The Science of Weather Forecasting
Study the patterns of weather, use modelling and predictive software to envisage future events, understand the delicate factors at play.
Weather forecasting has become an indispensable part of contemporary society.
Whether to know when to hang the washing out or to prepare for severe weather events, we depends on meteorologists and weather forecasters for essential climate insights.
This is an experiential learning-based course. Throughout your studies you will have the opportunity to network with and learn from a variety of industry professionals. Establishing real-world relationships and confidence is key to career success.
Lesson Structure
There are 8 lessons in this course:
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What to Measure
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What is Weather Forecasting?
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Weather Warnings
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Weather forecasting
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Impacts to people
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Impacts for farming
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Weather factors
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Cloud cover
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Minimum temperature
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Maximum temperature
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Dry bulb temperature
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Wet bulb temperature
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Wind speed
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Wind direction
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Precipitation
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Absolute humidity
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Relative humidity
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Dew point
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Mean sea level pressure
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Station level pressure
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Water vapour pressure
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UV index
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Tools for forecasting
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Equipment
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Weather stations
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Weather balloons and drones
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Satellites
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Recording, Storing and Processing Data
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High Performance Computers
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Numerical Weather Forecasting
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What should be in a minimal weather station?
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Types of Forecasting
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Persistence Forecasting
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Climatological Forecasting
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Use of a Barometer
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Looking at the Sky
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Nowcasting
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Numerical Weather Prediction models
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Statistical Forecasting
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Analogue Forecasting
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Ensemble Forecasting
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Weather Models
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Introduction
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Weather models data sets and global weather models
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ECMWF
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GFS
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How Weather Models are Built
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Grid size
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Problems with the Grid
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How do parameterisations work?
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Model Uncertainty
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Data Assimilation
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Mesoscale/Regional models
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The Human Element of Weather Modelling
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Predicting Temperature
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Diurnal temperature variation
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Forecasting maximum temperature
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Forecasting minimum temperature
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Effect of snow cover
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Severity of frost
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Forecasting grass minimum temperature
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Minimum temperature on road surfaces
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Heat Stress Determination
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Urban Heat Island
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Predicting Rain
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Introduction
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Convection and Showers
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Forecasting convective cloud
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Forecasting showers
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Forecasting cumulonimbus and thunderstorms
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Layer clouds and precipitation
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Layer cloud formation
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Condensation trails
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Orographic rainfall
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Formation of stratocumulus
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Precipitation associated with layered clouds
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Snow
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Air Conditions
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Introduction
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Air Quality
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Air Pollution and Its Effect on Climate
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Carbon Dioxide
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Methane
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Airborne Chemicals
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Air Particles
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Pollen and Allergies
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Radon
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Wind and Turbulence
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Mechanical Turbulence
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Thermal Turbulence
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Frontal Turbulence
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Wind shear
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Humidity
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Visibility
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Practical Applications
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Introduction
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Severe Weather Alerts
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Aviation
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Marine
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Agriculture
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Forestry
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Utility Companies
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Private Sector
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Military
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Medicine and Human Health
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Waves and surges
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.
Aims
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Determine where and when to measure factors affecting weather in order to predict weather conditions with relative and economically viable probability in any designated place.
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Describe the use of different tools and equipment used to measure and analyse weather conditions.
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Compare different types of forecasting to select the most appropriate type for situations encountered.
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Explain how weather models are constructed and what they mean.
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Explain how temperature ranges might be predicted.
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Describe how rainfall is predicted in the short, medium, and long term.
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Predict air conditions including humidity, turbulence, visibility, pollutants,
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Apply an understanding of weather forecasting in practical ways to different industries.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS COURSE?
- Aspiring meteorologists or weather forecasters
- Farmers and agriculturalists
- Urban managers
- Gardeners, landscapers and land manager
- Water and land resource managers
- Planning and events managers/coordinators
- State emergency services personnel
- Navigators, i.e., coxswains, pilots, etc.
- Anyone enjoying outdoor pursuits and activities.
Why Study with ACS?
Design your own learning pathway.
Study at your own pace, from anywhere, at any time.
Receive prompt, expert support from our team of committed and friendly tutors.
Your learning is our priority. We are flexible and adaptable to meet your educational needs!
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