The weather is a vital component of our everyday lives. It affects our health, safety and quality of life. It can also impact our economy, and how we make plans for the future. Weather detection systems can be as simple as a barometric pressure, temperature and relative humidity sensor in a home computer or as sophisticated as a weather radar or lightning detector. Larger organizations can invest in weather radar, rain gauges and a variety of other sensors to collect a rich picture of the environment.
Forecasters have come a long way since the 1930s, when they relied on 16th century thermometers, 17th century mercurial barometers, and medieval weather vanes to create predictions. Today, Doppler radar towers detect rainfall patterns and wind direction; sensors attached to weather balloons float through the sky gathering information; satellites beam in data from the earth’s surface; and supercomputers combine this information into a vivid picture of what the weather will do.
Weather forecasts are a critical part of our daily lives, and they can save lives. Economists have found that a bad weather forecast, especially for a hot day, can lead to people skipping medical appointments or working outside; and this in turn may result in deaths from heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and dehydration. In addition, forecasts can also help individuals and families take precautions by purchasing air conditioning units, rescheduling medical appointments in cooler temperatures, and by taking advantage of public pools, park amenities or indoor malls.