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.
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Amateur Meteorology
as a hobby
AKA: Weather Forecasting, Weather Watching
Helpful content to get started
We curated content to familiarize you with amateur meteorology as a hobby and to inspire and help you get started.
We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Always use your judgment.
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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.
Basic lingo for orientation.
Observation Tools
- Anemometer: Measures wind speed.
- Barometer: Measures atmospheric pressure.
- Hygrometer: Measures humidity.
- Rain Gauge: Measures precipitation amount.
- Weather Vane: Indicates wind direction.
- Thermometer: Measures temperature
- Personal Weather Station (PWS): A system that collects local weather data, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation.
- 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.
Cloud Types
- Cumulus: Puffy, cotton-like clouds.
- Stratus: Flat, layered clouds.
- Cirrus: High, wispy clouds.
- Nimbus: Rain-bearing clouds.
Weather Phenomena
- Front: Boundary between two air masses.
- High Pressure: Area of descending air, usually associated with clear skies.
- Low Pressure: Area of rising air, often associated with stormy weather.
- Jet Stream: Fast-moving air currents in the upper atmosphere.
Forecasting Terms
- 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.
- Ensemble Forecast: Multiple forecasts used to assess uncertainty.
- 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.
- Air Quality: A measure of the cleanliness of the air we breathe, often assessed by the concentration of pollutants and particulate matter.
Measurement Units
- Knots: Unit of wind speed.
- Millibars: Unit of atmospheric pressure.
- Relative Humidity: Percentage of moisture in the air.
- Dew Point: Temperature at which dew forms.
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
- Supercell: Rotating thunderstorms, often associated with severe weather.
- Microburst: Intense, localized downdraft.
- Derecho: Widespread, long-lived wind storm.
- Storm Chasing: The pursuit of severe weather events, such as tornadoes and thunderstorms, for observation and research purposes.
Data Sources
- METAR: Aviation routine weather report.
- TAF: Terminal Aerodrome Forecast.
- Skew-T Diagram: Graph used to analyze atmospheric conditions.
Term Videos
How to break the ice and make a start.
- 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
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Engaging in amateur meteorology hones observation skills, a valuable asset in many fields.
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Go-tos for information.
Official Agencies
- World Meteorological Organization | WMO
- Weather and atmosphere | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Climate.gov
Commercial Weather Services
- Windy: Wind map & weather forecast
- Local Weather Forecast, News and Conditions | Weather Underground
- The Weather Channel
Weather Magazines
Weather Community and Citizen Science
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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.
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What does amateur meteorology involve?
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).
How reliable are weather apps, and do they provide the same level of accuracy?
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.
What equipment do I need to start?
You can start with basic equipment like a thermometer, barometer, and rain gauge. As your interest grows, you can invest in more advanced tools
How do I start learning about meteorology?
There are many resources available, including books, online courses, and weather-related apps. Joining a local weather enthusiasts group can also be helpful.
Where can I find weather data?
There are numerous online platforms and government agencies that provide weather data. Weather stations and personal weather stations (PWS) are also great sources.
What is a personal weather station?
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.
How can I contribute to the meteorology community?
You can participate in citizen science projects, share your observations on online forums, or join local weather enthusiast groups.
Can I contribute to real scientific research?
Yes, many citizen science projects welcome data from amateur meteorologists.
Can my measurements improve weather forecasting for the public?
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.
Is it expensive to get started?
No, you can start with very little investment. As your interest grows, you can gradually invest in more advanced equipment.
What are some common weather phenomena to observe?
Clouds, precipitation, wind, temperature, and atmospheric pressure are common starting points.
Is it possible to make accurate weather predictions as an amateur?
With practice and learning, you can make reasonably accurate short-term local forecasts.
Do I need a science background?
No, but a willingness to learn basic scientific concepts is helpful.
What is space weather?
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.
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Understanding weather patterns can deepen appreciation for the environment and climate change.
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- What’s the Weather? | Met Office — Google Arts & Culture
- Forecasting Education for Professionals and Enthusiasts Alike |
Penn State World Campus - Watching the weather | OpenLearn – Open University
- MetEd » Teaching and Training Resources for the Geoscience Community
- JetStream | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Learn about weather – Met Office
- The Science of Extreme Weather | The Great Courses Plus
Video Courses and Trailers
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Many amateur meteorologists contribute to severe weather reporting, helping to issue timely warnings for their communities.
Additional advice for beginners.
- A personal weather station can support your and others’ outdoor activities, such as gardening, biking, and stargazing.
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Additional information
| 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 |