Predicting the Weather

Weather Forecasting Meteorologists are scientists who study the causes of weather and try to predict it. They analyze data and prepare weather forecasts. Meteorologists interpret information from a variety of sources including Local weather observers Maps and charts Computers Balloons Satellites Weather stations Radar

Weather Forecasting Weather forecasting is important because it helps us predict weather in the future.

Weather Balloons Carry instruments high into the troposphere and stratosphere. The instruments measure temperature, air pressure, and humidity.

Satellites Cameras on weather satellites in the exosphere can photograph Earth's surface, clouds, storms, ice and snow cover. These images are then transmitted to meteorologists on Earth, who interpret the information.

Computer Forecasts   Computers can now gather data about temperature, air pressure, wind speed, and other factors. Computers process large amounts of information quickly to help forecasters make predictions.

Weather Service Maps Weather maps are important because they provide visual information with regards to weather. They can tell us where “fronts” are. On some weather maps, you see curved lines. They tell us about isobar and isotherm lines. These lines connect places where certain conditions—temperature or air pressure—are the same.

Newspaper Weather Maps Standard symbols on weather maps show fronts, areas of high and low pressure, types of precipitation, and temperatures.

Cold Front

Warm Front

Stationary Front

Occluded Front

Isobars Isobars are lines joining places on the map that have the same air pressure.

Isobars

Isotherms Isotherms are lines joining places that have the same temperature.