Question 1

Computer forecast models make certain assumptions about the atmosphere that are not always correct.

Accepted Answer

Computer forecast models rely on initial conditions and physical equations to simulate atmospheric behavior, but due to the complexity of the atmosphere and limitations in data and computational power, the assumptions made can sometimes be incorrect, leading to inaccuracies in forecasts.

Question 2

The AWIPS system is designed to provide nearly continuous information about wind, temperature, pressure, cloud-base height, and runway visibility at various airports.

Accepted Answer

AWIPS (Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System) is primarily designed for weather forecasting and data analysis rather than providing continuous information about specific airport conditions such as wind, temperature, pressure, cloud-base height, and runway visibility.

Question 3

A weather watch would probably be issued for which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

A weather watch is issued when conditions are favorable for severe weather, such as tornadoes, to develop. A chance for tornadoes tomorrow fits this criterion.

Question 4

An anticyclone is moving slowly eastward. Southerly winds on the western side of the system will bring warmer and more humid air to the region. Therefore, afternoon temperatures will be warmer than those of the day before.

Accepted Answer

Anticyclones are high-pressure systems where air descends from higher in the atmosphere and spreads out at the ground when it reaches the surface. This process typically leads to clear skies and stable weather conditions. As the anticyclone moves eastward, the southerly winds on its western side can indeed bring warmer and more humid air from the south, leading to an increase in afternoon temperatures compared to the previous day.

Question 5

Weather forecasts are commonly grouped according to how far into the future the forecast extends.

Accepted Answer

Weather forecasts are indeed grouped based on their time range, such as short-range (up to 48 hours), medium-range (3 to 7 days), and long-range (beyond 7 days) forecasts.

Question 6

A downside of high-resolution models is that, as the horizontal spacing between grid points decreases, the number of computations increases. When the distance is halved, there are 8 times as many computations to perform, and the time (and computational expense)required to run the model goes up by a factor of 16.

Accepted Answer

The number of computations increases by a factor of 8 when the distance is halved, and the time required to run the model goes up by a factor of 16.

Question 7

These days the precise location where a tornado will form can be predicted up to seven days in advance.

Accepted Answer

Current meteorological technology and understanding do not allow for the precise prediction of tornado formation more than a few hours in advance. Predictions about the potential for severe weather, which might include tornadoes, can be made days in advance, but not the exact location or time of a tornado.

Question 8

Meteorologists interpret the weather patterns and then correct any errors that may be present. The final chart is referred to as a prediction.

Accepted Answer

Meteorologists interpret weather patterns to make forecasts, but the final chart is referred to as a forecast, not a prediction, as it is based on current data and models to predict future weather conditions.

Question 9

A forecast that extends beyond three days is often called an extended forecast.

Accepted Answer

Forecasts that project weather conditions beyond three days are typically referred to as extended forecasts, aiming to provide a longer-term outlook on weather patterns.

Question 10

A capable forecaster only needs computer models to predict future weather, and does not need a strong sense of how surface features typically evolve.

Accepted Answer

A capable forecaster needs both computer models and a strong understanding of how surface features evolve, as models can't account for all variables and human insight is crucial for accurate predictions.

Question 11

According to the National Weather Service, the subjective term "fair" implies a rather pleasant weather situation.

Accepted Answer

The term "fair" used by the National Weather Service generally indicates pleasant weather conditions, often characterized by the absence of significant weather phenomena like rain or stormy conditions.

Question 12

Because the many weather variables are constantly changing, meteorologists have devised atmospheric models that describe the present state of the atmosphere. These are not physical models that paint a picture of a developing storm; they are, rather, mathematical models consisting of many equations that describe how atmospheric temperature, pressure, winds, and moisture will change with time.

Accepted Answer

Meteorologists use mathematical models, which are systems of equations that simulate the atmosphere's behavior, to predict how weather conditions like temperature, pressure, winds, and moisture will evolve over time. These models help in forecasting weather by analyzing the current state of the atmosphere and predicting future states.

Question 13

Surface pressure systems tend to move in the same direction as the wind at 5500 m (18,000 ft)-the 500-mb level. The speed at which surface systems move is about double the speed of the winds at this level.

Accepted Answer

Surface pressure systems generally move in the same direction as the wind at the 500-mb level (approximately 5500 m or 18,000 ft), but the speed at which surface systems move is typically less than the speed of the winds at this level, not double.

Question 14

Soundings only provide information that aids in the prediction of fog, air pollution alerts, and the downwind mixing of strong winds.

Accepted Answer

Soundings provide a wide range of atmospheric data including temperature, humidity, and wind profiles through the atmosphere, which are critical for various meteorological forecasts beyond just fog, air pollution, and wind mixing, such as storm development, temperature forecasts, and aviation weather.

Question 15

Probably the easiest weather forecast to make is a statistical forecast.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Probably the easiest weather forecast to make...

Question 16

Stating that the chance of rain is 60 percent means that there is a 60 percent chance that it will rain within the forecast area.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Stating that the chance of rain is...

Question 17

Suppose that it is presently warm and raining. A cold front will pass your area in 3 hours. Behind the front, it is cold and snowing. A persistence forecast would predict warm and rainy weather.

Accepted Answer

A persistence forecast assumes that current weather conditions will continue into the future, so it would predict the warm and rainy weather to persist.

Question 18

Doppler radar is helpful for measuring precipitation, but not wind.

Accepted Answer

Doppler radar is useful for measuring both precipitation and wind. It detects motion towards or away from the radar, allowing meteorologists to estimate wind speeds and directions.

Question 19

For many companies, seasonal outlooks are even more important than day-to-day forecasts.

Accepted Answer

Seasonal outlooks help companies in planning and decision-making processes for activities that are affected by seasonal trends, such as inventory management, staffing levels, and marketing strategies, making them crucial for long-term planning.

Question 20

A weather watch indicates that ____.

Accepted Answer

A weather watch, such as a tornado watch or severe thunderstorm watch, means that the conditions are right for hazardous weather to occur in the specified area. It does not guarantee that the weather will happen, but it means that it is possible and that people should be prepared.

Quiz 13: Weather Forecasting