Basic Essentials Weather Forecasting, 2nd (Basic ... (ISBN 0762704780)

Basic Essentials: Weather Forecasting:
I thought this book was very well written. It gives you good advice and knowledge about weather forecasting and what to look for when doing so. I am studying to be a weather observer and this book has been a good reference book, I take it to work with me as I watch the weather on my driving job. Thank You for the opportunity to review this book.

Practical, Informative:
"Basic Essentials: Weather Forecasting" is a practical guide to weather as it relates to its most important aspect to humans: what its going to do next. It is a nice blend of conveying "weather 101" without losing sight of what it might be telling us. Chpt 1, for example, follows up telling us what causes storms, lighting and tornadoes with some practical safety advice. Similarly, in Chpt 2, we learn what the different types of clouds are and then how to tell when the weather is getting better or worse by reading cloud formations. There is a hidden gem in Chpt 5 (subtitled: Semireliable Forecasting from Legends and Lore). In it, 2 dozen weather "wives' tales" of various usefulness are examined. Overall, this is ideal for campers, hikers, boaters, amateur naturalists and scouts. Also recommended, Instant Weather Forecasting by Alan Watts.

Best for novices:
This is a good book, but only if you are using it to gain BASIC knowledge about the weather. If you are looking for a book that deals with forecasting, look elswewhere.

It's just a pocket guide:
If all you want is a handy quick reference for weather-watching, then this (very thin) book is good. I had wanted to learn all about weather, and really needed more examples, pictures, explanations. So I'll find and read a real text book, but then I'll carry Hodgson's little book when I go hiking.