The US National Weather Service was created in the mid 1800's as a way to track weather patterns and severe weather; the path of notification traveled from West to East, primarily by telegraph.

The populace, however, had been using staid weather indicators for centuries and some of them are uncannily accurate.

Cloud Predictions:

• Cumulonimbus clouds (traditional thunderstorm looking clouds) early in the day and developing throughout the day can mean greater chances of severe weather.

• Cirrus clouds (the stringy fluffy ones), high in the sky like long streamers, mean bad weather within the next 36 hours

• Altocumulus clouds, (look like fish scales), also “mean” bad weather within the next 36 hours. The sailor's saying is “Mares tails and mackerel scales, tall ships carry short sails.” Rain is sure to follow the next day.

• Cumulus towers(look like an explosion in the sky) indicate the possibility of showers later in the day.

• Nimbostratus clouds (rain clouds) hang low and heavy in the sky, and mean rain is imminent.

The Sky:

• If you see a red sky during sunset (when you're looking to the west), there is a high-pressure system with dry air that is stirring dust particles in the air. Means dry air is moving towards you (no rain ahead but the wind is sure to follow).

• A red sky in the morning (in the East, where the sun rises) means that the dry air has already moved past you, and what is behind it will now follow. (Rain or storm)

• Look for rainbows in the morning. A rainbow in the west means moisture is on its way, a rainbow in the east means the rain has left the area.

• If there is a ring around the moon at night, snow or rain will come in the next 3 days.

Animals:

• If cattle seek a corner of a field or lie down in a group in the fields, a severe storm is imminent.

• Cats will clean their ears before a rain.

• Spiders come down from their webs before a rain.

Other:

• If there is dew on the grass in the morning, chances are it won't rain that day.

• If you make a fire outside and the smoke goes straight up, you will have good weather. If the smoke curls and wisps then a low-pressure system (rain) is on its way)

• With dew before midnight, the next day sure will be bright.

Most of us rely on local weather reports at least a few times a day or before events we will be participating in or attending.

If those did not exist, though, there are everyday indicators that can help you predict what may be headed your way before you get caught in it.

To read up on weather prediction and other common sense advice, check out Little House Living.