The theory is that you can determine whether you are flying from/to a higher or lower pressure or temperature based on the direction of crosswind. This is Buys Ballot's law. In the Northern Hemisphere, if you stand with your back to the wind, the low pressure system will be on your left. The reverse is true in the Southern Hemisphere. Therefore if you have a crosswind from the left (ie. starboard drift), you are flying towards a lower pressure. Then remember the phrase: "high to low, watch out below!", which will remind you that true altitude decreases as you fly towards a lower temperature or pressure.
Last edited by Yara-ma-yha-who; 8th Oct 2011 at 22:19.