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How to Use Cloud-Drift Winds in a Forecast

Historically, meteorologists used algorithms to calculate cloud-drift winds, but in 1992, the National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service, or NESDIS, began using a new automated winds software package developed by the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies, or CIMSS, which made predicting wind and the weather much easier, according to Colorado State University. In the 21st century, meteorologists rely on geostationary satellites to track winds in the upper atmosphere. A feature’s images are observed in time, and the distance traveled between images is used to calculate speed. Clouds are not the only factor used for tracking a feature because computers can easily track unseen forces, such as water vapor imagery. This combined data provides more accurate cloud-drift winds information in a forecast.

Instructions

    • 1

      Gather information from satellite-derived data on cloud-drift winds retrieved from NOAA Satellite and Information Service. Examine the three-dimensional images of individual features over time to get information on the high density of winds in the horizontal, as well as multiple winds in the vertical, recommends the Naval Research Laboratory.

    • 2

      Use the wind information to also view mesoscale events, including low-level jet streams and coastal gap winds, suggests the Naval Research Laboratory. Compare this information to other kinds of remotely sensed surface wind information for a more accurate forecast.

    • 3

      Incorporate cloud-drift winds information into your weather forecast to explain current and upcoming weather patterns. Use cloud-drift winds graphics to show weather systems and wind speed. Demonstrate patterns of hurricanes, wind shear, jet streams and coastal gap winds in the atmosphere. Complex and large wind systems can be easily followed over vast sections of the globe due to geostationary coverage, according to the Naval Research Laboratory.

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