What is Weather Forecast Data? Definition, Sources & Datasets to buy

What are Examples of Weather Forecast Data?

Weather forecast data, a type of weather data, includes various information used to predict future atmospheric conditions. Examples of weather forecast data include:

• Temperature data: Predictions on daily high and low temperatures.
• Humidity levels: Forecasts on moisture content in the air.
• Wind data: Information on future wind conditions.
• Rainfall data: Expected rainfall, snow, or sleet.
• Atmospheric pressure: Data on pressure changes indicating weather shifts.

What are the Attributes of Weather Forecast Data?

Weather forecast data encompasses several critical attributes.

Temperature:

• Current Temperature: The temperature at the present moment.
• High/Low Temperatures: Predicted maximum and minimum temperatures for the day.
• Feels Like Temperature: An adjusted temperature value accounting for wind chill or heat index.

Wind:

• Wind Speed: The speed at which the wind is blowing, usually measured in kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).
• Wind Direction: The direction from which the wind is blowing, often represented in degrees or compass directions (e.g., N, NE, SW).
• Gusts: Short bursts of high-speed wind.

Precipitation:

• Precipitation Amount: The volume of rainfall or snowfall expected, typically measured in millimeters (mm) or inches.
• Precipitation Probability: The likelihood of precipitation occurring, given as a percentage.

Atmospheric Pressure:

• Pressure Values: Typically measured in hectopascals (hPa) or millibars (mb), indicating changes in weather patterns.
• Pressure Trends: Indications of whether the pressure is rising, falling, or steady, which can help predict upcoming weather changes.

Humidity:

• Relative Humidity: The percentage of moisture in the air relative to the maximum amount the air can hold at that temperature.
• Dew Point: The temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture and dew forms.

Visibility:

• Visibility Distance: How far one can see, typically measured in kilometers (km) or miles (mi).

Cloud Cover:

• Cloud Cover Percentage: The fraction of the sky covered by clouds, given as a percentage.

Sunrise and Sunset Times:

• Sunrise Time: The time at which the sun rises.
• Sunset Time: The time at which the sun sets.

UV Index:

• UV Index Value: A measure of the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Weather Conditions:

• Descriptions: Qualitative descriptions such as clear, cloudy, rainy, snowy, etc.

How is Weather Forecast Data Collected?

Weather forecast data is collected using various methods and technologies, including:

• Weather stations: Ground-based instruments measuring local atmospheric conditions.
• Satellites: Provide large-scale data on cloud cover, temperature, and moisture.
• Radars: Detect precipitation and storm activity.
• Weather balloons: Collect upper-atmosphere data on temperature, humidity, and pressure.
• Computer models: Combine data from various sources to predict future weather patterns.

What are the Uses of Weather Forecast Data?

Weather forecast data serves numerous purposes across different sectors:

• Agriculture: Helps farmers plan planting, irrigation, and harvesting.
• Transportation: Assists in route planning and ensuring safety.
• Emergency preparedness: Supports disaster response and planning.
• Energy sector: Forecasts demand and manages renewable resources.
• Public safety: Issues warnings and advisories to the public.