To determine the weather conditions using some of these observations may be insufficient. It is advisable to recall and compare with recent whether weather conditions or asking someone in the area that has observed the conditions. Back to top Observing past wind events Wind has the tendency to move loose objects such as leaves and dust, or break branches depending on the strength of the wind as discussed in the previous section. Therefore, if leaves have been deposited away from trees, or dust has been deposited on areas away from soil, then wind has occurred. It is important to distinguish between the effects of wind and water.
Wind can deposit material anywhere whereas water travels downhill.
There are several indicators of stronger winds. Plants such as long grass are usually easily flattened especially if the lower stems break. Trees stripped of their leaves and twigs also indicate stronger winds whilst widespread leaves, papers and other forms of loose debris caught on fences or on roves may indicate strong winds. This should not be confused with papers and grass carried by birds for their nests. If large branches or trees have been snapped or trees uprooted, very strong winds have occurred.