Amateur meteorology is a fascinating hobby that allows enthusiasts to observe, record, and analyze weather patterns. It offers the benefits of enhancing scientific understanding, contributing to citizen science projects, and developing valuable forecasting skills. To get started, begin by learning basic meteorological concepts through online resources or books, then gradually invest in simple tools like thermometers and rain gauges. As your interest grows, consider joining weather enthusiast communities and exploring more advanced equipment like personal weather stations.
Amateur Meteorology
as a hobby
AKA: Weather Forecasting • Weather Watching
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Related Hobbies: Cloudspotting
Helpful content to get started
The page is curated to inspire and help you get started with amateur meteorology as a hobby.
Overwhelmed? Play a random video or podcast to start getting familiar with amateur meteorology.
We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Always use your judgment. Refer to the listed resources for further research.
Videos
Short visual inspiration.
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Podcasts
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Amateur meteorologists played a crucial role in the early development of weather forecasting. Luke Howard, an amateur meteorologist, created the cloud classification system still used today in the early 19th century.
Terms
Basic lingo for orientation.
Observation Tools
- Anemometer: Measures wind speed.
- Barometer: Measures atmospheric pressure.
- Hygrometer: Measures humidity.
- Personal Weather Station (PWS): A system that collects local weather data, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation.
- Rain Gauge: Measures precipitation amount.
- Thermometer: Measures temperature
- Weather Map: A graphical representation of meteorological data for a specific area, showing information such as temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and weather fronts. It is crucial for analyzing and predicting weather patterns. Many weather apps provide weather maps that display real-time data and forecast.
- Weather Vane: Indicates wind direction.
Cloud Types
- Cirrus: High, wispy clouds.
- Cumulus: Puffy, cotton-like clouds.
- Nimbus: Rain-bearing clouds.
- Stratus: Flat, layered clouds.
Weather Phenomena
- Front: Boundary between two air masses.
- High Pressure: Area of descending air, usually associated with clear skies.
- Jet Stream: Fast-moving air currents in the upper atmosphere.
- Low Pressure: Area of rising air, often associated with stormy weather.
Forecasting Terms
- Air Quality: A measure of the cleanliness of the air we breathe, often assessed by the concentration of pollutants and particulate matter.
- Ensemble Forecast: Multiple forecasts used to assess uncertainty.
- Isobar: Line of equal atmospheric pressure on a weather map.
- Isotherm: Line of equal temperature on a weather map.
- Model Run: A single execution of a weather prediction model.
- Nowcasting: A meteorological technique for predicting weather conditions within the next 0-6 hours. Amateur meteorologists use radar, satellite imagery, and local observations to track rapidly changing weather patterns, developing precise short-term forecasting skills.
- Sounding: Vertical profile of atmospheric conditions.
- Weather Models: Also known as Numerical Weather Prediction, these are mathematical representations of the atmosphere used to predict weather patterns and conditions.
Measurement Units
- Dew Point: Temperature at which dew forms.
- Knots: Unit of wind speed.
- Millibars: Unit of atmospheric pressure.
- Relative Humidity: Percentage of moisture in the air.
Weather Patterns
- El Niño: Warming of Pacific Ocean waters, affecting global weather.
- La Niña: Cooling of Pacific Ocean waters, affecting global weather.
- Monsoon: Seasonal reversal of wind patterns.
Severe Weather
- Derecho: Widespread, long-lived wind storm.
- Microburst: Intense, localized downdraft.
- Storm Chasing: The pursuit of severe weather events, such as tornadoes and thunderstorms, for observation and research purposes.
- Supercell: Rotating thunderstorms, often associated with severe weather.
Data Sources
- METAR: Aviation routine weather report.
- Skew-T Diagram: Graph used to analyze atmospheric conditions.
- TAF: Terminal Aerodrome Forecast.
Term Videos
First Steps
How to break the ice and make a start. One Aha! moment is all you need.
- Start with the Met Office’s Weather Snacks YouTube playlist for easily digestible basics.
- Move on to the Met Office and Google Art & Culture collaborative project about the weather for a broader introduction.
- Download a weather app or visit a weather forecasting website to explore advanced features like weather maps.
- Read a book on meteorology or take an online course to deepen your understanding.
- When ready, invest in a personal weather station to measure, analyze, predict, and share your data with the weather community.
First Steps Videos
Many amateur meteorologists find a sense of community and shared passion with fellow enthusiasts.
Products
Essentials to have.
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How-Tos
Step-by-step tutorials.
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Engaging in amateur meteorology hones observation skills, a valuable asset in many fields.
Books
Get read-y.
Articles
Further reading.
Video Articles
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The joy of predicting weather accurately or witnessing a spectacular weather event is incredibly rewarding.
Websites
Go-tos for information.
Official Agencies
- Climate.gov
- Weather and atmosphere | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- World Meteorological Organization | WMO
Commercial Weather Services
- Local Weather Forecast, News and Conditions | Weather Underground
- The Weather Channel
- Weather Forecast and Weather Forecast Accuracy for Your City | ForecastAdvisor
- Weather – Foreca.com
- Windy: Wind map & weather forecast
Weather Magazines
Weather Community and Citizen Science
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Movies & TV
Nothing like a good film or a show for inspiration.
