Meteorologists are in charge of monitoring atmospheric conditions that affect the climate. Although they initially used more rudimentary devices, thanks to technology scientists began to use more efficient equipment to collect data and forecast the weather. These technological advances are what have allowed meteorologists to make better predictions faster than ever.
Doppler radar and satellite data
One of the essential tools is the Doppler radar. This is the meteorologist’s window for observing severe tropical storms. Thus, thanks to its 159 towers, this radar is capable of detecting all types of precipitation, the rotation of storm clouds, the remains of tornadoes in the air, and the strength and direction of the wind.
On the other hand, meteorological satellites monitor Earth from space, collecting observational data that scientists analyze. Polar-orbiting satellites pass over every point on the planet as it rotates on its axis, taking six or seven detailed images a day. Instead, geostationary satellites stay in the same place on Earth and image the entire planet with a frequency of up to thirty seconds.
Likewise, the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) satellite looks toward the sun to monitor solar storms and space weather.
Radiosondes and supercomputers
Radiosondes are the main source of high-altitude data. Radiosondes are connected to weather balloons (hot air balloons that lift instruments into the atmosphere to obtain information about atmospheric pressure) that are launched at different locations. On its two-hour journey, the radiosonde floats into the upper stratosphere, where it collects and sends data every second on air pressure, temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction.
Another tool researchers use is supercomputing. Supercomputers are nearly six million times more powerful than the average desktop computer. In addition, the data collected by radiosondes, radars, and satellites are fed into computerized numerical forecasting models. These models use equations that, together with other meteorological data, provide a fairly reliable forecast guide to meteorologists.
AWIPS, an advanced processing system
AWIPS is a computer processing system that combines data from all the above tools in a graphical interface. This system is the one used by most meteorologists to prepare and issue forecasts, warnings and alerts.
After the scientists have prepared the forecasts, AWIPS generates graphs and weather alerts. All of these tools help meteorologists to create more accurate and faster forecasts.
