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Forecasting Weather
Weather forecasting is done by meteorologists using a complex system of radars, satellite imagery, barometers and other scientific instruments. Meteorologists use the accumulation of data from these scientific instruments, as well as historical weather patterns, geography and climate change data to predict and forecast weather conditions in a given location. Weather is determined by several factors, including barometric pressure, wind, humidity, warm fronts and cold fronts.
Fronts
Fronts are the causes of most changes in weather that are predicted by forecasting. Fronts occur when a large, warm air mass meets a large, cool air mass. These air masses are caused by different environmental conditions. For instance, the rotation of the earth causes wind to move in a uniform direction which helps to maintain the boundaries of warm fronts and cold fronts. The air that makes up cold fronts is more dense than the air found in warm fronts. Because of this, when the two air masses meet, the cold air slides underneath the warm air, causing warm air to rise. As the warm air rises, the moisture within it condenses rapidly, leading to precipitation. Tracking the meeting points of fronts helps meteorologists forecast the weather.
Geography
Geography is another environmental condition that affects weather and helps forecast weather patterns. Since weather patterns move from west to east, forecasters can look to the west to help them predict future weather. Additionally, geographic environmental conditions -- such as the location of lakes and mountains in a certain region -- can also affect weather and weather forecasting. For instance, large bodies of water, such as oceans and lakes, retain heat longer than land. Temperature forecasting is frequently influenced by proximity to bodies of water, as the warm water temperature heats the air of the surrounding area. Additionally, forecasts for areas in higher altitudes are often cooler with more precipitation than lower altitude areas.
Other Envrionmental Conditions
Other environmental conditions associated with climate change can also have a long-term impact on weather forecasting. One aspect of forecasting the weather involves predicting air quality in a given area. Air quality is determined by the temperature, humidity and amount of smog in the air. An increase in carbon emissions and depletion of the o-zone are environmental conditions that affect air quality forecasting. Additionally, forecasting can be affected by forest fires, which increase carbon monoxide in the air while decreasing the number of trees available for oxidizing CO2.