An illustration shows an umbrella with a built-in radio receiver in its handle that receives weather data from the Internet and lights up when it is going to rain, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, July 30, 2007. Ambient Devices, which specializes in integrating Internet information into everyday products, has devised an umbrella with a built-in radio receiver in its handle that receives weather data for 150 U.S. locations from forecasting site Accuweather.com via a proprietary wireless network.[Photo: Reuters]

During the summertime, I don't think twice about weather forecasts, since the weather is quite predictable in California—sunny and warm, right? I can't say the same during the Fall-Winter season, when the weather is more erratic, and the best way to find out if it will snow or rain is by catching the six o'clock news—or by signing up for SMS weather alerts, of course.

I usually keep an umbrella in the car or by the door, but if you prefer a more high-tech way of predicting the weather, then you'll like the Ambient Umbrella. This is the first time I hear of an umbrella that will alert you of rainy days ahead.

It works by communicating with AccuWeather.com through a built-in radio receiver hidden in the handle. Once it downloads the weather report for the day, the handle will emit a blue glow on days when rain is expected.

Alternating pulses means you can expect light rain, while rapid pulses warn you of thunderstorms ahead. According to Reuters, the umbrella receives weather data for 150 U.S. locations via a proprietary wireless network. The good news is this technology is available in America, and you can purchase your own smart umbrella for $125.