48 Forecasting the Weather-High

Forecasting the Weather FOCUS Question How can we use patterns to predict weather?

Forecasting How do you know if you should wear a coat to school? You can look at a forecast to tell you about the weather. A weather forecast predicts the weather. This means using data to make a good guess.

Changing Weather Weather is not just how hot or cold the air is. Is there rain or snow? Is there wind Are there clouds? All of these things are part of the weather. Do you get tired of warm weather all the time? Do not worry! Weather changes each day. It changes from season to season, too.

Sensing Weather You can learn about weather using just your senses. Does the weather feel warm? Can you see clouds? Can you smell rain or hear wind? Think about words you can use to talk about weather.

Weather Tools You can also use tools to learn about weather. A thermometer can tell you how hot or cold it is. A rain gauge (rhymes with cage) can tell you how much rain fell. A weather vane can tell you which way the wind is blowing.

The Tools of a Meteorologist A meteorologist (me-tee-yur-AHL-uh-jist) is a scientist who predicts weather. Meteorologists use many tools to learn about weather. They use computers and maps.