Tips for a Stormy Sky

Aug 17, 2016

Recognizing the signs of an approaching thunderstorm and heading for shore well before it arrives is essential to avoiding a potentially perilous situation on the water.

A lot can happen in a matter of minutes. When warning signs become apparent — a darkening sky, the sound of thunder, or increasing cool wind — do not delay. Particular attention should be paid to lines, which affect a large area and almost always herald the arrival of a powerful, long-lasting storm.

Below is a table that shows different thunderstorm situations and the conditions they are likely to bring. In all cases, it is assumed that the storm is in the quadrant from which the weather is moving that usually approaches from the west. Mariners should constantly check the movement of the storm and the position of its core to ensure that they are not in its path.

To learn more about forecasting weather and reading conditions register for Introduction to Weather for Recreational Boaters.

-Courtesy of Environment Canada