Instant Weather Forecasting

Instant Weather Forecasting: You Can Predict the Weather has been a perennial bestseller for nearly five decades – and with good reason. Using just 24 clear colour photographs of real sky conditions, this brilliantly simple guide helps readers interpret cloud formations and predict short-term weather with surprising accuracy.

This fully revised 5th edition reflects how today’s users combine modern weather apps with traditional sky-watching. Whether you're sailing, fishing, gardening, flying, walking, or planning a holiday, this compact reference helps you read the signs above and make informed decisions below.

Perfect for slipping into a rucksack, cockpit, or glove box, it's a timeless tool for anyone who spends time outdoors – blending visual simplicity with meteorological insight.

About the Author

Alan Watts was a professional meteorologist whose fascination with wind shifts and short-term weather changes led him to write this bestselling guide. A passionate sailor since his time with the Sea Scouts, he dedicated his career to helping others read the sky. He passed away in May 2020.

Praise for Instant Weather Forecasting

“Brilliant in its simplicity... there’s something undeniably cool about being able to predict the weather quicker than you can find a forecast on Google.”
– Ski + Board

“A best-selling gem of a book... invaluable for anyone who works (or plays) in the great outdoors.”
– Towpath Walk Newspaper

“Excellent value and a good cockpit companion.”
– Classic Boat