It's DIY for the meteorologically inclined. We show you how to build a weather vane from a beer can, a barometer from a beer bottle, and a rain gauge from an olive jar.
High atmospheric pressure (rising water in the neck of the bottle) implies fair weather; low pressure typically brings systems of rain and wind.
Drink a straight-necked bottle of beer, and overturn the bottle into a maraschino cherry jar. The mouth of the bottle should not reach the bottom of the jar. Add food coloring to some water; pour enough into the jar to cover three-quarters of the bottle neck. The water in the neck will rise when atmospheric pressure is high and sink when a low-pressure weather system approaches.
Aluminum-Can Wind Vane
If the arrow (cut from a beer can or pie plate) is pointing east, the wind is coming from the east. Drastic shifts in direction may herald bad weather.
Cut a triangle and a trapezoid out of a beer can or pie plate to make the arrow's head and tail. Fasten the flattened pieces to the ends of a sturdy ruler by cutting thin slits into both ends of the ruler and gluing the shapes into place.Nail the ruler to a broomstick, using a washer in between to allow the ruler to move smoothly. Affix the entire thing to a fence post or porch railing.
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Post-Cocktail Rain Gauge
An empty olive jar may keep you from over- or underwatering your lawn and garden—1 inch of water per week is usually about right.
Serve martinis, emptying a tall, wide olive jar. Starting from the base, mark every inch and half-inch increment. Place it away from overhanging branches to get valid results.