel tank in your car, check the antifreeze, and keep in mind that driving conditions
during the winter can become extremely hazardous due to icy roads and bridges.

Freezing temperatures can burst water pipes in homes that lack heat or proper insulation. Wrap
exposed pipes or take other measure to insulate them from the cold.

Prepare a place indoors for pets. Move farm animals to shelters and have extra feed and water
available.

Before technological resources were available, people used to rely on nature for predicting the weather. For instance, “if it smells like rain,” then chances are good that wet weather is on its way. Another one might be, “rainbow at noon, rain will come soon.” Pay attention to our surroundings; even the slightest change in anything from animal behavior to plants and the sky can tip off an upcoming weather event.

Look at Plants

In the garden, there are many way to look for clues to weather. Plants, for example, are great weather forecasters. Many plants are able to determine temperatures as they rise and fall. As a result, some of these plants will open and close their foliage or blooms. Take the kids out to the garden and see if they can find examples of this. For instance, a crocus will open up when it’s warm and close when it gets colder. Plants can also predict weather events the same way. Daisies fold up their petals before it rains. Tulips open up when the weather is fair and dry. The leaves of many trees will turn their backs up, signaling approaching rain or stormy conditions.

Look at Animals

Animals are also good indicators of weather. Unusual behavior is one of the most common signs of bad weather because animals are sensitive to changes in the environment. For instance, birds will fly high in sunny weather and lower once conditions worsen. Spiders will leave the web when bad weather is coming. Bees will go back to the hive. Dogs might eat more grass. Cows can be seen in a huddle.

Crickets are great for forecasting temperatures. During warm weather, they will chirp faster, but once it begins getting cooler, crickets will chirp slower. The number of times a cricket chirps within 15 seconds will give the current temperature when added to 37.

Look at the Sky

From its color to the types of clouds, the sky is another weather indicator. Discuss weatherlore saying that reference the sky such as “red in the morning, sailor’s warning.” “The higher the clouds, the better the weather.” Have them look at the sky for signs of weather events. For instance, the clouds will become darker and taller when stormy conditions are likely. Few clouds in the sky mean fair weather, as do bright blue skies. Keep in mind that just because it may be sunny, however, doesn’t always mean pleasant conditions. It can sometimes rain while the sun is still shining. This usually doesn’t last too long though. Like the saying, “sunny shower won’t last an hour.” See how many of these sayings they can come up with and note which ones are true on their chart.

Weatherlore - Garden

“The flowers smell especially lovely today. What does this mean? There will be clouds later with a good chance of rain. Tomorrow, however, no rain will pass if there’s dew on the grass.”