Weather 101 Brainstorm Why do we study the weather? Create a concept map with as many words you know about weather.

What is Weather? Weather is the state of the atmosphere at any given place and time Weather forecasts are predictions of weather. You find them in the newspaper, on TV, or on your smartphone.

Meteorology and Meteorologists Meteorology the study of weather Meteorologists study the weather

Observing the Weather We can observe the weather by direct observation, or by using weather tools Direct observation – person going outside to look at the weather

Weather Tools Basic tools used include: Computers – generate data and models Thermometer – measures temperature Anemometer – measures wind speed and direction Psychrometer/Hygrometer – measures humidity Barometer – measures air pressure Rain Gauge – measures rainfall Meter stick – measures snowfall

Computers Data is input into computers by tools and meteorologists to generate a model or a weather forecast

Weather Tools Thermometer Measures air temperature Can be both °F or °C

Psychrometer Measures humidity in the air Humidity – how much water vapor is in the atmosphere

Air Pressure Barometer Measures air pressure

Air Pressure Air Pressure gives you two pieces of weather information: A change in air pressure causes wind on Earth’s surface Low air pressure = clouds, rain, thunderstorms High air pressure = very little to no clouds, sunny skies

Wind Anemometer Measures wind speed Compass provides the direction

Precipitation Rain Gauge A rain gauge measures rainfall Meter stick A meter stick measures snowfall