How do we use technology to predict the weather?

Question

Mason Allen · Accepted Answer

We use instruments to measure variables of the atmosphere at specific locations, and then we use computers to run models to determine the conditions between those sites.

Once we have measured the temperature, dewpoint, and pressure at a given location, we can use a computer to predict what will happen if the air temperature rises or falls, or if the humidity increases or decreases. Predicting the temperature and humidity changes is relatively simple, but predicting the impact on the weather is a little trickier. Once we have all of the weather information from our observation sites, we interpolate the conditions between the sites using a computer model, and then we use radar and satellite images to assess how accurate the prediction was (a process known as "ground truthing").

Maya Adams · Answer

undefined Weather prediction relies on a variety of technological tools, including satellites, radar systems, weather stations, and computer models. Satellites provide a bird's-eye view of weather patterns, while radar systems track precipitation. Weather stations collect data on temperature, humidity, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure. Computer models process this data using complex algorithms to forecast future weather conditions. These models take into account factors such as atmospheric dynamics, thermodynamics, and the Earth's rotation. Overall, technology allows meteorologists to gather and analyze vast amounts of data to make accurate weather predictions.