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Predicting the Weather: The Gluten Free Sourdough Method

  • Jan 7
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jan 8



Close-up of a sliced loaf of gluten free sourdough bread, showing the airy crumb and crust texture against a white background.

Who needs a weather app when your sourdough starter can do the job? Believe it or not, your dough's rise or fall can help predict the weather, thanks to its sensitivity to temperature and humidity. Here's how to read your dough like a weather forecast:


How Sourdough Predicts the Weather


  • Rapid Rise

    If your dough rises quickly, you can expect warm, sunny weather ahead. Your starter is loving the heat, and so is the atmosphere!

  • Slow Rise

    A sluggish rise usually means cooler air is on the way. Prepare for cloudy skies or even rain.

  • Flat Dough

    When your dough doesn't rise at all, a cold front is likely coming. Expect chilly winds or frost.


The (Not So) Scientific Explanation

Your sourdough behaves like a mini weather station, reacting to environmental changes:

  • Temperature: Warm temperatures make yeast more active, causing the dough to rise quickly. Cooler temperatures slow the yeast, leading to a slower rise.

  • Humidity: Sticky dough = high humidity, which often means rain is on the way.

  • Air Pressure: Bubbling dough suggests low air pressure, indicating a storm might be approaching.


Join the Gluten-Free Sourdough Challenge

Mark your calendars for Monday, January 13, 2025, and join the gluten-free sourdough starter challenge! We'll create starters, bake bread, and learn how to interpret the weather cues from dough behavior. Whether you're gluten-free by necessity or choice, this hands-on experience is perfect for mastering both baking and forecasting!



Who needs high-tech weather apps when your sourdough starter can give you the forecast? So, the next time you bake, let your dough guide you. Happy baking and forecasting! May your sourdough always rise (or fall) with the weather!


Don't forget to join us for the Gluten-Free Sourdough Challenge on January 13th!

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