Weather and Atmosphere
Sources: NOAA National Weather Service Jetstream and NOAAWatch
The term weather describes the state of the atmosphere at a given point in time and geographic location. Weather forecasts provide an estimate of the conditions we expect to experience in the near future and are based on statistical models of similar conditions from previous weather events. Temperature, amount and form of airborne moisture, cloudiness, and strength of wind are all different components of our weather. Severe weather events such as tornadoes, tropical storms, hurricanes, floods, lightning strikes and extremes of heat or cold can be costly and deadly. Knowing how to recognize threatening weather conditions, where to get reliable information, and how to respond to this information can help save lives. In addition to weather, NOAA also monitors and forecasts other atmospheric processes that effect our planet such as ozone levels, changing climate conditions, and variables outside Earth's atmosphere such as solar winds.
The collections in this thematic area provide educational resources that introduce these concepts, provide activities and data for exploring weather and atmospheric sciences, and link to emerging research on these topics.
Weather Observations
This Collection provides educational resources and lesson plans that will support educators as they teach about daily weather observations, measurements and forecasts. The collection includes resources on weather data, weather station instrumentation, satellites, radar, weather maps, cloud charts, severe weather and weather safety.
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Virtual Tour of a Weather Forecast Office
Meteorological Intern Enjoys Road to Forecasting
Hurricanes
Education resources about hurricane science, dangers, safety, and preparedness.
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El Niño
The resources in this Collection can be used to help learn about; the basics of ENSO, El Nino and La Nina, the inter-relationship of Earth systems, the impacts of these interactions, and how to use and analyze data. ENSO provides students with the opportunity to discover how interactions of the oceanic and atmospheric systems can impact human society and ecosystems.
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Weather Systems
This collection highlights the patterns and major factors that influence global weather systems. Educational resources help build understanding of how these global systems link to regional and local weather. Includes information on global winds, pressure systems, jetstreams, and weather fronts.