Weather Reading & Preparedness
📋 What it is
Reading the sky for changing weather — and being prepared — keeps you safe outdoors.
🗣️ Coach says
Weather can turn fast in the wild, and being caught out is dangerous. Learn the warning signs: darkening towering clouds mean storms, sudden cold wind signals change, and distant thunder means seek safety NOW. Always check the forecast, pack rain and warm layers, and be ready to turn back. Respect the weather.
🧠 Memory hook
Read the sky (dark towering clouds = storm; cold wind = change). Check the forecast, pack layers, be ready to turn back.
😂 Giggle
What do you call a lazy person in a kayak?
A row-mantic drifter!
😲 Whoa!
If you can hear thunder, the storm is already close enough to be struck by lightning — the outdoor rule is "when thunder roars, go indoors."
✅ Quick check: If you hear thunder while hiking, what should you do?
Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.
Seek safe shelter immediately — if you can hear thunder, lightning is already within striking range.
"When thunder roars, go indoors" — thunder means danger is near.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
Watch the clouds today: do you see fair-weather puffs or tall dark storm clouds building?