1. Section 4: Weather Analysis and Prediction
Several methods are used to develop short-term and long-term weather forecasts. K
What I Know W
What I Want to Find Out L
What I Learned

2. Essential Questions
What information is on a basic surface weather chart?
How do digital and analog forecasting differ?
What are problems associated with long-term forecasts?
Weather Analysis and Prediction
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3. Vocabulary Review New model station model isobar isotherm
digital forecast
analog forecast
Weather Analysis and Prediction
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4. Surface Weather Analysis
Station models
A station model is a record of weather data for a particular site at a particular time.
Meteorological symbols are used to represent weather data in a station model.
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Weather Analysis and Prediction

5. Surface Weather Analysis
Interpreting station model data
The weather map shows isobars and air pressure data for the continental United States.
Meteorologists use lines that connect points of equal or constant values.
Lines of equal pressure are called isobars.
Weather Analysis and Prediction
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6. Surface Weather Analysis Plotting station model data
Lines of equal temperature are called isotherms.
Interpreting station model data
Using isobars, isotherms, and station model data, meteorologists can analyze current weather conditions for a particular location.
Weather Analysis and Prediction
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7. Types of Forecasts Digital forecasts Analog forecasts
A digital forecast is created by applying physical principles and mathematics to atmospheric variables and then making a prediction about how these variables will change over time.
Analog forecasts
An analog forecast is based on a comparison of current weather patterns to similar weather patterns from the past.
Weather Analysis and Prediction
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8. Short-Term Forecasts
The most accurate and detailed forecasts are short term because weather systems change directions, speeds, and intensities over time.
What is this weeks weather forecast?
Weather Analysis and Prediction
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9. Long-Term Forecasts
Because it is impossible for computers to model every variable that affects the weather at a given time and place, all long-term forecasts are less reliable than short-term forecasts.
Weather Analysis and Prediction
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10. Review Essential Questions Vocabulary
What information is on a basic surface weather chart?
How do digital and analog forecasting differ?
What are problems associated with long-term forecasts?
Vocabulary
station model
isobar
isotherm
digital forecast
analog forecast
Weather Analysis and Prediction
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