FWIW, I have found it very useful to compare my barometer reading to what I download, FAX or GRIB. This gives me an idea of how accurate the current and forecast synoptics are, especially if the wind speed/direction don’t seem to jive.

Some 'weather' books that I have found to be useful:
- USA Today Weather Book, http://www.randomhouse.com/book/1911...-jack-williams
- Bowditch, American Practical Navigator, ch 34 etc. Freely available from http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.por...2&pubCode=0002
- This is good for understanding 500 mB charts: Mai-Lai Chen & Lee Chesneau, “Heavy Weather Avoidance,” http://www.chesneaumarineweather.com/?p=203
- Steve & Linda Dashew, “Mariner’s Weasther Handbook,” http://setsail.com/mwh.pdf
- David Burch, “Modern Marine Weather,” http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Marine-.../dp/0914025082
- William Crawford, “Mariner’s Weather,” http://www.amazon.com/Mariners-Weath.../dp/1461040507