5 Things That Changed Weather Forecasting Forever
NASA Goddard・13 minutes read
The development of new technologies like satellites and radar has revolutionized weather forecasting, leading to more accurate predictions and real-time data. The transition from military to civilian weather services has been crucial in improving forecasts and saving lives by incorporating social science alongside physical science to meet the needs of the emergency management community and protect life and property.
Insights
- Transition from military to civilian weather services was pivotal in enhancing weather forecasts and safeguarding lives, marking a significant shift in approach towards weather observation and prediction.
- Integration of social science alongside physical science in weather forecasting is essential for engaging decision-makers, government agencies, and individuals to mitigate risks, emphasizing a mission-driven focus on protecting life and property while ensuring societal benefits.
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Recent questions
What was the first weather satellite launched?
TIROS-1
How did John F. Kennedy contribute to weather satellite systems?
Call for worldwide system
What technology revolutionized weather forecasting?
Doppler radar, satellites
Who pioneered the ensemble forecast method?
Eugenia Kalnay
What is the focus of the Weather Service beyond forecasting?
Engaging decision-makers, societal benefits
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Summary
00:00
Evolution of Weather Forecasting Technology
- In 1960, the first weather satellite, TIROS-1, was launched, allowing for global weather observation, improving weather forecasts over time.
- The history of weather forecasting in the US began with the Signal Corps, focusing on saving lives from weather-related threats.
- The transition from military to civilian weather services was crucial for improving weather forecasts and saving lives.
- The development of new technologies like Doppler radar and satellites revolutionized weather forecasting, providing real-time data and improving accuracy.
- John F. Kennedy's call for a worldwide weather satellite system in 1961 led to the launch of TIROS and Nimbus satellites, enhancing global weather observation.
- The NIMBUS 3 satellite provided groundbreaking global weather data in 1969, significantly improving forecast accuracy.
- Geostationary satellites offer continuous visual imagery of the Earth, aiding in tracking weather patterns and hurricanes in real time.
- Polar orbiting satellites complement geostationary satellites, providing detailed atmospheric measurements crucial for weather forecasting.
- Microwave sensors on satellites allow for all-weather atmospheric profiling, enhancing forecast accuracy by providing critical vertical structure information.
- The ensemble forecast method, pioneered by Eugenia Kalnay, significantly improved forecast accuracy by analyzing beneficial observations and discarding detrimental ones, leading to longer and more reliable forecasts.
14:37
Weather Service Engages Decision-Makers for Safety
- The Weather Service is now focusing on not just forecasting and warning, but also on engaging decision-makers at various levels, including government agencies and individuals, to save lives and property. This shift towards incorporating social science alongside physical science is crucial in meeting the needs of the emergency management community and achieving societal benefits, with a strong dedication to protecting life and property driving their mission.
