Weather
Weather Conditions
There are many reasons to check the weather before and during the times you go out of doors. Ensuring you have the proper outerwear will allow you to enjoy the outdoors. Some online resources for current and forecasted weather include:
Weather.gov (NOAA)
Weather.com (The Weather Channel)
WeatherUnderground.com (IBM)
Windy.com (Private company and user community)
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards
The NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) All Hazards is perhaps one of the best choices for receiving weather warnings. The NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) All Hazards is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting forecasts, warnings, and emergency information 24 hours a day. It is a comprehensive weather and emergency information service available to the public. There are seven National Weather Service radio frequencies you can monitor for current weather and forecasts: 162.400, 162.425, 162.450, 162.475, 162.500, 162.525, and 162.550 MHz.
Lightning Safety in the Backcountry
Backcountry settings are at least a 30-minute walk from the nearest vehicles or modern buildings, where you can easily find safe shelter. There are four actions that can reduce your lightning risk in the backcountry, but none of them can make you as safe as getting in a modern building or a metal-topped vehicle. These behaviors are listed in order, and each is roughly twice as important as the next.
Time your visits to high-risk areas with local weather patterns
Find safer terrain if you hear thunder
Avoid trees and long conductors if lightning comes close
Get in the “Lightning Position” if lightning is striking nearby