Importance of Weather Forecast

Man's dependence on climate and weather has led him to undertake a systematic study of the various elements of weather. This involves keen observation, accurate recording, and correct processing of the elements of climate such as rainfall, temperature humidity, air pressure, winds, clouds, etc. In this blog, let us learn about the importance of weather forecasts.

The scientific study of the processes and physical phenomena operating in the earth"s atmosphere for predicting weather is known as meteorology and the scientists who study it are called meteorologists.

A forecast is a statement of weather conditions expected over a place or an area during a specified period of time in the future. Weather forecasts are shared with common people via new, radio, television, internet, etc.

Short-range forecasts are valid for up to forty-eight hours and give details of different weather elements and their variations expected during that period.

Medium-range forecasts are valid from two to seven days, whereas Long-range forecasts pertain to weeks, months, or a season ahead and indicate the expected mean conditions of certain selected elements of weather like temperature or rainfall.

A weather forecast is issued by the meteorological department of a country on the basis of information collected by using various instruments as well as satellite images.

Weather stations or meteorological stations are the places where weather conditions are studied using various instruments. Weather stations are located all over the world, including the oceans where weather ships gather a wide range of data for making weather predictions.

Weather satellites encircling the earth provide useful information through pictures of clouds, storms, and other weather phenomena. All this helps the meteorologists to forecast the weather fairly accurately.

Weather forecasts provide valuable guidance for future planning, economic benefit as well as safety of life and property. Let us learn about the importance of weather forecast.

● Every mode of transportation whether on land, over water, or in the air is sensitive to changes in weather. Sailing, shipping, fishing, off-shore drilling, and deep-sea mining operations are highly dependent on weather. Similarly, airplanes which fly in the air are dependent on weather phenomena. So, an accurate forecast of weather is essential for ocean navigation, fishing activity, and aviation schedules.
● Agriculture, especially in India, is dependent on weather conditions. Rainfall, temperature, and humidity guide the cropping pattern and cropping seasons of a place. Weather forecasts help the farmers to prepare themselves and their land for any changes caused by weather conditions.
● Weather forecast plays an important role in saving men and materials by predicting the occurrence of natural calamities like cyclonic storms, tsunamis, hurricanes, and heavy rainfall.
● Many important events like military operations, geographical expeditions, social events, and important sports events are organized on the basis of weather forecasts.

Read More: Weather Instruments: Thermometer, Hygrometer, Barometer and Others