In the winter of 1888, there was a blizzard so severe that the many people died as a result. This terrible storm showed people that the United States needed to develop a system for forecasting weather and alerting the public so that they could be prepared. So, the national weather service began operations.
Now alerts of severe weather are posted on television, and radio and people often use weather radios to sound the alarm if a bad storm is approaching. NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, located in Norman, Oklahoma studies and records weather and issues reports to television stations and authorities when dangerous weather develops.
In the central US the most feared storm in the tornado. In coastal regions south and along the east coast hurricanes are devastating. Thunderstorms and storms with strong winds are better met if citizens know in advance they are coming. Earthquakes shake up the west coast and northern states are hard hit with heavy snow and blizzards. During floods people are evacuated to safety if forecasters warn them of the possibility of danger.
Learn the Clouds
Clouds tell us much of what is happening and when. Fluffy cumulous clouds tell us the weather is fine and clear sunny skies usually host those. Dark stratus clouds block the sun and spell rain or snow. Cumulus Congestus clouds build throughout the day. If enough heat rises from a warm ground these can develop into thunderstorms by evening. A thunderstorm can hold heavy rain and involve winds of tornado force, drop hail, and send lightning earthward.
There are many good books about clouds and a study of the main types and what each may say about the weather is a good first step in learning to predict weather.
Barometric Pressure
Barometric pressure rises and falls. It gives some people headaches and joint aches that tell them the weather is changing from dry to wet. Here is a small rhyme to help you remember what the barometric pressure reading means: “When it’s high the weather’s dry; When it’s low--not so!” A barometer tells the meteorologist dense the air is, or in other words the weight of the air. It is measured in hectopascals, millibars, or inches of mercury.
Precipitation and Wind
The amount of rain can be measured by a rain gauge. Some meteorologists make calculated guesses as to how much rain an area might have, but they cannot always judge for certain as to the amount.
An anemometer gives you a reading of the wind speed (velocity) and the wind’s direction. This instrument looks like plastic spoons mounted sideways so that the wind can spin them and determine the wind speed.
Airports use wind socks which are brightly colored and large so they can be seen by pilots from a distance and by air traffic controllers in giving directions to pilots landing planes. Judging by how fully the sock is standing out and by the direction the smaller end is pointing, the pilot is trained to judge wind. With practice a student can learn to judge wind speed by the amount it blows trees and objects like flags.
Temperatures
Temperatures can be estimated according to the seasonal expectations of that date. Regions vary in climate so whatever is normal for that region is expected. Base your forecast on what is normal combined with what has been happening there Cold fronts moving in and cloudy skies will result in cooler temperatures. Rain usually cools things off.
A prediction should also figure in the wind direction and wind speed. Cold wind from the north or warm wind from the south will change the outcome.
You can learn by watching the daily forecasts or studying the weather page in the newspaper. Try studying the clouds and using simple instruments like an outdoor thermometer, rain gauge, and an anemometer. Make a weather chart. Test your skill by forecasting a week ahead and the checking to see how accurate you are.
Weather forecasting is a great hobby and a skill that will serve you well. Learn to observe the clouds, teach yourself about barometric pressure, temperature and wind, and precipitation. Soon you should be able to forecast weather conditions accurately.
Elece Hollis - Elece Hollis is a freelance writer. She has contributed to fourteen books through Snapdragon Editorial Group with several Christian ...
