Weather
Forecasting the weather is a science and technology that makes use of relevant tools in order to make predictions on a geographical area. In the past, people rely on informal tools but with the development of new tools and resources, weather forecasting is now seen as a science. Right now, scientists are now using computer modeling as a way to predict the weather and movement of atmospheric phenomena. This is now the practice for many weather stations and agencies like Accuweather and CBS Disaster Links. Though there are the latest tools and computer models, human intervention are also required. Though advanced tools and computer models are used, weather forecasting is not considered as an accurate science. Weather forecasting and prediction can help in many ways. For example, farmers and those involved in different kinds of business will rely on the technology and the resources provided by NEXRAD radar and the TV Weather.com. Also, the general public also relies on weather forecasting to make decisions on their travel plans and to even decide on what to wear.
How Weather Forecasting Started
Weather forecasting was started by the Babylonians in 650 BC. Aristotle also dabbled in weather forecasting through his work in Meteorologica. Theophrastus also worked on forecasting through his Book of Signs. Indian and Chinese astrologers also contributed in the development of the science of weather forecasting. The traditional way of forecasting the weather involves observations or pattern recognitions. From the observed phenomena and patterns, the weather lore has been developed over time. Modern weather forecasting happened in 1835 when the electric telegraph was introduced. Through the telegraph, the reporting of weather has been made easier. As years passed, innovations and new technologies contributed to the development of the science of weather forecasting. John von Neuman led a team that predicted weather using a computer. The start of numerical prediction of the weather started with the introduction of programmable computers.
Top Techniques Used in Weather Forecasting
Persistence
This is the simplest way to tell the weather. Under this technique, today’s weather will be the same for tomorrow. This works if the weather remains the same, especially during the summer.
Using of Barometer
Under the technique, the barometric readings will be used as the basis for weather predictions. If there is a rapid drop in pressure, then a low pressure system is developing or fast approaching.
Taking a Look At the Sky
The sky will serve as the main source of information on changing weather conditions. If there is a thickening of the clouds, then rain can be expected. If there’s a morning fog, then there’s a big chance that great weather will be experienced in the next few hours.
Other important techniques that are used in weather forecasting includes nowcasting, analog technique and the use of forecast models that is usually tapped by weather organizations like Weather.com, World Weather and Wunderground.
No matter what the techniques used, the weather readings, news and predictions that are dispensed by WXUSA are used by the public, businesses and different sectors to come up with their own plans for the day or for the rest of the week.
Education Resources
Climate and Climate Change
- IPCC Report on Climate Change
- The Scientific Consensus on Climate Change
- Sea Level Rise
- Extreme Weather
- Hurricanes and Climate Change
- Volcanoes
- The effect of nuclear war on climate
- Global Warming Causes Stratospheric Cooling
- Our Acidifying Oceans
- The Science of Abrupt Climate Change
- The Ozone Hole
Climate Change Opinion
- Is Carbon Dioxide a Pollutant?
- The Skeptics vs. the Ozone Hole
Climate Change Book and Movie Reviews
- Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth
- Michael Crichton’s State of Fear
- The Day After Tomorrow™ movie
- Review of the book, Field Notes from a Catastrophe
Severe Weather Resources
- AccuWeather
- CBS Disaster Links
- NEXRAD Radar
- TV Weather.com
- Weather.com
- World Weather
- WxUSA
- Wunderground
- Severe Storms & Supercells
- Tornado FAQ
- Where Tornadoes Occur
- Enhanced Fujita Scale
- Tornado Safety and Preparedness
- Tornadoes: Fact Vs. Myth
- Lightning
- Hail
- Flooding and Flash Flooding
- Severe Weather Glossary
Pollution and Health
Hurricanes
- Hunting Hugo: The Hurricane Hunters’ Wildest Ride
- The six hurricane/typhoon hunter missions that never returned to base
- A new world record wind gust: 253 mph in Australia’s Tropical Cyclone Olivia
- Wind shear tutorial
- Subtropical storm tutorial
- African dust tutorial
- Gulf of Mexico ocean heat tutorial
- African wave tutorial
- Modiki El Niños and Atlantic hurricane activity
- Is the Atlantic hurricane season getting longer?
- Late-starting hurricane seasons
- Looking back at Hurricane Gustav’s record 211 mph wind gust
- Remembering Hurricane Hugo 20 years later
- Haiti’s tragic hurricane history
- Global warming and the frequency of intense Atlantic hurricanes: model results
- Complete subject list of Dr. Jeff Masters’ blogs on hurricanes
Weather Resources for Students
- Schoolday Forecast from The Weather Channel
- Weather Puzzles and Games
- Careers in Meteorology
- The Weather Channel Kids pages
- University Weather Departments Where to get a degree in weather
- Making a Weather Station
- Weather World from Penn State University
- Franklin’s Forecast
- Weather Coloring Books Print them out!
- Storm Chaser
- Weather Photos from NOAA
- Climate Kids From Southeast Regional Climate Center
- Earth & Sky from the Radio Show
- Science Hobbyist Science Projects and More