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Amateur Meteorology

as a hobby

AKA: Weather Forecasting, Weather Watching

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.

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.

Refer to the listed resources for further research.

Short visual inspiration.

Amazing Weather
YouTube Playlist | Amazing Weather
The Incredible Logistics Behind Weather Forecasting
YouTube | The Incredible Logistics Behind Weather Forecasting
How are weather forecasts made?
YouTube | How are weather forecasts made?
Weather Gone Viral
YouTube Playlist | Weather Gone Viral
More videos
The Future of Weather Forecasting | Breakthrough
YouTube | The Future of Weather Forecasting | Breakthrough
How a weather forecast is made - In 60 seconds (ish) audio
YouTube | How a weather forecast is made – In 60 seconds (ish) audio
MOST EXTREME Weather Events Caught On Video
YouTube | MOST EXTREME Weather Events Caught On Video
What are ensemble forecasts? | Up in the air | Met Office Learn About Weather
YouTube | What are ensemble forecasts? | Up in the air | Met Office Learn About Weather

Play an episode while exploring the page.

Spotify Embed: Met Office
Spotify | Met Office

https://open.spotify.com/show/0E7pXk5OQnShwuMYQkVjoE?si=e5e08f2536034893

Spotify Embed: Introducing Weather Geeks
Spotify | Introducing Weather Geeks
Spotify Embed: Ep. 51: What Is It About The Weather? with Mark Jelinek
Spotify | Ep. 51: What Is It About The Weather? with Mark Jelinek
More podcasts
Spotify Embed: Storm Front Freaks
Spotify | Storm Front Freaks

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.

First Steps Videos

Get read-y.

Engaging in amateur meteorology hones observation skills, a valuable asset in many fields.

Step-by-step tutorials.

How-To Videos

More how-to videos

Essentials to have.

Product Demos

Weather Station Shopping 101
YouTube | Weather Station Shopping 101
Ambient Weather WS-2902 | Unboxing and Installation
YouTube | Ambient Weather WS-2902 | Unboxing and Installation

Further reading.

Video Articles

5 Things that Changed Weather Forecasting Forever
YouTube | 5 Things that Changed Weather Forecasting Forever
Weather That Changed The World
YouTube Playlist | Weather That Changed The World
Weather Mysteries Debunked
YouTube Playlist | Weather Mysteries Debunked
Immersive Mixed Reality
YouTube Playlist | Immersive Mixed Reality
More video articles
Gettin' Geeky With It
YouTube Playlist | Gettin’ Geeky With It
Science of Extreme Weather and Climate
YouTube | Science of Extreme Weather and Climate

Go-tos for information.

Website Previews

More website previews

Amateur weather stations can detect microclimate variations that might be missed by official weather stations, contributing valuable data to local forecasting.

Nothing like a film for inspiration.

Movie Trailers

Storm Chasers - Season 1 Sneak Preview
YouTube | Storm Chasers – Season 1 Sneak Preview
Richard Hammond's Wild Weather
YouTube Playlist | Richard Hammond’s Wild Weather
More movie trailers

Get a clue.

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.

FAQ Videos

5 Things: Space Weather
YouTube | 5 Things: Space Weather
Weather Underground: Our PWS Network
YouTube | Weather Underground: Our PWS Network

Smart start.

App Trailers

The New Weather Channel App
YouTube | The New Weather Channel App
More app trailers

Understanding weather patterns can deepen appreciation for the environment and climate change.

Get smart.

Video Courses and Trailers

Weather Snacks
YouTube Playlist | Weather Snacks
Understanding Weather
YouTube Playlist | Understanding Weather
MetEd Overview
YouTube | MetEd Overview

Get together.

Related Videos

Many amateur meteorologists contribute to severe weather reporting, helping to issue timely warnings for their communities.

Subscribe for inspiration.

Newsletter Previews

Additional advice for beginners.

Video Tips

Personal Weather Station Network
YouTube Playlist | Personal Weather Station Network

Suggestions?

Let us know!

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