Attention Getting Question:

Have you ever wondered how scientists predict the weather? Let’s find out!

Introduction:

Weather is the condition of the atmosphere at a given time and place. Weather may only last a day or two. Climate describes the weather over a period of time. If you wait long enough, weather will change. Climate takes decades or centuries to change. Wind and storms are daily changes in the weather while the earth’s position as it revolves around the sun determines the seasonal changes. Scientists study both weather and climate in order to make predictions about the weather.

Subject:

Meteorologists have a difficult task of trying to predict the weather. Meteorologists are scientists who study the weather. They look at the temperature to see how hot or cold it is. They observe the direction and speed of the wind. They measure the humidity or the amount of water in the air. They also investigate the air pressure. Air pressure is the force produced by the weight of the air pressing down on the ground.

Meteorologists use many different tools to investigate the weather. Some of the tools they use may be found in your classroom or at home. A thermometer is used to measure temperature. A wind vane and anemometer measures the wind direction and wind speed. A rain gauge measures the amount of rainfall.Humidity is figured by reading the dew point and temperature to find the amount of moisture in the air. A dew point gauge is used to measure the temperature when dew, or water on the ground, forms. Meteorologists also use weather satellites and radars to monitor the weather and climate. Weather satellites orbit the earth to show pictures of weather patterns from space. Radars are electronic instruments which help meteorologists detect approaching storms, provide accurate weather forecasts, and advanced severe weather warnings.

Once meteorologists study the weather, they report their findings. You can watch a weather forecast on TV, look up the weather on the internet, use a weather app to find out about the weather, listen to the weather on the radio, or read a newspaper about weather predictions.It is helpful to know what the weather will be in order to dress appropriately and plan events. You wouldn’t want to schedule a pool party if it was going to rain.

One way you can learn more about weather predictions is by learning how to read a weather map. These maps show cold and warm fronts, types of precipitation, information about the cloud cover, and high and low pressure systems. A blue H means an area of high pressure. It usually means calm, sunny weather. A red L means an area of low pressure. It can mean stormy weather. Most fronts come out of low pressure areas.

Even though meteorologists carefully study the weather, their predictions can be wrong. The weather can be unpredictable. You may go to bed after hearing a weather prediction of a light dusting of snow and wake up to a winter wonderland, but most of the time, their predictions are close. Scientists today know more about the weather and how to predict it than ever before!

Summary:

Weather is the condition of the atmosphere at a given time and place. Climate is the weather over a period of time. Meteorologists are scientists who study the weather. They make predictions by using tools that measure temperature, the direction and speed of wind, the humidity, and air pressure. They also use weather satellites and radars to help them make predictions about the weather. We can find out about the weather by learning how to read a weather map. A weather map shows information about the weather in a particular area using symbols. Scientists study the weather in order to make predictions about it and you can, too!