Numerical weather prediction is the way weather forecasts are made. This is done using computer models of the atmosphere. Such models describe the current weather conditions, and how they change over time using equations. Using the current weather conditions, the equations can be solved, or approximated to tell what the weather will be like in the near future. The relevant physical parameters, such as pressure, temperature, the direction and the speed of the wind are taken to be functions of time. These are modelled with a system of partial differential equations. This is a dynamic system that is solved numerically. Most of these equations are implemented using FORTRAN. The equations are approximated. Since the number of calculations is huge, supercomputers usually do them, to finish before it's too late.
Numerical weather prediction
Questions and Answers
Q: What is numerical weather prediction?
A: Numerical weather prediction is the way weather forecasts are made using computer models of the atmosphere.
Q: How do these models describe current weather conditions?
A: These models describe current weather conditions using equations that take into account parameters such as pressure, temperature, wind direction and speed.
Q: How are these equations solved?
A: These equations are solved numerically using a dynamic system of partial differential equations.
Q: What programming language are these equations implemented with?
A: Most of these equations are implemented using FORTRAN.
Q: Why are supercomputers used to solve these equations?
A: Supercomputers are used because the number of calculations is huge and they need to be finished quickly.
Q: What physical parameters are taken into account when modelling the weather?
A: Physical parameters such as pressure, temperature, wind direction and speed are taken into account when modelling the weather.
Q: Can this modelling accurately predict the weather?
A: While the modelling is not always completely accurate, it serves as a useful tool for predicting weather patterns in the future.