Question 1

Very short-range forecasts often utilize the ensemble forecasting method.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  False

Question 2

About how far apart do you think weather observing stations should be in order to accurately depict a middle latitude storm and to be able to forecast the storm's movement?

Accepted Answer

The optimal spacing of weather observing stations for accurately depicting a middle latitude storm and forecasting its movement can vary depending on the specific characteristics of the region, the technology available, and the resources at hand. However, there are some general guidelines that meteorologists and weather services follow.

For middle latitude storms, which can include systems like extratropical cyclones, the spatial resolution of observations needs to be fine enough to capture the key features of these systems, such as fronts, low-pressure centers, and areas of precipitation.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) provides general recommendations for the density of surface observation networks. For synoptic observations in areas with significant weather changes, such as those found in middle latitudes, a basic synoptic network might have stations spaced approximately 150-250 kilometers (about 90-155 miles) apart. This spacing allows for the detection of large-scale features of weather systems.

However, for more detailed analysis and short-term forecasting, a denser network is often required. Mesonet systems, which are networks of automated weather stations, can provide observations at much finer spatial resolutions, sometimes with stations spaced as little as 20-30 kilometers (about 12-19 miles) apart. This higher density is particularly useful for capturing smaller-scale phenomena that can be associated with middle latitude storms, such as localized severe weather events.

In addition to surface observations, remote sensing technologies like radar and satellite imagery play a crucial role in monitoring and forecasting middle latitude storms. Radar networks can detect precipitation, wind, and storm structures at a high spatial and temporal resolution within their coverage area, which is typically a radius of about 100-200 kilometers (about 60-120 miles) around each radar site.

Satellites, on the other hand, provide broader coverage and can track the movement of storms over vast areas, including the oceans where in-situ observations are sparse. The combination of satellite and radar data with surface observations gives meteorologists a comprehensive view of the atmosphere and improves the accuracy of storm forecasts.

In summary, while a basic network might have weather stations spaced 150-250 kilometers apart, a denser network with spacing of 20-30 kilometers can provide much more detailed information for forecasting middle latitude storms. The integration of surface observations with radar and satellite data further enhances the ability to accurately depict and forecast these weather systems.

Question 3

By examining a surface map,the movement of a surface low pressure area can be predicted based upon the:

Accepted Answer

A)  orientation of the isobars in the warm sector.
B)  region of greatest pressure decrease.
C)  movement during the previous 6 hours.
D)  all of the above D

Question 4

An accurate forecast:

Accepted Answer

A)  always shows skill.
B)  may or may not show skill.
C)  never shows skill.
D)  requires complex computer equipment.

Question 5

When making a forecast,a meteorologist typically examines:

Accepted Answer

A)  surface charts.
B)  upper-air charts.
C)  radar displays.
D)  satellite imagery.
E)  all of the above

Question 6

Suppose it is warm and raining,and a cold front is moving toward your location.Directly behind the cold front it is cold and snowing.Still further behind the front the weather is cold and clearing.If the front is scheduled to pass your area in 6 hours,a persistence forecast for your area for 12 hours from now would be:

Accepted Answer

A)  cold and snowing.
B)  cold and clearing.
C)  cold and cloudy.
D)  warm and raining.
E)  not enough information on which to base a forecast.

Question 7

When several numerical weather prediction models produce similar progs,

Accepted Answer

A)  a forecaster has little faith in the model predictions.
B)  more confidence can be placed in the forecast.
C)  the forecast is considered robust.
D)  both b and c

Question 8

Describe the relationship between dew point and minimum temperatures.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the relationship between dew point and...

Question 9

Describe the data and tools that a meteorologist assembles prior to making a weather forecast.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the data and tools that a...

Question 10

A probability forecast that calls for a "40 percent chance of rain" means that:

Accepted Answer

A)  there is a 40 percent chance that it will not rain within the forecast area.
B)  there is a 40 percent chance that any random place in the forecast area will receive measurable rain.
C)  it will rain on 40 percent of the forecast area.
D)  it will rain during 40 percent of the time over the forecast area.

Question 11

Numerical weather prediction models begin with an __________ and produce a __________.

Accepted Answer

A)  prog;analysis
B)  prog;meteogram
C)  meteogram;prog
D)  analysis;prog

Question 12

The forecasting of weather by a computer is known as numerical weather prediction.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 13

If there is a chance for tornadoes tomorrow,a weather watch would probably be issued.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 14

The least accurate forecast method of predicting the weather two days into the future during changeable weather conditions is usually the:

Accepted Answer

A)  trend method.
B)  persistence forecast.
C)  analogue method.
D)  prediction by weather types.
E)  numerical weather prediction.

Question 15

Describe four different types of weather forecasting methods and give an example of each.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe four different types of weather forecasting...

Question 16

Suppose that where you live the middle of January is typically several degrees warmer than the rest of the month.If you forecast this "January thaw" for the middle of next January,you would have made a:

Accepted Answer

A)  forecast based on the analogue method.
B)  persistence forecast.
C)  forecast based on weather types.
D)  probability forecast.
E)  climatological forecast.

Question 17

Suppose there are two cloud layers above you.The lower cloud layer is moving from a westerly direction,while the higher cloud layer is moving from a northwesterly direction.From this observation you conclude that the wind is __________ with height and __________ advection is occurring between the cloud layers.

Accepted Answer

A)  backing,cold
B)  backing,warm
C)  veering,cold
D)  veering,warm

Question 18

What type of forecast method do you think would be most appropriate for a short range (6 to 12 hours),a medium range (24 to 48 hours),a long range (5 to 10 days),or a seasonal (3 month)forecast?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What type of forecast method do you...

Question 19

A forecast method that compares past weather maps and weather patterns to those of the present is:

Accepted Answer

A)  persistence forecasting.
B)  the analogue method.
C)  the trend method.
D)  nowcasting.

Question 20

With all other factors being equal,will a cloudy day have a higher or lower maximum temperature then a clear day? How about the minimum temperature during a cloudy vs.clear night? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of With all other factors being equal,will a...

Exam 14: Weather Forecasting