Modern Tools

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Meteorologists use very sophisticated tools nowadays

Radar is often used to predict severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. This technology was developed during World War II and uses radio waves to find clouds and storms. Examples of radar image maps are published by Intellicast.

Satellites are manmade machines that orbit the earth and  help us forecast weather by recording images and measurements of conditions in our atmosphere and on earth. Examples of weather satellite imagery are published by Intellicast.

Computers are used to create models of the atmosphere and process information in order to make weather predictions.

Can we predict severe weather?

By analyzing information from all over the world using sophisticated technology meteorologists map global weather patterns. Computer models are effective tools in forecasting severe snow storms and hurricanes. Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are more difficult to forecast. Dangerous weather conditions often develop rapidly.

Last Updated: 07/07/05