BOATsmart! Base de connaissances du Canada
Module 03 - Before Heading Out
Personal Weather Observations
In addition to checking the weather before you head out, you can use personal observations to monitor changing weather conditions:
Keep an eye to the sky: Fog, dark clouds and lightning are obvious indications that bad weather is approaching
Barometric readings: A rising barometer indicates fair weather, while a falling barometer indicates foul weather
Pay particular attention to shifts in wind direction and temperature–both indicate that weather is changing
Be mindful of the West: Foul weather usually approaches out of the west; however, storms from the east tend to be more powerful
Be vigilant of other boaters' movements and monitor radio and weather channels frequently–ask for recommendations via radio if in unfamiliar waters
