Today’s meteorologists rely on a vast network of advanced technology to forecast the weather, but that wasn’t always the case. Before satellites, computer modeling, and radar systems, people made predictions mainly by observing their surroundings.
The techniques and tools they used are still valid and available today. In fact, they are perfect for anyone who is interested in becoming a wallpaper doctor. With a few handy tools and a solid understanding of some basic weather concepts, you’ll be making your own predictions in no time.
Gizmodo turned to two experts in meteorology and amateur forecasting for advice on how to get started. John Huth, professor of physics at Harvard University’s Department of Physics, teaches a class on background meteorology and climate science. Steve Seman, an associate teaching professor in Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Science, also instructs students in Meteorology.
They break down the basics, highlight useful tools, and offer words of wisdom to anyone who wants to learn more about their climate.
Step 1: Learn the basic science
Weather is driven by six variables: temperature, air pressure, cloud formation, wind, humidity, and precipitation. Changes in these variables—and interactions between them—create different shapes and patterns. Once you understand that, you can start thinking about how air circulates in the atmosphere.
© NOAA
“We tend to start thinking horizontally, on the surface of the earth, and then go vertically [movement].
“Those wind projections are related to vertical wind movement,” Seman said. The first thing to understand is that atmospheric temperatures and pressure decrease with altitude. “These two [gradients] Are the lynx compatible with the way the Earth’s atmosphere works,” your Hu said.
As warm air rises, it encounters lower pressure and expands, then cools in a process called adiabatic cooling. If it is forced past the dew point, the moisture combines with small particles in the air, forming clouds and sometimes storms. When the wind subsides, the sky is clear.
These are some of the most basic concepts in space science. While there is much to learn, mastering the basics provides a solid foundation for understanding the complex climate system.
Step 2: Build your tools
One of the first things Semana and Huthu taught their students was how to see and measure the weather. When you start, this can be as simple as going outside and asking questions: “Does it feel light? What kind of clouds do you see in the sky?” Hukho suggested.
Nerves serve as the first tool of the urologist. At the beginning of Huthu’s course, he asks students to spend several days observing their body’s responses to different situations. This establishes an internal basis that helps guide their predictions.
Once you’ve built this foundation, there’s no shortage of tools to help you measure the weather phenomena you see and feel. But both Huth and Sentian stress that you don’t need to go out and buy a bunch of stealth equipment. In fact, you can make some of these ponds yourself.
Here is their list of essentials for your meteorology background tools:
- Dry Bulb Thermometer: Measurement of air temperature
- Wet-Bulb Thermometer: For measuring humidity
- Barometer: for measuring air pressure
- Weather Vane: Measuring wind direction
- Anemometer: Measuring wind speed
- Rain Rauge: Measuring the weather
If you are willing to spend more money for a high-tech setup, you can buy a home weather station instead. These smart devices collect all the ratings listed above and range from $100 to over $1,000. While expensive models may come with more advanced features and more precision, you will never need to use that.
“For most people, it’s not even worth it because the placement of the metal is very important in terms of the quality of the measurements,” said Sendoda. Most don’t live in areas that are convenient for collecting weather data using a home station, he explained.
Step 3: Practice, Practice, Practice
Visual visual meteorology is not the easiest path to take. Even for those with a scientific bent, learning how to gather and interpret this kind of data can be challenging and frustrating at times.
Huth and Seman can attest to this, I have paid for many a depressed student in their classes. The main piece of advice they give us is to trust the learning process and never give up.
“There is not a single eye doctor in the world who always knows all the answers,” said Sendoda. “So have realistic expectations and just try to build step by step.”
Huth would agree. “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes,” she said. “Don’t hit yourself if you don’t mean it because the weather is known to collapse.”
Connecting with other veteran meteorologists or experts in the field can also be very helpful. “I encourage students to ask a lot of questions there [they] “Get involved in things that don’t make sense,” says Seman. Getting involved in online forums – such as those hosted on the US Weather website – or local clubs are great ways to meet other weather enthusiasts.
Learning to forecast may require a greater investment of time and energy than other hobbies, but it also carries a higher reward. Being a weather forecaster, doing your own research, and having a clear understanding of official forecasts from agencies like the National Weather Service can help anyone make more informed decisions.
“Weather plays a role in good daily life in some way, from what you choose to wear to what your temperature regime may be,” said Semonda.
