Explanation:
Why Weather is Predicted
Think about one of the first things you do when you wake up in the morning and start getting ready for your day. You get up, take a shower, have some breakfast or coffee, and decide what to wear. This last item often depends on what the weather is going to be for that day. You probably check the forecast through your phone, the radio or television, or the paper.
While the best way to determine the weather is to step outside and see what it's doing, we all still rely on meteorologists to inform us of the weather we are about about to face. There may be some surprises later in the day!
Meteorologists help us to plan our activities around the upcoming weather, and avoid certain outcomes like storms.
lightning
Meteorologists (also called 'forecasters') are scientists who study weather patterns and atmospheric conditions. They compile data from thousands of observation sites, then create and analyze computer models based on that data.
Although weather forecasting isn't always accurate, there are several scientific methods and tools meteorologists use to make the most accurate prediction possible. Let's take a look how they make those predictions.
Meteorology Methods
Recent Weather Patterns
To predict the weather for a particular day, meteorologists first take a look at what weather occurred in the past 24 hours in a particular area, as well as what's happening right now. Most local weather is determined by location, or the geographic conditions of the area.
For example, we know that the northeast and upper Midwest regions of the US are prone to heavy snowfalls in the winter; hurricanes are common in the southeast; hot temperatures (both dry and humid) are characteristic of the south and southwest; and tornadoes are prevalent in the Great Plains.
This general knowledge may provide a foundation for predicting the weather in a particular region, however, meteorologists require much more detailed information to predict the local weather on a daily basis.
Radar like this is often used to track precipitation and weather patterns.
Radar map
Forecasting Tools
This detailed information begins with various forecasting tools meteorologists have at their disposal. Using tools such as satellites, radar, and surface maps, meteorologists look at patterns in the atmosphere, beginning with general patterns, then narrowing it down to the more specific details. We've all heard of satellites and radar, but you might not be familiar with surface maps.
Surface maps are used to view areas of low and high pressure.
Example of a Surface Map
Surface maps indicate certain weather components like areas of high pressure or low pressure. High pressure brings us good weather, such as those clear summer skies, whereas low pressure gives us those stormy days and nights in the spring.
