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 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 On some weather maps, you see curved lines. These lines connect places where certain conditions—temperature or air pressure—are the same.

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

Isotherms are lines joining places that have the same temperature.

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