"Weather forecasting is the application of science and technology to predict the conditions of the atmosphere for a given location and time."
The process of predicting weather patterns and phenomena using various methods and tools, including numerical models and observation data.
"People have attempted to predict the weather informally for millennia and formally since the 19th century."
"Weather forecasts are made by collecting quantitative data about the current state of the atmosphere, land, and ocean and using meteorology to project how the atmosphere will change at a given place."
"Current weather conditions, changes in barometric pressure, sky conditions or cloud cover are some of the factors considered in computer-based weather models."
"Human input is still required to pick the best possible model to base the forecast upon, which involves pattern recognition skills, teleconnections, knowledge of model performance, and knowledge of model biases."
"The inaccuracy of forecasting is due to the chaotic nature of the atmosphere, computational power required, error in measuring initial conditions, and an incomplete understanding of atmospheric and related processes."
"The use of ensembles and model consensus helps narrow the error and provide confidence in the forecast."
"Weather warnings are important to protect lives and property. Temperature and precipitation forecasts are important to agriculture and traders within commodity markets. Temperature forecasts are used by utility companies to estimate demand."
"On an everyday basis, many people use weather forecasts to determine what to wear on a given day and plan outdoor activities around heavy rain, snow, and wind chill events."
"Weather forecasting is a part of the economy, with the US alone spending approximately $5.8 billion on it in 2009, producing benefits estimated at six times as much."
"People have attempted to predict the weather informally for millennia and formally since the 19th century."
"Weather forecasting now relies on computer-based models that take many atmospheric factors into account."
"The inaccuracy of forecasting is due to the chaotic nature of the atmosphere."
"The error involved in measuring the initial conditions" poses a challenge in weather forecasting.
"Forecasts become less accurate as the difference between the current time and the time for which the forecast is being made increases."
"Forecasts can be used to plan activities around heavy rain, snow, and wind chill events, and to plan ahead and survive them."
"Pattern recognition skills, teleconnections, knowledge of model performance, and knowledge of model biases" are factors considered when picking the best weather model.
"Forecasts based on temperature and precipitation are important to agriculture."
"Temperature forecasts are used by utility companies to estimate demand over coming days."
"Producing benefits estimated at six times as much" is a significant benefit of investing in weather forecasting.