Weather 101 Brainstorm

Why do we study the weather?Create a concept map with as many words you know about weather.

What is Weather?

Weather is the state of the atmosphere at any given place and time

Weather forecasts are predictions of weather. You find them in the newspaper, on TV, or on your smartphone.

Meteorology and Meteorologists

Meteorology the study of weather

Meteorologists study the weather

Observing the Weather

We can observe the weather by direct observation, or by using weather tools

Direct observation – person going outside to look at the weather

Weather Tools

Weather ToolsBasic tools used include:

• Computers – generate data and models• Thermometer – measures temperature• Anemometer – measures wind speed and direction• Psychrometer/Hygrometer – measures humidity• Barometer – measures air pressure• Rain Gauge – measures rainfall• Meter stick – measures snowfall

Computers

ComputersData is input into computers by tools and meteorologists to generate a model or a weather forecast

Weather Tools

Thermometer• Measures air temperature • Can be both °F or °C

Psychrometer

Psychrometer • Measures humidity in the air• Humidity – how much water vapor is in the

atmosphere

Air Pressure

Barometer • Measures air pressure

Air Pressure

Air Pressure gives you two pieces of weather information:• A change in air pressure

causes wind on Earth’s surface

• Low air pressure = clouds, rain, thunderstorms

• High air pressure = very little to no clouds, sunny skies

Wind

Anemometer Measures wind speed Compass provides the direction

Precipitation

Rain GaugeA rain gauge measures rainfall

Meter stickA meter stick measures snowfall