Final answer:
Weather forecasters use Doppler radar, satellites, and weather models to predict weather conditions. Doppler radar provides detailed information on wind patterns within storms, while satellites and models offer insights from a broader perspective and analyze a large array of data for accurate predictions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Weather forecasters use a range of tools to predict future weather conditions. One critical tool is Doppler radar, which was first experimented with in the 1960s for weather forecasting. The advantage of Doppler radar is its ability to detect motion within storm systems, which helps meteorologists understand wind patterns and predict severe weather events such as tornadoes and hurricanes, making it a valuable asset in weather prediction.
Besides Doppler radar, forecasters also use satellites to observe weather systems from space, giving them a broad view of weather patterns and helping to track storms as they develop. Weather models, which are sophisticated computer programs, analyze huge amounts of meteorological data to make predictions about future weather conditions. The data used in these models include measurements of air pressure, temperature, and humidity, which are compiled from various sources, including weather stations, buoys, and aircraft.
Forecasting also involves looking at historical data and current conditions, such as the size and location of glaciers or the water levels in lakes, rivers, and oceans, which can be indicators of climate trends. For a complete weather forecast, experts often use all of the mentioned tools: satellites, radar, and models to accurately predict the weather.