Final answer:
A short weather forecast for Baltimore, MD, for October 18th, should include temperature, precipitation, and wind speed. These data provide a comprehensive snapshot of expected weather conditions and help to predict weather changes, considering atmospheric pressure variations.
Step-by-step explanation:
When composing a short weather forecast for Baltimore, MD, for October 18th, the information should include temperature, precipitation, and wind speed, which aligns with option a) Temperature, precipitation, and wind speed. When forecasting, these components provide a comprehensive view of the weather conditions. Temperature informs us if it's going to be hot or cold, precipitation reveals whether there will be rain, and wind speed indicates how windy it can get, which can affect outdoor activities as well as sea conditions.
Additionally, weather forecasters pay close attention to changes in atmospheric pressure, which can inform the forecast by indicating potential weather changes; a significant drop can signify the development of severe weather events, such as hurricanes with torrential rainfall and high winds, as mentioned in the introductory scenario. Understanding these elements is crucial for accurate and useful weather forecasts.