Movie and TV Trailers
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Amateur weather stations can detect microclimate variations that might be missed by official weather stations, contributing valuable data to local forecasting.
FAQS
Get a clue.
Q: What does amateur meteorology involve?
A: Amateur meteorology can involve a wide range of activities, including:
- Weather observation: Recording temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind speed, and other weather conditions.
- Data analysis: Studying weather patterns and trends over time.
- Weather forecasting: Making predictions about future weather conditions based on observations and data.
- Photography: Capturing stunning images of weather phenomena.
- Citizen science: Contributing to research projects by collecting and sharing weather data.
- Storm chasing: Observing severe weather events (when safe).
Q: How reliable are weather apps, and do they provide the same level of accuracy?
A: Weather apps vary in accuracy depending on several factors, including the data sources they use, their algorithms for interpreting weather patterns, and local geographical features. While some apps utilize advanced meteorological models and real-time data from weather stations, others may rely on less precise information. It’s advisable to compare forecasts from multiple sources and consider local conditions for the best results in amateur meteorology.
If you are in the United States, you can try ForecastAdvisor to check the historical accuracy of different weather forecast providers in your location.
Q: What equipment do I need to start?
A: You can start with basic equipment like a thermometer, barometer, and rain gauge. As your interest grows, you can invest in more advanced tools
Q: How do I start learning about meteorology?
A: There are many resources available, including books, online courses, and weather-related apps. Joining a local weather enthusiasts group can also be helpful.
Q: Where can I find weather data?
A: There are numerous online platforms and government agencies that provide weather data. Weather stations and personal weather stations (PWS) are also great sources.
Q: What is a personal weather station?
A: A personal weather station (PWS) is a set of weather measuring instruments operated by an individual. It typically includes sensors to measure temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, barometric pressure, and precipitation. PWS allows users to collect localized weather data, which can be used for personal observation or shared with community weather networks for broader analysis.
Q: How can I contribute to the meteorology community?
A: You can participate in citizen science projects, share your observations on online forums, or join local weather enthusiast groups.
Q: Can I contribute to real scientific research?
A: Yes, many citizen science projects welcome data from amateur meteorologists.
Q: Can my measurements improve weather forecasting for the public?
A: Yes, your weather observations can contribute to improving weather forecasts. By sharing your data with citizen science projects or meteorological organizations, you help fill in gaps in official weather data and provide valuable information for researchers and forecasters.
Q: Is it expensive to get started?
A: No, you can start with very little investment. As your interest grows, you can gradually invest in more advanced equipment.
Q: What are some common weather phenomena to observe?
A: Clouds, precipitation, wind, temperature, and atmospheric pressure are common starting points.
Q: Is it possible to make accurate weather predictions as an amateur?
A: With practice and learning, you can make reasonably accurate short-term local forecasts.
Q: Do I need a science background?
A: No, but a willingness to learn basic scientific concepts is helpful.
Q: What is space weather?
A: Space weather refers to the conditions in space, primarily caused by solar activity, that can impact Earth and human-made systems. Solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and solar wind are examples of space weather phenomena.
FAQ Videos
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Apps
Smart start.
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he ever-changing nature of weather ensures there’s always something new to learn and discover.
Courses
Get smart.
- COMET – MetEd Education and Training
- Forecasting Education for Professionals and Enthusiasts Alike |
Penn State World Campus - JetStream | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Learn about weather – Met Office
- The Science of Extreme Weather | The Great Courses Plus
- Watching the weather | OpenLearn – Open University
- What’s the Weather? | Met Office — Google Arts & Culture
Video courses and trailers
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Community & Near You
Get together.
Related Videos
Understanding weather patterns can deepen appreciation for the environment and climate change.
Tips
Additional advice for beginners.
- A personal weather station can support your and others’ outdoor activities, such as gardening, biking, and stargazing.
- For the most precise local forecasts, choose a weather and climate service specific to your region.
Video Tips
Many amateur meteorologists contribute to severe weather reporting, helping to issue timely warnings for their communities.
Related Hobbies
Explore related hobbies.
Additional Information
Hobby attributes.
| Attributes | Value |
|---|---|
| Activities | Collecting, Exercising, Helping, Learning, Observing, Relaxing, Traveling, Volunteering |
| Fields | Animals, Education, Environment, Plants, Science and Technology, Social Activism, Sustainability |
| Locations | Abroad, Anywhere, Beach, City, Classroom, Countryside, Farm, Forest, Garden, Home, Lab, Lake, Mountain, Nature, Online, Outdoor, River, Sea |
| Participants | |
| Skills | Active Listening, Adaptability, Analytical Thinking, Attention to Detail, Critical Thinking, General Knowledge, Innovation, Logical Reasoning, Mathematical Skills, Memory, Multitasking, Organizational Skills, Patience, Perseverance, Planning, Problem Solving, Research, Responsibility, Risk-taking, Spatial Ability, Strategic Thinking, Teamwork, Time Management |
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