How do they forecast the weather?
Weather forecasting is based on reports from thousands of wind vanes and rain gauges, balloons, barometers and pictures and data sent down from weather satellites. These data, plus other local and global evidence, is processed and analyzed by meteorologists. The result is a picture of the weather on its way here from somewhere else. Old timers looked at the sky for signs of the weather ahead and often the signs kept their promises. You, too, can try to guess the coming weather from what you see. Chances are the day will be fine and fair if gentle breezes blow from the west or if fluffy white clouds drift over a b1ue sky. Chances are the day will be rainy when the moon wears a halo or when the sky is curtained with dark clouds. You can make better forecasts with the help of a few weather gadgets. A barometer is a glass tube holding a column of mercury that rises and falls with changing air pressure. Fair weather often follows a rising barometer. A falling barometer may promise a storm.
And what do weather watches and weather warnings mean? Included is an interesting explanation of how thunderstorms start tornadoes and how Harold Brooks, by studying past storms and entering the facts into the computer, can create a model to help him anticipate the movement of approaching storms. Students are shown how to simulate a twister using an empty soda bottle, water, soap and glitter. In addition to a “Words to Know” section there is also a listing of resources for further study. 2004, Enslow Publishers, Ages 6 to 8.
