Weather conditions can totally change a bushwalking experience. For some, a rainy trip can be a magical way of seeing the trees jump to life under different lighting conditions, for others, it’s enjoying the eery silence as all wildlife take shelter and the birds stop singing.
Taking into account likely weather conditions is a key part of the planning and preparation process. It affects our decisions as to what to wear, what type of equipment to carry, how much water to carry and so on. Together, it’s part of how to make a bushwalking experience a safe and comfortable journey for everyone involved.
From planning a short day walk to a multi-day wilderness trip, it is a good idea to check the latest weather forecasts and weather warnings before departing to stay safe. Remember, weather conditions change, so keeping alert and being able to quickly adapt to changing conditions is key. Part of the planning and preparation process is making sure that you have enough gear with you not merely just to survive out there in the bush, but thrive!
The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology posts radar and satellite images, weather maps, tide predictions, sea temperature, tsunami warnings and cyclone maps for the whole country. It’s a great way to understand how weather patterns form and influence our lives. One metric that is particularly handy for bushwalkers is the Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT). It’s a ‘feels like’ temperature based on actual temperature plus humidity, wind chill and shade. The probable WBGT provides a more accurate indication of the temperature as perceived by humans and can be used to plan which walk to do and what gear to carry.