Conclusion
How are weather forecasts created?
Modern weather forecasting involves a combination of computer models, observation, and knowledge of trends and patterns. Using these methods, reasonably accurate forecasts can be made up to about five days in advance. Beyond that, detailed forecasts are less useful, since atmospheric conditions such as temperature and wind direction are very complex. Most of the computer models used for forecasting are run by the National Weather Service, which creates forecast models based on complex formulas. These models are used by many different weather and news services in preparing daily forecasts. Local weather observers, balloons, satellites, and weather stations also help provide data for forecasts.
Meteorologists use a variety of tools to help them gather information about weather and climate. Some more familiar ones are thermometers which measure air temperature, anemometers which gauge wind speeds, and barometers which provide information on air pressure. These instruments allow meteorologists to gather data about what is happening near Earth's surface. Collecting data from other sources—and other parts of the atmosphere—helps to create a more descriptive picture of weather.
If you take off your coat in winter will you really be searching for it in May?
So in the end, some weather folklore is true, some isn't. Some weather folklore correctly predicts weather for some places, and some doesn't. Some weather folklore is right at certain times, and some isn't. So many different factors affect temperature (especially normal climate changes and seasonal changes), that weather folklore is just about as dependable as a 10-day forecast from the local news station.
.who doffs his coat on a winter's day will gladly put it on in may.
danielle chirip
GEOS 371