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The concept of weather forecasting is a very ancient one. Since centuries humans have been making attempts to read the skies for any possible rain, storm, sunshine or climate change.
Early Instruments:
Some of the instruments that were used to assess weather conditions before the advent of technology are:
- Barometers
- Thermometers
- Hygrometers
- Anemometers and
- Rain Gauges
Comparing the Old and the New:
- The basis concept remains the same.
- Data is now collected and processed at a higher rate.
- The quality of data collected has considerably improved
- The level and rate of information transfer and communication has increased multi-fold.
- It is now easier to issue and communicate a piece of critical information in public or private interest.
Weather Forecast:
- A climatic prediction can be made only after taking into account the weather conditions all over the world.
- It is possible to predict weather only upto 5 days in advance
- Globally collected data is processed in super computers and analyzed using mathematical models
- In the United States, this process is carried out by the National Weather Service.
Modern Weather Technology:
Modern day weather forecasting is highly dependant on advanced technology based instruments and devices.
Modern weather technology equipment includes:
- Remote sensing systems to measure things that are more than 100 miles away from the scope of radars
- Advanced radars
- Instrumented Balloons
- Weather satellites
Computers and communication systems are used to:
- Interpret data and images
- Process and model atmospheric processes
- Make predictions and forecasts
- Convert raw data into maps and three dimensional models
- Communicate the processed information to mass media interfaces
Weather Measurements:
Technology and equipment are used to measure the following critical parameters that are essential in any weather analysis:
- Measuring the temperature by thermometers, analyzing the motion of molecules and conversions on the temperature scales.
- Measuring the air's pressure using a mercury barometer or aneroid barograph and understanding it with respect to weather conditions.
- Measuring the air's humidity using a sling psychrometer or a hair hygrometer
- Measuring rain using an official rain gauge or a tipping bucket gauge for automated readings.
- Measuring the depth of snow
- Measuring the wind using anemometers and aerovanes for information on speed and direction.
- Upper air measurements using weather balloons and airplanes.
- Weather radar and satellites for a broader and detailed picture.
Upper air observations:
- These are usually done via weather balloons.
- Balloons are launched every twelve hours in every part of the world.
- The data gives important information on the conditions in upper atmosphere.
- This information is crucial for airplanes and weather forecasting.
- Airplanes can also be used to gather data for research and help in predicting hurricanes and the state of storms
Weather radars:
there are basically two systems of weather radars:
- National Weather Service Next Generation Weather Radars (NEXRAD): NEXRAD are used to track weather systems and detect severe thunderstorm, tornadoes and details of snow storms.
- Terminal Doppler Weather Radars: These are designed to scan takeoff paths at the airports for microbursts and other relatively small-scale hazards to aviation.
Weather Satellites:
Weather Satellites also come in two types: Two kinds of satellites watch the weather.
- Geostationary satellites orbit at the same speed as the earth and record data from around 22,000 miles above the Earth.
- Polar orbiting satellites are used to obtain a closer view as they orbit at a lower altitude.
Latest developments in Weather Technology:
The National Weather Service has installed the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System.
The Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System delivers information through:
- Doppler radars,
- Satellites,
- Automated observing systems, and
- NWS super computers
Space Weather Technology:
- Weather Technology Was developed by the ARINC's Colorado Springs office.
- It helps in identifying and monitoring any potential threat that harsh radiation and geomagnetic disturbances may have on satellites, communication and navigation systems.
- Generates a Space Environmental Impacts Model, which establishes a relationship between geological events and their impact on weather technology systems.
- Maintains a convenient and easily accessible database of all research and observations.
- On detection of a potentially hazardous solar flare, analysts identify the satellites and systems at risk and inform the satellite controllers so that the damage can be averted.
- Can be used as a research and planning tool at academic institutions.
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