WEATHER INSTRUMENTS

Why do you think it is important to forecast the weather?

HOW DO THEY DO IT? A meteorologist is a person who observes and collects data on atmospheric conditions to make weather predictions. Meteorologists generate a weather forecast, which is a prediction of weather conditions over the next 5-7 days.

Where do meteorologists get their information? Today you will learn how instruments along with technology are used to create forecasts.

WEATHER-FORECASTING TECHNOLOGY Meteorologists measure various atmospheric conditions: Can you name some from our collection of weather data? Be a “Meteorologist” to your partner and list as many as you can think of on the Post-It notes at your table!

HIGH IN THE SKY WEATHER BALLOONS carry electronic equipment that can measure weather conditions as high as 30 km (18 miles) above Earth’s surface. They’re launched twice daily. They carry equipment that measures: temperature air pressure relative humidity wind speed direction of the wind They carry radio transmitters that send measurements around the world.

Weather Balloon

MEASURING AIR TEMPERATURE What do your parents use to measure your temperature? Thermometer A thermometer can also be used to measure the temperature of the atmosphere.

MEASURING AIR PRESSURE A BAROMETER is used to measure air pressure sometimes called barometric pressure. Aneroid Barometer Remember: 31–32 = fair, pretty days 30 = weather starts changing 28-29 = rain to stormy Mercury Barometer

MEASURING WIND DIRECTION Windsock How do you think a windsock works? Why is a windsock often seen at airports?

WIND VANE Have you ever seen a weather vane A.k.a. Weather Vane Have you ever seen a weather vane up on a roof of a barn or house? Why do you think they are placed there? How do you think a wind vane works?

MEASURING WIND SPEED An instrument used to measure wind speed is called an ANEMOMETER. It consists of 3-4 cups connected by spokes to a pole. Anemometer

WEATHER SATELLITES Orbit the Earth Provide images of weather systems that are featured on the weather reports, tracks storms, measures humidity, wind speeds, temperatures at different altitudes.

Doppler Radar The Doppler radar used in weather forecasting measures the direction and speed, or velocity, of objects such as drops of precipitation. This is called the Doppler Effect and is used to determine whether movement in the atmosphere is horizontally toward or away from the radar, which aides in weather forecasting.

On a piece of paper, write the name of the instrument and what it measures 3. 2. 1. 5. 8. 7. 4. 6.