Cirrus clouds are wispier than cumulus clouds, and are tricky to read. Scattered, high-altitude cirrus clouds can indicate good weather, but if their wisps (nick named mare’s tails) point up or down, there may be a chance of rain. If cirrus clouds seem to get lower in the sky and darker, rain is on the way.

Stratus clouds are thin, and layered-looking. On hazy days, they can become thick and dense, even blocking the sun. When this happens, light rain can result. Like cirrus clouds, stratus can grow dark and lower in the sky, a sign that heavy rain is on the way.

Weather patterns, for the most part, move from west to east. Colors in the sunset can be clues to the next day’s weather. A red sunset indicates dry conditions in the west, hinting of good weather the following day. A gray or yellowish glow in the west can indicate wet weather is on the way. A red sky in the morning shows the sun lighting high altitude clouds, also a warning that wet weather may follow.

Likewise, an eastern rainbow in the morning is the result of the rising sun reflecting on moisture in the west, noting the possible approach of wet weather. An evening eastern rainbow is created by the sun setting in the west reflecting on moisture in the east -- suggesting that wet weather has already passed.

Besides watching for color, pay attention to tricks of light and sound, in the sky and on the ground. A halo around the sun or moon can also hint of coming rain, and the sight of lightning in the south likely means the storm will miss you. Storm clouds typically come from the west or northwest and move east, so lightning in the west or northwest is likely headed your way.

Have you suddenly noticed that your hearing abilities seem more acute? This can also be a sign of an approaching storm. As clouds lower in the sky, sound waves hit them and bounce back faster than usual. After the storm has passed, your new hearing abilities will be gone.

Even the smoke from your campfire holds weather clues. In a low pressure system, smoke will stay close to the ground, hinting of possible rain showers. Smoke rising high in a thin, vertical spiral denotes a high pressure system, and good weather.

No matter what weather comes along, there are basic guidelines for making sure your tent and body are prepared for anything.

First, dress in layers. From a simple cover up and wide-brim hat over your bathing suit to protect your skin from the sun to a three-layer approach to keep warm and dry, clothing layers will protect you from any weather climate you face.

To keep warm, start your three layers of protection with undergarments of polypropylene and polyester to keep sweat away from your skin. The middle layer of thick wool or synthetic equivalent insulates you from the outer layer. The outer layer is needed to block wind and shed water. Avoid cotton in the outer layer. It gets wet and stays wet, and has no insulating value when wet. Blue jeans are terrible camping clothes when it is cold.

If you don’t ‘batten down the hatches’, a strong wind can blow your tent away. Keep in mind, winds generally blow upslope by day, and downslope by night, so face your tent openings away from a slope or significantly higher ground or you’ll feel a draft all night.

Cold air is dense, and settles in low-lying areas. If the option is available, choose the highest ground available in the area if cold nights are predicted. If rain is predicted, also choose high ground, or you may wake to discover your tent is in a puddle.

Most tents can shed or repel water, but you may want an extra layer of protection over your tent as well A tarp larger than the width of your tent can help protect your tent and keep your extra gear dry and close by. Just make sure the extra tarp isn’t touching the tent, the water is running off the tarp on the downhill side of the tent, and the corners of the tarp are tied down as well.

The weather is as important as location when planning an outdoor adventure. In fact, weather is often what determines the level of adventure you experience during your trip. Unless you are prepared, weather can ruin an outdoor excursion. But, if you are watching the weather signs, you won’t be caught off guard, and can enjoy your adventure, come what may.

Why discuss weather before we discuss food? Because weather will determine how, and what, you’ll be eating.