Weather Forecasting:
through the use of observed data and computer-generated forecasts


Thunderstorm and Severe Weather, Forecasting

  1. Mesoscale Convective Systems: Squall Lines and Bow Echoes

    This site includes discussion of the structure and evolution of isolated convection and a Mesoscale Convective Complex (MCC). Discussion of the fundamental dynamics associated with MCS generation, as well as an overview of five particular MCS events are also provided.


  2. Storm Type and Prognostic Soundings

    This site provides detailed information on three unique case studies that demonstrate various methods of using observed or model data to assess changes in buoyancy and shear in the convective storm environment. The accurate assessment and evaluation of the interrelationship of these two parameters is important when forecasting severe thunderstorms.



Winter Weather, Forecasting

  1. Snow Forecasting, tutorial (I) on

    This tutorial provided by the Meteorology Department at Texas A&M University.

  2. Snow Forecasting, tutorial (III) on

    This tutorial provided by the University of Illinois and its Weather World 2010 Project.

  3. A Comprehensive Winter Weather Forecast Checklist

    This checklist provided by John Gordon, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

  4. Wintertime Cloud Microphysics Review


    5. This webpage provided by Dan Baumgardt, a Science Operations Officer with the National Weather Service.
Weather Forecasting, Government involvement in

Welcome to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)!

NOAA is part of the U.S. Government's Department of Commerce. Its mission is "to describe and predict changes in the Earth's environment, and conserve and wisely manage the Nation's coastal marine resources."

NOAA's Strategic Goals
Weather forecasting is a responsibility of NOAA, as part of its mission to "predict changes in the Earth's environment."

NOAA's History
Provides an extensive discussion of the history of NOAA
and many of the people who have played a part in its mission.

The National Weather Service:

  1. The Mission of the National Weather Service

  2. The Strategic Plan of the National Weather Service

  3. Regions of the National Weather Service

    1. Southern Region

    2. Central Region

    3. Eastern Region

    4. Western Region

    5. Pacific Region

    6. Alaska Region


    The websites listed above also provide access to individual National
    Weather Service Office homepages. Just follow the
    appropriate link for the region in which the state and
    and office are located.


Visiting the Weather Service (A coloring picture for kids)
This site provided by the National Storm Prediction Center.
Weather Forecasting, Tutorial (I) on

This site is provided by the University of Illinois and its Weather World 2010 Project.

Topics covered include:

  1. Forecasting Methods


  2. Surface Features to Consider


  3. Temperature Forecasting


  4. Precipitation Forecasting




Weather Forecasting, Tutorial (II) on

This tutorial provided by the Meteorology Department at Texas A&M University.




Weather Forecasting Methodology, Tutorial (III) on

This tutorial lays out a step-by-step process for weather forecasting. It tells you how to diagnose your current atmospheric environment, interpret upper air data and maps and how to determine whether precipitation will occur in your area.
Weather Forecasting, A Student's Resource on

This site was produced by NASA, and includes an excellent set of information appropriate for middle school and high school students who want to learn how to forecast the weather.
Why Forecast?, The Societal Impacts of Weather

Links to the following information were originally provided by the "Environmental & Societal Impact Group, which was part of The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). It is now organized under the name, Institute for the Study of Society and Environment. The following tutorials on the societal aspects of weather, are provided by The Center for Science and Technology Research , at The University of Colorado in Boulder.

  1. An Overview of the Program: Societal Aspects of Mesoscale Weather (December 1990).


  2. Impacts from Summer Weather


  3. Impacts from Winter Weather


  4. Impacts from Flooding


  5. Impacts from Lightning


  6. Impacts from Tornadoes


  7. Impacts from Hurricanes


  8. Impacts from El Nino and La Nina


  9. Weather-related Injury and Damage Statistics


  10. Government and Insurance Programs/Policies (designed to deal with weather impacts)


    1. Emergency Management Programs


    2. Insurance Programs


    3. Weather Policies


    Check out the "Weather Impacts Resources" webpage for additional discussion of how the weather impacts our nation.



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Last updated May 19, 2008.