National Audubon Society Field Guide to Weather: North America

National Audubon Society Field Guides

by David McWilliams Ludlum, National Audubon Society

Interest in our nation's weather patterns is rising -- as witnessed in the popularity of the Weather Channel -- and this guide is the most popular reference to every type of weather system, cloud formation, and atmospheric phenomenon common to North America. The 378 dramatic photographs capture cloud types, precipitation, storms, twisters, and optical phenomena such as the Northern Lights. Essays with accompanying maps and illustrations discuss the earth's atmosphere, weather systems, cloud formation, and development of tornadoes and many other weather events.

Genres: Reference, Nature, Science, Nonfiction, Field Guides, Environment, Earth Sciences

656 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 1991

Reviews

[Erich Franz Linner-Guzmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had this book since I was a child and it has brought great joy throughout the years; well mainly when I was a youngster. This book and all the other field guides that Alfred A. Knopf published are fantastic, I own 4 myself and all are just as great as this one.

[Juli Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will likely purchase a copy of this book as a reference for my weather forecasting studies next year!

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I traveled a lot for work, I used to keep this in my backpack to identify clouds and other weather issues. A bit heavy, but worth it. Otherwise, having it handy in the house is just as good.

[Ariel]

Step 1 in becoming a weather freak

[Matthew Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been a constant companion of mine since 1995 when I was a teenager. It has seen the grey nimbostratus of Pittsburgh, the fleeting cirrus and cirrostratus clouds of the Mojave desert, the billowing cumulus and cumulostratus of the Eastern Shore, and hundreds of locations in between. It has survived floods, earthquakes, and several hurricanes with minimal damage. (Slight water damage from a flooded garage.)

I never fail to learn something new and fascinating every time I open this book, even though I've read every page several times over by now. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in meteorology, weather observation, and cloud gazing in general.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

For one summer in grade school, I ritualistically observed the weather every day. Rain gauge, barometer, camera to capture cloud formations, notebook to record it all. I made my own predictions. I compared them with the Farmer's Almanac and the Weather Channel. See how the book is baby blue? I wore baby blue shorts and a baby blue shirt when gathering data. This book was always in hand.

That copy was water damaged, but it's been recently replaced. I am still a little obsessive about the weather.

[Tad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro to trying to understand weather patterns more deeply than what you are fed on weather.com or other news reports on the weather. The book gives you insight on how forecasters do their jobs, and the science of meteorology in general.

As it's a field guide, there are plenty of great color pictures showing various cloud types and other weather phenomena. I'd say if you're interested in learning more about meteorology, this would be a great place to start.

[Simon Goetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written with scientific finesse and packaged with beautiful color plates and a durable plastic horizon-blue dust jacket, this book spells instant meteorological boner. Guaranteed. The section on orographic clouds is especially riveting.

I carry a copy of this book on my person at all times. You should too, if you have a person who is willing to carry it.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of an impulse buy than anything, but it was useful while on field work in America, the photography is superb and the descriptions of each cloud type are well thought out and will make sense to amateurs and professionals alike

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The photography is stunning, and the descriptions of cloud types &c. are helpful and concise.

The stuff about how the weather service works is all outdated (I think I had the 1991 edition), but it was a fascinating time capsule into the pre-computer world of meteorology.

[Michael Shilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stare at the sky more. The weather is interesting.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this book since I was a kid. It isn't exactly for the beginning meteorologist. If you don't understand whats going on in between then at least enjoy the pictures.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the weather and my husband got this as a gift. It's nicely divided, easy to read, and has great pictures.

[Mahria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew the Audubon Society had a weather field guide? So good! I want to have a bookshelf for all of the field guides. Chock full of cloud pictures, weather science and historic facts.

[keereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

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