Hiking Weather: How To Read the Weather Before and During a HikeHiking weather shouldn't mean a cloudless sky and 70 degree temperatures! If you wait around for perfect hiking weather, you won't be hiking much (although I hear the Southwest has days on end of warm sunny weather. Sounds like a fairy tale to us Pacific Northwesterners!) I've learned the hard way to consult this website before even considering leaving for the trailhead: the National Weather Service Forecast Office.
Once on the trail, you're on your own. If you're in the mountains, you need to be prepared for sudden precipitation - including snow year-round. I've been caught in snow in June, July AND August, and if I hadn't been prepared, I'd have been miserable, or worse. If you're in dense forest, the weather may get a little hard to read - that's why the forecast (previously discussed) is so important. You will need to watch the sky and learn what cloud types mean. High clouds don't usually bring trouble, but watch out for low scudding clouds on the horizon. There are many good books on the art/science of weather, and a quick web search will yield lots to choose from.
Animals and birds can help you out, too. The trail gets very quiet before an impending thunder storm, and the quality of the air is heavy. The best defense against wet weather is being prepared. Carry appropriate gear: waterproof jacket & pants, gaiters, hat. Have them handy in an outside pocket so you don't waste precious time digging through your pack when you need them. You also want to avoid getting your entire pack wet, so carry a pack cover. Some day packs come equipped with them. For instance, my Deuter pack has one tucked into a zip pocket on the bottom of the pack. So don't let less-than-ideal weather keep you inside. Some of my most memorable hikes have been rain hikes! (But what would you expect from someone who loves the Pacific Northwest weather?) Hiking weather changes rapidly. Be prepared for any trail conditions with these hiking tips. |
