You are now wearing durable, windproof and waterproof outdoor gloves and deep into the wilderness. Your figure seems so small in the vast land, but it exudes the courage and determination of an explorer. Just as you are immersed in this freedom and excitement, the mood of nature suddenly changes drastically. The wind begins to howl, sweeping everything around, and the whole sky seems to be shrouded in a bad mood on steroids, which is extremely depressing and heavy. Uh oh, nature shows her not-so-pleasant side. Don't panic! Although extreme weather can be scary and unsettling, as long as we master some basic survival skills and make corresponding preparations, we can successfully withstand the invasion of storms.

Pay attention to the weather

Check the forecast (and then check again): Don’t trust sunshine and rainbows just because your weather app said it a week ago. Mountain weather can change faster than a toddler’s mood swings. Check the forecast regularly, especially before you leave. Pay close attention to any warnings or advisories for your area.

Pack for every eventuality

Don’t be fooled by a sunny morning—bring multiple layers! That way, you can adjust your clothing as the temperature changes. Even if the forecast seems sunny, bring a raincoat and waterproof pants. Even in the summer, don’t forget warm clothing like a hat, gloves, and a fleece jacket for suddenly cold nights or unexpected weather changes in the mountains.

Invest in a good shelter

While a five-star hotel room may sound ideal, a sturdy tent is your best option when the weather changes suddenly. Choose a tent that is suitable for the conditions you may encounter. A four-season tent can handle more severe weather, while a lightweight backpacking tent may be sufficient for a sunny hike, but there may be afternoon showers.

Know your emergency plan

Before you go, make a plan for what to do if you encounter severe weather. Do you have a designated emergency shelter you can get to? Who is your emergency contact? What is the best way to signal for help? Being prepared doesn't guarantee the sun will shine, but it will definitely give you peace of mind and increase your chances of staying safe if the weather takes a nasty turn.

Find Shelter

If you're already in bad weather, your first priority is to find shelter. Get out of the open: This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's extremely important. Avoid exposed areas like ridges or open fields. If possible, head for lower ground. Look for natural formations like caves or overhanging rocks (make sure there's no danger of rockfall or flash flooding). If you're lucky, you might find a pre-built structure like a ranger station or sturdy cabin. If you have the time and the right spot, pitch a tent as a wind and rain barrier. Make sure your tent has anchor ropes and stakes to protect against strong winds. In a pinch, you can make a makeshift shelter out of anything you have on hand. Use fallen branches, leaves, and your raincoat to create a windbreak. Dig a trench around your makeshift shelter to divert water. The idea is to create a barrier that blocks wind, rain, or snow to help keep you warm and dry. Staying safe is more important than being comfortable -- you can always deal with a slightly cramped or wet shelter after the storm passes.

Stay warm and dry

Once you have found shelter, focus on staying warm and dry. Wear all of your dry clothes, even if they are less than ideal. If necessary, stuff some leaves or grass inside your clothes for added insulation. Gentle movement helps generate body heat. Do some light stretching or jump rope to get your blood flowing. Drink plenty of water even if you don't feel thirsty. Dehydration can worsen the effects of cold weather.Food provides the body with fuel to stay warm. If you have high-calorie snacks like energy bars or nuts, munch on a few to keep your energy levels up. Protecting exposed skin with a hat, gloves, socks, or even a bandana can go a long way.