Accurate weather forecasting relies on a combination of real-time observations, historical trends, and advanced atmospheric modelling.
By integrating local weather station data, upper-air measurements, and global forecast models, a detailed prediction of temperature, wind, precipitation, and cloud cover can be generated. This process involves analyzing how air masses move, how the ground interacts with the atmosphere, and how various weather patterns evolve over time.
The result is a highly localized forecast that adapts to changing conditions, providing reliable insights for planning and decision-making.
So, how do we go about that? Well here are the high-level steps.
Step 1: Collect Data
Gather weather data from multiple sources:
- Local Weather Stations (METAR, SYNOP) – Real-time temperature, humidity, wind, and pressure.
- Radiosonde (RAOB) Data – Upper-atmosphere conditions like wind speed and temperature at different heights.
- Numerical Models (GFS, NAM, NGM, READY Data) – Large-scale forecast model inputs.
- Past Weather Data – Historical records to refine predictions.
Step 2: Process and Adjust Data
The collected data is processed to create an initial forecast:
- Temperature, humidity, and wind values are interpolated for the forecast location.
- Advection analysis accounts for the movement of air masses.
- Soil moisture and surface heat transfer adjust temperature trends.
- Bias corrections fine-tune model accuracy based on past errors.
Step 3: Calculate athmosperic evolement
Calculates how the atmosphere evolves:
- Radiation Effects – Solar and infrared energy heating/cooling.
- Cloud Formation & Precipitation – Adjustments based on relative humidity and upper-air instability.
- Wind Speed & Direction Changes – Adjusted for terrain and synoptic conditions.
- Stability Indices (Lifted Index, K Index, etc.) – Evaluates thunderstorm potential.
Step 4: Build Forecast
Generate the forecast:
- Detailed Forecast – Includes temperature, precipitation and wind.
- Comparisons to Actual Data – Helps validate accuracy and refine future forecasts.
Step 5: Adjust & Improve Forecasts
Fine-tune the forecast by:
- Applying corrections from past forecast errors.
- Comparing forecast vs. actual weather data to improve accuracy.
