10 WIND AND WAVES Depressions – what to expect


Of course, it’s the practical effects we have to cope with. First let’s deal with the words ‘veering’ and ‘backing’ which refer to changes in wind direction.


■ Veering is when the wind direction changes in a clockwise shift – for instance, west towards north.


■ Backing is when the wind direction shifts anti- clockwise – for instance, west to south.


Naturally, most of us rely on weather forecasts to warn us of approaching bad weather, but it’s still handy to be aware of visual signs that things are turning nasty. Since the majority of depressions pass to north of most of us, let’s assume this is the case here. Early indications include:


■ High, wispy white (cirrus) clouds, commonly called ‘mares’ tails’. They often have hooked ends.


■ The wind backs towards the south. ■ The barometer (if you have one) starts to fall.


Cold front Cold air


Warm front Warm air Fig 10:3


Unless you are far offshore, these indicators should give you plenty of time to head for shelter, but if you do get caught out, this is what you can expect in the various sectors of a depression as it passes over you.


Cold air and showers, clearing.


Warm air rising. Clear and dry.


Cold air


Strong winds and possible thunderstorms.


Lowering cloud and steady rain ahead of the warm front


Fig 10:4 76


RYA Seamanship for Sea Anglers


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