| | Exercises - Continued
The weather in the last 24 hours
A Meteosat animation showing the clouds moving over Europe shows the direction of the major weather systems.
Click here to download the latest animation.
The frontal zone
The frontal zone can be found in the atmosphere at the boundary between the colder air masses and the warmer air masses. In this frontal zone, the wind blows with high speed in the upper atmosphere. The jet stream is found in the frontal zone.
Low-pressure systems with accompanying fronts move along the frontal zone.
Click here to see the latest map of the frontal zone.
To predict the movements of the frontal zone, meteorologists use supercomputers to calculate the changes from 1 to 6 days in advance. These maps are of great value and for this reason they are not available free of charge on the internet. It is possible, however, to acquire a map showing more limited forecasts for 3 to 6 days ahead.
Click here to see a map showing a prognosis of the frontal zone.
 | | | Weather map of 18 March 2000 |
My forecast
You are invited to make two or more forecasts. First make a forecast for your own local area and then a forecast for another part of Europe.
Forecast for my local area
Make a forecast for late afternoon of the same day (that is around 6 pm), for the next day at 10 am, and one for 5 days ahead.
Start by describing the weather system over your area. Then give a description of wind (direction and speed), clouds, temperature and precipitation.
Forecast for an area in another part of Europe of your choice
Make a forecast for late afternoon on the same day, around 6pm, and, the next day at 10 am, and for 5 days ahead.
Start by describing the weather system over this part of Europe. Then give a description of wind (direction and speed), clouds, temperature and precipitation.
Was your forecast right?
Follow the weather today, tomorrow and 5 days ahead.
How good was your forecast?
If the weather developed in another way, try to figure out what mistakes you made in your analysis.
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