1. WEATHER INSTRUMENTS

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

3. 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.

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

5. 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!

6. 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.

7. Weather Balloon

8. 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.

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

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

11. 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?

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. On a piece of paper, write the name of the instrument and what it measures3. 2. 1. 5. 8. 7. 4. 6.