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Weather |
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The weather around us occurs because of wind, air pressure, precipitation (rain, sleet, snow), and
temperature. Boaters have traditionally learned to read the sky and wind to determine daily and
future weather. While onboard you will make similar observations, as well as use the following
instruments to determine the current weather:
- Anemometer - to find wind speed.
- Barometer - indicates if there is a change in air pressure (weight).
The average reading of a barometer at sea level is between 29 and 30 inches.
What is important to understand about a barometer is not the actual reading;
the important thing to find is if the barometer is falling, rising, or steady.
A falling reading usually indicates lower pressure and impending rain or storms.
A rising barometer usually indicates higher pressure and an improvement in
the weather. A steady reading indicates no immediate change in the weather.
- Beaufort Scale to determine wind speed based on what the sea looks
like
- Hand bearing compass - to find what direction the wind is coming
from
- Thermometer to determine temperature
- Cloud charts to identify cloud types