To the country folk of Appalachia, the ability to predict the weather by watching the rising of chimney smoke was crucial to survival. It is actually very easy to learn how to read these signals. Here are some points to remember to divine the weather from smoke: When smoke rises straight up, even during rain or snow, it means the weather will clear soon. If the smoke hangs low near the roof, precipitation will occur within the next twenty-four hours. If smoke hangs low, but birds are active, the weather will clear soon. And if smoke drifts back down the chimney, the weather is about to change. Watching the weather can enhance certain magical activities, such as fire divination and spirit contact.