Weather: Elements, Types, Influencing Factors & Forecasting

Weather is a measure of the state of the Earth's atmosphere through parameters like Temperature, Humidity and Rain at a particular time and place. The Weather can change within minutes or hours whereas climate remains more or less stagnant over many decades. It refers to the day-to-day variations in atmospheric conditions, such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind, occurring in a specific location.

Weather is defined as the immediate state of the atmosphere at any place and at any time. This could change from one day to another owing to changes in temperature, air pressure, winds and moisture. While the climate is all about the patterns of the atmosphere over a very long period, weather is not fixed and keeps on changing. Some common aspects of the weather include temperature, air pressure, winds, humidity, clouds and rain.

• Temperature: This shows the heat or coldness of the atmosphere at any given time.
• Atmospheric Pressure: This is the pressure of the air at any given time on Earth's surface.
• Wind: Wind is the movement of air from high pressure regions to low pressure regions.
• Humidity: This shows the water content in the air and affects the weather patterns and clouds.
• Precipitation: This involves rainfall and snowfall from the clouds.
• Cloud Cover: This is the amount of cloud coverage at any given time in the atmosphere.
• Sunshine: This is the intensity of sun rays at any given time.

• Latitude: Latitude affects the amount of solar radiation received by a place, thus impacting its temperature and weather seasons.
• Altitude: Altitude impacts on the temperature of a place, since air pressure is low and the atmosphere is thin at higher altitudes.
• Distance from the Sea: Coastal regions experience moderate temperatures as compared to interior regions due to the effect of the sea.
• Relief and Mountains: Mountains affect the movement of winds and rainfall and the temperature of a place.
• Oceanic Currents: They affect the temperature and moisture levels of coastal areas.
• Low and High Pressure: It determine the movement of winds and have a great impact on winds, clouds, rainfall and storms.
• Winds: They carry heat and moisture from one place to another, hence affecting temperature and precipitation.

• Sunny Weather: In this type of weather, the sky is mostly clear, with lots of sunlight and no clouds present. It usually results in warm and sunny weather.
• Cloudy Weather: Clouds occupy a considerable portion of the sky, blocking the sunlight and also signalling the possibility of rain.
• Rainy Weather: When the water droplets present in the clouds become too heavy for the clouds to hold and descend to the earth's surface, it causes rain.
• Stormy Weather: It is characterised by the presence of wind, rain, storms, lightning and at times hail.
• Snowy Weather: Snow descends from clouds when there are sufficiently low temperatures in the atmosphere.
• Hot and Humid Weather: It is characterised by high temperatures and also high moisture in the atmosphere.
• Cold and Dry Weather: Cold weather with less moisture in the atmosphere.

Weather prediction or forecasting involves the use of scientific analysis and observations to predict future weather conditions. This is done by collecting data on temperature, air pressure, humidity, wind, precipitation, and the nature of the clouds from weather stations, satellites, radar and weather balloons. After this, the data collected is analyzed through numerical weather prediction models that run on computers. The meteorologist analyzes the results generated from the models together with current weather patterns to make predictions. This is aided by satellite imagery and radar to track the clouds, rain and storm formation.

These weather instruments play a vital role in helping meteorologists to get accurate measurements for various atmospheric conditions. Thermometers are used for measuring temperatures, while barometers are used for measuring atmospheric pressures. Wind speeds are measured using an anemometer, whereas a wind vane indicates the direction of the wind. Hygrometers measure the level of moisture or humidity present in the atmosphere. Rainfall is measured with the help of a rain gauge. Collectively, these instruments give necessary information regarding weather conditions. These readings aid in giving weather forecasts, monitoring the weather changes and providing warnings for weather disturbances such as cyclones, heavy rains and heat waves.

Weather is significant in terms of the lives of humans as well as economic activities. In agriculture and irrigation, weather forecasts about the rain, temperature and so on, are vital for making decisions regarding the planting of crops, irrigation of crops and harvesting the crop. The transportation by road, railways, airways as well as sea routes may be hampered because of the fog, storms, heavy rains and winds. In case of disaster management, timely warnings regarding weather ensure that appropriate action is taken before a disaster like flood, storm or heat wave strikes. Even tourism relies on favorable weather in order to plan trips and vacation spots. Weather directly impacts public health owing to the fact that extreme heat or cold, high humidity and so on can cause a threat to the health of the individuals. The planning of reservoirs and dams, as well as water supplies rely on rainfall forecasts.

India witnesses a lot of weather variation owing to its huge area, varied relief, and monsoons. India as such witnesses 4 seasons of winter, summer, monsoon, and post-monsoon season. The Indian monsoon is the biggest factor affecting weather conditions in India. The monsoon provides the country with much-needed seasonal rains, refills the country's water resources, and even impacts the economy of the nation. The regional variations in the climate include hot and arid conditions prevailing in Rajasthan whereas the western Ghats and northeastern parts of the country experience high rainfall. Winter rain and snowfall due to western disturbances from the Mediterranean region in northwestern parts of India, and the Himalayan region benefit the rabi crops. The tropical cyclones affect the coastal areas of the country especially the east coast in pre and post monsoon seasons. The heatwaves usually occur in summer in north and central parts of India causing health and water problems. Cold waves occur in winter in northern India.

What is weather?

Weather is the state of the atmosphere in any location and at any given time, such as the temperature, rainfall, wind and humidity.

What are the elements of weather?

Temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind, humidity, precipitation, cloudiness and sunshine are some of the elements of weather.

How does weather differ from climate?

Weather is the short-term atmospheric condition, while climate is the long-term weather pattern in various regions for many years.

How can weather be forecasted?

Weather is forecasted using the observations through satellites, radars, weather stations and instruments, and computer-generated numerical forecasting models.

What instrument is used to measure atmospheric pressure?

A barometer is the instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure and understand the changing weather conditions.

What is the function of IMD?

IMD stands for India Meteorological Department that monitors, forecasts, detects and warns of extreme weather, such as cyclones.