Name _______________________________________
Foundations of Science
Date ___________
Forecasting Hints
Use the following hints to help create forecasts.
1. Use wind trends to see how far certain air masses move in a day. For example, if a
line of thunderstorms is located 60 miles to your northwest and moving southeast at 30
miles per hour, you would predict the storms to arrive in your area in 2 hours.
2. Pressure systems
- High pressure systems are also called anticyclones. An anticyclone pulls winds
clockwise, so cold temps in front and warm temps in back.
- Low pressure systems are also called cyclones. Cyclones pull winds counter-clockwise,
so warm temps are in front and cold temps are in back… causes storms.
3. Clouds
- Daytime clouds reduce temperature because they block sunlight. Clear days have
warmer temperatures because the sun can heat the ground.
- Nighttime clouds trap heat at the surface of the Earth. This maintains temperature as
long as it is cloudy. Clear nights will have a lower temperature as the ground’s heat can
cool.
4. Winds at night
- Winds at night will keep the heat given off by Earth from dissipating into the
atmosphere. This will maintain temperatures near the surface. On a calm and clear
night, the maximum cooling can occur.
- Winds during the day keep temperatures cooler.
5. Temperature Advection
- This is the changed in temperature caused by the movement of air masses by the
wind. If wind is coming from the South, it usually carries a warmer air mass. If wind is
coming from the North, it usually carries a colder air mass. Look at the weather
symbols to determine wind direction.
6. Snow cover
- The sun heats the ground, which increases air temperature. Snow reflects sunlight
back into space, which lowers the daytime temperatures. Snow will also absorb energy
and use it to melt.