Weather Forecasting
Weather forecasts use observations, satellites and computer models to predict the weather days ahead.
▶ Interact
Play with the controls to see the idea in action.
📘 Learn
Weather forecasts use observations, satellites and computer models to predict the weather days ahead.
- Weather stations record data
- Satellites track clouds
- Forecasts are less accurate further ahead
🧠 Quick quiz
Three questions. Score 2 or more to complete the topic.
What is Weather Forecasting?
Within Earth & Environmental Science, which covers our planet, its resources and ecosystems, and how people can protect the environment, this topic explains Weather Forecasting. Earth and environment topics show how the planet’s systems shape landscapes, climate and life, with models that make these processes visible.
Check that you can explain Weather Forecasting in your own words and give one example from everyday life. If you can do that, you have understood the core idea.
Understanding Weather Forecasting helps you explain the environment around you and weigh up how people can protect it.
Weather Forecasting in detail
Weather forecasting predicts the atmosphere's future state using observations and computer models. Data are collected from weather stations, balloons, radar, aircraft, ships, buoys and satellites. Supercomputers use the laws of physics to simulate how the atmosphere will change.
Forecasts are more accurate over a few days than weeks, because the atmosphere is chaotic, so small errors grow. Meteorologists run several simulations (ensembles) to estimate probabilities, such as a 30% chance of rain. Weather maps use symbols for fronts and isobars. Forecasts help farmers, travellers, energy suppliers and emergency services, and give warning of severe weather.
How the interactive helps you understand Weather Forecasting
Click a step, or use the Previous and Next buttons, to move through the sequence one stage at a time. Auto-play moves on for you.
Before you change anything, predict the result. Then change one value at a time and check whether your prediction was right. This is a quick way to build a correct mental model of Weather Forecasting.
Real-life uses and examples
- Use a diagram of Weather Forecasting to describe the steps of a process in order.
- Discuss how human activity changes Weather Forecasting, using a named example.
- Explain how Weather Forecasting affects the landscape or climate near you.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Describing a process without the timescale it works over.
- Presenting one cause as the only cause of an environmental change.
- Learning the definition without testing it. Use the quiz and the interactive to check that you can apply the idea.
Frequently asked questions about Weather Forecasting
What is Weather Forecasting?
Weather forecasts use observations, satellites and computer models to predict the weather days ahead.
What are the most important points about Weather Forecasting?
The main points are: Weather stations record data; Satellites track clouds; Forecasts are less accurate further ahead.
Why is Weather Forecasting useful?
Understanding Weather Forecasting helps you explain the environment around you and weigh up how people can protect it.
How can I practise Weather Forecasting?
Open the interactive at the top of this page and change the controls one at a time. Predict the result before each change, then take the three-question quiz. A score of two or more marks the topic as complete on this device.
Which topics are related to Weather Forecasting?
Related topics in Earth & Environmental Science include The Greenhouse Effect, Mitigation and Adaptation, Ocean Currents and Climate.