Negative effects of accurate weather forecasts

[sarabande]

having moved on a bit from looking at a bit of sheep's wool hanging from the back door to gauge the humidity and therefore the likelihood of rain, I was wondering how people felt now that we are receiving pretty accurate forecasts 5 or more days ahead.

Then hearing the repeated prognostications (almost gleeful in their technical precision) on the radio for the last 24 hours that next weekend will be wet, windy , and verrrrry cold, I started to feel helpless and incompetent in the face of oncoming adversity.

How does a 'bad' weather forecast affect your mood when you know so far ahead that, for example, next weekend is going to be uncomfortable and miserable on board ?

 

[nigelmercier]

I have used them to my advantage to put-off several outside chores. I have finally got round to building the shed that I bought two years ago, but only because I wanted her gardening stuff out of my shed to make room for my new lathe

 

[johnalison]

I'm also feeling gloomy about the weekend but modern forecasts have actually almost revolutionised cruising. As an example, a couple of years ago we were on our way home and had got to Laboe, just beyond the Kiel canal. the weather was fine but the forecast was dire for almost the next week and then ease. We were able to make a decision to press on to Cuxhaven and get there quickly before it filled up with the numerous Dutch on their way home. In the event, we obtained a comfortable berth away from the swell and had a relaxing time, knowing exactly when things would change. What a contrast to our first trip abroad when we sat in Boulogne for a week fretting about the weather which never seemed to abate.

 

[prv]

Then hearing the repeated prognostications (almost gleeful in their technical precision) on the radio for the last 24 hours that next weekend will be wet, windy , and verrrrry cold

Huh? Really? Damn.

I hadn't heard such predictions of doom. We were planning a dash across the Channel and back.

Cold I don't really have a problem with - boat has heating and I have clothes. Rain would be annoying but probably not stop us going. High winds, though...

Pete

 

[ifoxwell]

Yachts and Yachting forums had a dinghy thread a while back that went something along the lines of 'is Wind Guru killing our sport'.

The idea being that accurate weather forecasting allowed people to make an informed decision on the weekends sailing and so wouldn't turn up to open meetings etc if it wasn't peachy. And as a part time dinghy sailor I think this is probably true.

Personally and from a cruising point of view, I can only see upsides. I have plenty to be getting on with on and off the boat and knowing when its worth going sailing and when its not allows me to make best use of my time.

Ian