Weather Weather Variables (chapter 6)

How do we describe the weather?

Meteorologists “weather reporter” Collects and studies weather variables to make a prediction about the weather How well do they make their predictions?

Weather Variables Those measurable factors that tell us the condition of the atmosphere at any given time Require instruments to measure Change constantly Give us the weather

Variables include: Temperature Atmospheric Pressure Wind Humidity Etc…

Temperature Temperature is the measure of the average kinetic energy in a system The Sun-earth interaction determines the temperature Measured with a thermometer (Celsius or Fahrenheit)

Atmospheric Pressure Caused by the weight of the air Air is lighter if it has more moisture in it Measured with a barometer

Humidity Caused by the amount of moisture in the air Measured with a hydrometer or a sling psychrometer

Wind Caused by the unequal heating of earth’s atmosphere Measured with a anemometer (wind speed) or wind vane (direction only)

Weather Station