Read the sky for coming rain

Step-by-step

1. 1

   High, wispy cirrus followed by lowering, thickening clouds = warm front, rain in 12-24 hours.

2. 2

   Towering cumulus building vertically in the afternoon = thunderstorms within hours.

3. 3

   A halo around sun or moon = high moisture aloft, weather worsening in 24-36 hours.

4. 4

   Sudden wind shift and dropping temperature = cold front, fast squall likely.

5. 5

   Sharp, distant horizon = dry air. Hazy horizon = moist air, storms more likely.

Tip: Red sky at night reflects dry air to the west — clearing. Red sky in morning reflects moisture arriving — deteriorating.