How to Tell if a Storm Is Coming While Hiking

How to Tell if a Storm Is Coming While Hiking 

Most of us check the weather before heading out on a hike. But sometimes, conditions change faster than the forecast suggests.

Not that long ago we were out on a hike with nothing but grey skies overhead. An ominous sign to be sure, but nothing that looked too dramatic. We figured we’d still have enough time to reach our destination.

Then, all at once, the temperature dropped. The wind picked up. Thunder rolled somewhere overhead.

Jess and I took one look at each other and said, “Nope.”

We turned around and made a very quick return to the car.

Storms in the bush have a way of sneaking up on you. Sometimes the signs are obvious. Other times, they build slowly until suddenly you’re standing on an exposed ridge wondering whether this was a terrible idea.

Here are some signs a storm might be coming — and when it might be time to turn around or make a run for the nearest shelter.

A Sudden Temperature Drop

One of the biggest warning signs is a noticeable drop in temperature.

If the day has been warm and things suddenly feel cold — especially if it happens quickly — pay attention. Storm systems often drag cooler air in ahead of them, and sometimes you’ll feel the change before you properly see it.

If you suddenly find yourself reaching for a jumper you didn’t need ten minutes ago, it’s worth checking the sky and reassessing the plan.

The Wind Changes

Bush tracks can sometimes shelter you from the wind, which makes this one easy to miss.

But if the air suddenly becomes gusty, or the direction of the wind changes noticeably, it can be a sign that weather is moving in.

One of the strangest feelings is when the bush suddenly stops feeling still. Leaves start moving, tree canopies begin swaying, and everything feels a bit unsettled.

That doesn’t automatically mean danger — but it’s worth paying attention to.

Dark Clouds That Start Building Vertically

Grey skies don’t always mean trouble.

But towering clouds are another story.

If clouds start building upwards into those big, dramatic formations that look stacked on top of each other, there’s a good chance a storm is developing. Darkening skies paired with fast-moving cloud build-up are usually worth taking seriously.

Especially if you’re heading towards exposed areas like ridgelines, lookouts, or waterfalls.

Distant Thunder

This one sounds obvious, but it’s amazing how easy it is to talk yourself out of it.

“That sounds far away.”

“It’ll probably go around us.”

“We’ve still got time.”

We’ve all done the mental gymnastics.

But thunder means lightning, and lightning is not something you want to mess around with in exposed areas.

A good rule of thumb is simple: if you can hear thunder, start thinking about your exit plan.

The Bush Suddenly Goes Quiet

This one isn’t foolproof, but it’s something a lot of people notice.

Sometimes before bad weather rolls in, the bush goes strangely still. Birds quieten down. The air feels heavy. Everything just feels… different.

It’s hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it, but if the atmosphere suddenly feels off, trust your instincts and start paying attention to what else is happening around you.

Rain in the Distance

You can sometimes see a storm before it reaches you.

Sheets of rain across valleys, dark patches moving through the landscape, or misty curtains in the distance can all be signs that weather is heading your way.

And in the mountains especially, storms can move surprisingly quickly.

Just because it’s sunny where you’re standing doesn’t mean it will stay that way.

Know When to Turn Around

This is probably the biggest one.

There’s no shame in turning back.

The lookout will still be there next week. The waterfall isn’t going anywhere.

It can be disappointing to abandon a hike halfway through, especially if you’ve driven a long way or been looking forward to it. But weather can change quickly, and it’s far better to end a hike with “we’ll come back another day” than “that got a bit sketchy.”

Sometimes the smartest hiking decision is the boring one.

Summary

• A quick temperature drop or sudden wind change can be early warning signs of a storm.
• If you can hear thunder, start thinking about leaving exposed areas.
• Storms in mountain areas can move faster than you expect.
• Turning around is sometimes the smartest call you can make.