Meteorologists rely on tools to predict the weather.
Meteorologists, scientists who study the weather, rely on tools to help them not only predict an accurate forecast, but understand the nature of climate. Without these tools, meteorologists could not inform us what temperature or how much rain to expect in the days ahead. These tools are also important because they can be used to warn people about dangerous weather events such as tornadoes and hurricanes.
Radar
Meteorologists use radar to detect and track all types of precipitation, such as rain and snow storms. Radar can also be used to track potentially hazardous conditions, such as ice and hail, allowing them to warn people before they strike. Scientists use the high-frequency radio waves of radar to determine a storm's characteristics from far away. Radar not only predicts location and speed of a storm system, but can also inform scientists of storm intensity. Modern radar is sophisticated enough to track storms locally and globally. It can also be used to chart how storms develop.
Satellites
Scientists have been using weather satellites since 1960, according to the University of Richmond. Meteorologists use satellites to gather information about the Earth's surface and atmosphere, according to Environment Canada. These satellites are equipped with meteorological sensors that tell them the location and movement of clouds and systems, information on the ocean's currents, if there are particles in the atmosphere from fires and pollution, and which parts of the Earth are covered with snow and ice. Some satellites rotate at the same speed as the Earth, remaining in a fixed position while others orbit the poles, passing over the poles and mid-latitude regions twice daily.
Weather Balloons
Meteorologists also use weather balloons to learn about the climate. Inside these balloons is an instrument known as a radio-sonde. It is used to measure temperature, pressure and humidity. Weather balloons allow meteorologists to measure these characteristics at different altitudes. They receive information from the balloon via recording equipment that sends back findings via electrical impulses. Scientists use radar and weather balloons to track wind speed and direction. Scientists get their equipment back when the balloon finally bursts. They attach a parachute to the equipment so they can recover it after it plummets back to Earth.
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