Paco the Parrot's HatsBy Nicholas and Aishwarya

Hello, I'm Paco the Parrot (I'm a Tehano), and we have Spring Break at parrot school! I am planning my break. I love my hats and I wear a different one for different weathers. I have beanies, sombreros, sun hats, wind breaking hats, rain hats, and many more!

But I need your help to predict the weather and pick my hat!

Can you help me?

These are the hats I have!

Sun hats...

Winter hats!

Wind hats!

Party hats!

Rain hats!

I have all kinds of hats!

Which hat should I choose?

Okay, now we have our hats to choose from. Now we must decide what the weather will be like on each day!

But first...

You need to learn how to predict the weather!

Let's start with wind currents!

There are six major wind belts , three in each hemisphere:

Northern(where we are)-● Polar Easterlies (latitude: 60-90 degrees)● Westerlies (latitude: 30-60 degrees)● Trade winds (latitude: 0- 30 degrees)Southern- ● Belts are reversed (opposite latitudes)

Ocean Currents are kinda different.

● An ocean current is like a river within the ocean, flowing from one place to another.

● These currents are caused by differences in the water temperatures, salinity, and wind.

● Currents are responsible for a big amount of movement in the ocean water.

High Pressure...

It's measured by using a barometer. When the pressure is up, it means that there will be clear skies! Then, I can fly really high and have fun!

Low Pressure...

This is the kind of air pressure i'm scared of.

Ooh!!

Storms really are a living nightmare for me!

There are three types of fronts!

1. Warm fronts,

This is warm air mass replacing a cold air mass at ground level. It typically shifts wind southeasterly to southwesterly.

2. Cold fronts,

This is cold air replacing warm air at ground level. It typically shifts south westerly to northwesterly

3. Stationary front

This is equal amount of energy between warm and cold air masses creating a "stalemate".

Hurricanes!!!!

This is such a scary result of low barometric pressure!

Tornado!!!

This is also caused by low barometric pressure, only not near the sea. It happens on land! Oh my!

I'm sure you will need to know about atmosphere!

It is made up of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.9% argon, and 0.03% carbon dioxide with very small percentages of other elements! The atmosphere looks pretty clear. It is bright and shiny, and the clouds are fluffed white. There isn't much to worry about.

Next lets talk about Coriolis effect!

The Coriolis effect is caused by inertia and Earth's rotation! It causes currents to move clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere! Have you ever noticed the way a toilet flows when you flush? Here in Texas it flows clockwise because we are in the Northern Hemisphere. I wonder what happens on the equator!

You need to know about Isotherms and Isobars as well!

Isobars are lines of constant lines of pressure on map. They are often used to find high and low pressures on a map. Isotherms are used to show constant lines of temperature on a map.

Now lets talk about the Sun and Sun's energy!

The driving force of all weather starts with the burning hot sun! Only about 25% of the sun's rays reach the surface. This surface heating causes pressure differences. These different of pressures and heatings cause currents and different weathers.

I bet you like snow! Let's talk about precipitation!

Precipitation is a product of condensation that falls from the sky. This includes rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

Lets talk about clouds!There are four types of clouds. Cumulus, Stratus, Cirrus and Nimbus. Cumulus clouds signal fair weather and they are very high in the sky! Stratus clouds are very low in the sky and bring overcast weather. Cirrus clouds are high in the sky and bring sunny weather. Nimbus clouds bring stormy weather and rain.

Dew Point

Dew point is the temperature at which water vapor condenses into water!

Ever wondered how scientists get images?

Scientist use satellite images to see the ground and predict weather using clouds. Here is a picture of a satellite image of a hurricane!

Lets talk about weather instruments meteorologist use!

Thermometer

This tool helps us measure temperature!

Barometer

Measures air pressure!

Sling Psychrometer

This one measures humidity!

Rain Gauge

Measures amount of rain fallen!

Wind Vane

This instrument determines direction of wind!

Anemometer

This weather tool helps us measure the wind speed!

Compass

This instrument finds direction based on earths magnetic forces!

Okay,

So now since I've taught you everything you need to know, you can find out which hat is best for me for the next few days! Remember, I live in Dallas, but I'm used to warm weather in Mexico!

So,

Which hat do YOU think I should wear???