WEATHER TOOLS SPI : Interpret meteorological data to make predictions about the weather.

WHAT ARE WEATHER TOOLS? Weather tools are instruments used to measure aspects of weather such as temperature, humidity, moisture, amount, and speed.Weather tools are instruments used to measure aspects of weather such as temperature, humidity, moisture, amount, and speed. Meteorologists use weather tools to forecast current weather and predict future weather patterns.Meteorologists use weather tools to forecast current weather and predict future weather patterns.

THERMOMETER A thermometer is a tool used to measure temperature outdoors.A thermometer is a tool used to measure temperature outdoors. Thermometers have two scales: Fahrenheit and Celsius.Thermometers have two scales: Fahrenheit and Celsius. In America, we commonly measure in Fahrenheit.In America, we commonly measure in Fahrenheit.

BAROMETER A barometer is a tool used to measure air pressure.A barometer is a tool used to measure air pressure. Air pressure is the weight of air pushing on the Earth’s atmosphere.Air pressure is the weight of air pushing on the Earth’s atmosphere.

BAROMETERThink: Barbell = weightlifting Bar = weight of air

BAROMETER A barometer uses inches and millibars to measure pressure.A barometer uses inches and millibars to measure pressure. The movement of the needle is also very important in measuring pressure.The movement of the needle is also very important in measuring pressure. If pressure is increasing (needle is moving clockwise), this suggests improving weather associated with a high pressure system.If pressure is increasing (needle is moving clockwise), this suggests improving weather associated with a high pressure system.

BAROMETER If pressure is decreasing (needle is moving counter-clockwise), this suggests worsening weather, associated with a low pressure system.If pressure is decreasing (needle is moving counter-clockwise), this suggests worsening weather, associated with a low pressure system. If pressure is steady (needle is staying in place), this is typical of extended weather periods of the same temperature.If pressure is steady (needle is staying in place), this is typical of extended weather periods of the same temperature.

HYGROMETER A hygrometer is a tool used to measure humidity in the air.A hygrometer is a tool used to measure humidity in the air. Humidity is how much water is in the air.Humidity is how much water is in the air.

HYGROMETER Think: H = humidity H = hygrometer

ANEMOMETER A anemometer is a tool used to measure the wind speed.A anemometer is a tool used to measure the wind speed. Wind speed is how fast the wind is moving.Wind speed is how fast the wind is moving.Think: Ants = move fast Anemometer = how fast wind is moving

ANEMOMETERThink: Ants = move fast Anemometer = how fast wind is moving

WIND VANE A wind vane is a tool used to measure the direction of the wind.A wind vane is a tool used to measure the direction of the wind. The arrow points in the direction from which the wind is blowing.The arrow points in the direction from which the wind is blowing.

RAIN GAUGE A rain gauge is a tool used to measure the amount of rainfall.A rain gauge is a tool used to measure the amount of rainfall. The amount of rainfall is usually measured in millimeters.The amount of rainfall is usually measured in millimeters.

ISOBARS An isobar is a line drawn on a weather map that connects points at which the air pressure (also called barometric pressure)is the same.An isobar is a line drawn on a weather map that connects points at which the air pressure (also called barometric pressure)is the same. Isobars that are widely spaced represent high pressure areas and have lighter winds.Isobars that are widely spaced represent high pressure areas and have lighter winds. Isobars that are closer together represent low pressure areas and have stronger winds.Isobars that are closer together represent low pressure areas and have stronger winds.

ISOBARS Isobars measure atmospheric pressure in millibars.Isobars measure atmospheric pressure in millibars. The higher the number on the map, the higher the atmospheric pressure is.The higher the number on the map, the higher the atmospheric pressure is. The lower the number on the map, the lower the atmospheric pressure is.The lower the number on the map, the lower the atmospheric pressure is.

WEATHER BALLOON A weather balloon is a tool which carries instruments into the sky to send back information on air pressure, temperature, humidity, wind direction, and wind speed by using a device called a radiosonde.A weather balloon is a tool which carries instruments into the sky to send back information on air pressure, temperature, humidity, wind direction, and wind speed by using a device called a radiosonde.

WEATHER BALLOON As the balloon rises through the atmosphere, radiosonde sensors measure and transmit data of air pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed and wind direction from the Earth’s surface to about 20 miles high in the sky.As the balloon rises through the atmosphere, radiosonde sensors measure and transmit data of air pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed and wind direction from the Earth’s surface to about 20 miles high in the sky. Radiosonde sensors transmit the data back to a computer on the ground.Radiosonde sensors transmit the data back to a computer on the ground.