Chapter 9: Weather Forecasting Acquisition of weather information Acquisition of weather information Weather forecasting tools Weather forecasting tools Weather forecasting methods Weather forecasting methods Weather forecasting using surface charts Weather forecasting using surface charts

Acquisition of Weather Information World Meteorological Organization World Meteorological Organization National Centers for Environmental Prediction National Centers for Environmental Prediction Watches: favorable condition for potential hazardous weather Watches: favorable condition for potential hazardous weather Warnings: hazardous weather is imminent or actually occurring Warnings: hazardous weather is imminent or actually occurring Advisories: like warning but for less hazardous weather Advisories: like warning but for less hazardous weather The internet plays a crucial role in the global communication of weather information.The internet plays a crucial role in the global communication of weather information. Go to: to:

Weather Forecasting Tools AWIPS: Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System AWIPS: Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System used by forecasters and can process satellite, radar, surface observation, radiosonde data and weather forecasting model output used by forecasters and can process satellite, radar, surface observation, radiosonde data and weather forecasting model output meteogram meteogram sounding sounding

Fig. 9-1, p. 238 Near Orlando, FL Hail size > 3 inch 100% probability

Satellites and Weather Forecasting geostationary satellites geostationary satellites polar orbiting satellites polar orbiting satellites Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite infrared images: estimate height; 3-D image infrared images: estimate height; 3-D image visible images: not useful at night visible images: not useful at night water vapor images: particularly useful for clear sky water vapor images: particularly useful for clear sky

Fig. 9-5, p km altitude Cannot see polar areas

Fig. 9-7, p. 241

Fig. 9-9a, p. 242 Visible Infrared Enhanced Infrared

Fig. 9-11, p. 243

The Computer and Weather Forecasting: Numerical Weather Prediction Analysis: final chart using available data Analysis: final chart using available data numerical weather prediction (NWP) : based on models numerical weather prediction (NWP) : based on models atmospheric models: fluid dynamics and atmospheric physics atmospheric models: fluid dynamics and atmospheric physics Progs: prosnostic chart for weather forecast Progs: prosnostic chart for weather forecast One of the world’s first computers was built for the specific purpose of performing weather forecasts.One of the world’s first computers was built for the specific purpose of performing weather forecasts.

Fig. 9-12a, p hr NWP forecast of 500 mb Height 12km vs 60km Resolution refers to grid spacing

Why NWS Forecasts go Awry and Steps to Improve Them grid spacing grid spacing incomplete data coverage incomplete data coverage model deficiencies due to subgrid processes model deficiencies due to subgrid processes chaos chaos ensemble forecasting: spaghetti plot to indicate the robustness of forecast ensemble forecasting: spaghetti plot to indicate the robustness of forecast Chaos theory tells us that weather forecasts are highly sensitive to our ability to observe the weather. Since it is impossible to observe the weather at all places at all times, weather forecasts will never be perfect.Chaos theory tells us that weather forecasts are highly sensitive to our ability to observe the weather. Since it is impossible to observe the weather at all places at all times, weather forecasts will never be perfect.

Other Forecasting Methods persistence forecast: not bad for Tucson in June persistence forecast: not bad for Tucson in June trend forecast: assuming constant change rate trend forecast: assuming constant change rate analogue method: search for similar chart in history analogue method: search for similar chart in history statistical forecast: routinely used; Model Output Statistics (MOS) statistical forecast: routinely used; Model Output Statistics (MOS) probability forecast: particularly for precipitation probability forecast: particularly for precipitation climatological forecast: good for Tucson rainfall in June climatological forecast: good for Tucson rainfall in June

Table 9-1, p. 249 What does it mean by `chance of rain is 50% for one area’? Choose the right answer a.It will rain over 50% of the area b.50% chance that rainfall will not occur in the whole area c.50% change that any random location in the area will receive measurable rainfall in the given period

Fig. 9-15, p. 250 Probability for a `white Christmas’ – 1 inch or more of snow

Types of Forecasts very short range forecast or nowcast: 0-6 hr very short range forecast or nowcast: 0-6 hr short range forecast: 6 hr – 3 days short range forecast: 6 hr – 3 days Mediate-range forecast: days Mediate-range forecast: days long range forecast: 8.5 days – 2 weeks long range forecast: 8.5 days – 2 weeks Monthly and seasonal outlooks Monthly and seasonal outlooks Long-range forecasts are less specific than short range forecasts.Long-range forecasts are less specific than short range forecasts.

Fig. 9-17, p. 251

Accuracy and Skill in Forecasting persistence persistence climatology climatology Both persistence and climatology are surprisingly accurate forecasting methods.Both persistence and climatology are surprisingly accurate forecasting methods.

Predicting the Weather from Local Signs Halo: `a halo around the moon portends rain’ (foldlore) Halo: `a halo around the moon portends rain’ (foldlore) To see a halo: block out the sun with your hand and look at the cirrostratus clouds. Wear polarized sunglasses if possible.To see a halo: block out the sun with your hand and look at the cirrostratus clouds. Wear polarized sunglasses if possible.

Determining the Movement of Weather Systems forecasting rules of thumb: forecasting rules of thumb: surface pressure systems tend to move in the same direction as the 500 mb wind; the speed at which surface systems move is about half the wind speed at 500 mb surface pressure systems tend to move in the same direction as the 500 mb wind; the speed at which surface systems move is about half the wind speed at 500 mb using the surface chart using the surface chart Internet now provides much of the weather information

Fig. 9-20, p. 256 Current front and front 6 hr ago 500 mb height Estimate for the next 24 hr observation for 24 hr later