As a long standing radio ham, I have tried most radio ralted aspects of the hobby..
One that I played with a few years ago that is now paying dividends is the recpetion of satellite photos (Colour) of the actuall weather systems and cloud cover over the area you are currently in.

CHeck out www.rig.org.uk - a ham radio radio imaging group website.

Using their RX2 receiver kit, and a homemade quadrifilar helix antenna - made from copper central heating pipe and simple to make - you can receive up to the minute images of the atmosphere around your area.
One piece of software tracks the satellites, another decodes the images. simply superb.
On top of a synoptic chart.. it really gives you all you need.

It seems complex to the non radio enthusiast, but really, it isnt.

world wide reception.. cheap.. reliable. certain scanning receivers can be used (Like the ICOM PCR 1500) but the dedicated RX2 is better due to if filter bandwidth.

another great addition to your self sustaining life.

excellent kit.. now resurrected from 4 years ago.. and a 'not to be without' piece of kit.