Humans have been trying to predict the weather for centuries. While the invention of the mercury barometer has made it easier to know of incoming bad weather, many farmers, sailors and even mountain climbers still rely on observation to predict what's coming their way.

While weather forecasting is a complex science, a knowledge of the basics can give you an edge over the next storm. Get ready and start watching the skies!

Does That Cloud Look Like a Cotton Ball to You?

As a general rule, thick, dark clouds look that way because they are laden with water and rain is likely. The lower and darker the clouds, the worse the approaching storm is. High clouds usually signal fair weather.

Cirrus clouds are high, feathery formations that usually appear in the sky up to two days before as storm front. If they're accompanied by east winds, rains may be nearer.

Cumulus clouds (the fluffy, cottony kind) are usually low to the ground and foretell good weather. They can, however, turn dark and billowy; in that case, electrical storms with strong winds are approaching. These dark clouds (called cumulonimbus) can also foretell tornadoes and hail.