weather eye

American  

noun

1. sensitivity and alertness to signs of change in the weather.

2. a steady and astute watchfulness, especially alertness to change.

---

idioms

1. keep one's / a weather eye open,  to be on one's guard; be watchful.

   He kept a weather eye open for new political developments.

weather eye British  

noun

1. the vision of a person trained to observe changes in the weather

2. informal  an alert or observant gaze

3. to stay on the alert

---

Etymology

Origin of weather eye

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Keep a weather eye on the horizon as they navigate their failing romance and battle against the forces of nature.

From New York Times

No longer would Haiti lurch from one financial crisis to the next, always with a weather eye on the horizon for the return of French warships.

From New York Times

Most Fed policymakers have signaled they are not inclined to reduce rates this year after cutting them three times last year, though they have a weather eye on the impact of the new coronavirus epidemic.

From Reuters

It’s proper to keep a weather eye out for indications that taxes are causing disaffection among high-income taxpayers in California, chiefly because the state’s tax structure is highly dependent on the top brackets.

From Los Angeles Times

Looking over Darryl’s shoulder, I kept a weather eye on the yellow line, occasionally shouting “Left, left, left!”

From Washington Post