Question

Precipitation clouds are observed at a distance of about 700 miles to the west of a city. The clouds are seen moving eastwards at an average rate of 20 miles per hour. Which of these statements best predicts the weather in the city within 24 hours?

Answer 1

Based on the given movement rate of the clouds, the city is unlikely to experience precipitation from those clouds within 24 hours. Yet, actual weather predictions would require a more comprehensive analysis, as various factors can alter the clouds' movement and speed.

Step-by-step explanation:

Precipitation clouds moving towards the city at a rate of 20 miles per hour from a distance of about 700 miles implies that they would reach the city in 35 hours, which is greater than 24 hours. Therefore, it is unlikely that the city will experience precipitation from these clouds within the next 24 hours, assuming consistent speed and direction of the cloud movement.

However, it is important to consider that weather predictions are influenced by a variety of factors such as wind patterns, atmospheric pressure, and historical data. Sudden changes in any of these factors could affect the speed and direction of the clouds, potentially causing them to arrive sooner or result in a different weather outcome.

According to LibreTexts™, to accurately predict whether the city will experience precipitation or storms, a comprehensive analysis that includes these elements should be performed. Without such analysis, the prediction is based solely on the current observed movement of the clouds.

Answer 2

Distance = speed x time Distance = 20 x 24 Distance = 480 miles The clouds will have travelled 480 miles. The clouds will still have 700 - 480 = 220 miles before they reach the city. The weather will be dry.