Weather Forecasting Part 3 Mrs. Nagrone

Objectives  You will have the understanding of how meteorologists make station models and surface maps.  You will be able to name the tools and technology that meteorologists use to forecast weather.

Forecasting the Weather  A forecast is a predicition of what the weather will be like in the future.  Meteorologists use a station model, an arrangement of symbols and numbers that show the weather conditions recorded at a weather station.

Forecasting Weather  A surface map includes station models and information about fronts and about centers of high pressure and low pressure.

Forecasting Weather  Weather balloons carry a package of instruments that record data about temperature, air pressure, and humidity.  The information is transmitted back to the ground by radio.  Balloons can work up as high as 100,000 ft.

Weather Maps  A weather map shows data about recent weather conditions across a large area.  The National Weather Service (NWS) is the main source of weather maps in the United States.  The NWS has over 350 weather stations that send them data several times a day.  A weather map shows fronts, pressure, precipitation, and temperature.

Satellite and Doppler Technology  Satellites and Doppler radar help warn people of dangerous weather.  Weather satellites orbit the earth and send back pictures of what is happening.  Doppler radar uses the reflection of radio waves to measure wind speed and precipitation.  /STORMWATCH/stormwat ch.html /STORMWATCH/stormwat ch.html /STORMWATCH/stormwat ch.html

Weather Forecasting Instruments  Weather Vane  Anemometer  Thermometer  Hygrometer  Barometer  Geostation (GOES)  Satellite

Summary  Meteorologists use data collected at weather stations to make surface maps.  Maps include stations models and symbols for systems such as fronts and for centers of high and low pressure.  Weather maps also use information collected by weather satellites, Doppler radar and weather balloons.