The use of computers in the mid 1950's began with the crude numerical forecast models first experimented with by Richardson early in the century. By the early 1970's, refined computer models which included more data points and atmospheric measurements were able to more accurately project the motion of storms.
In 1960, TIROS, the first weather satellite, was launched. Meteorologists were now able to witness the development, motion and cloud patterns of extratropical and tropical storms. Satellite imagery continued to be a tremendous tool for forecasters in tracking hurricanes and other storms.
Radar is another helpful tool in predicting weather. It is particularly successful in tracking the motion of the precipitation, allowing forecasters to make accurate short-term forecasts on when and where storms will strike.
Radar, an acronym for Radio Detection And Ranging, was originally used as a detection device in military aircraft during World War II, then modified after the war for meteorological use at the US Weather Bureau.
1960's - 1980's
Many computer models were added in the study of meteorology from the 1960's through the 1980's. These models are all based on the fundamental equations of motion in the atmosphere, although there are variations in the number of the atmosphere's layers that are measured. It's up to the meteorologist to use his or her expertise in interpreting computer data.
In Superstorm 1993, every computer model projected a storm of epic proportions, but different models had the storm tracking in different directions. With a storm of this magnitude, it was important for forecasters to use their own expertise to determine which computer models were more accurate than others.
The ability to take computer model information and apply what is suggested to his or her own expertise and instincts is what makes a good meteorologist.
1980's - 1990's
NEXRAD, an acronym for the Next Generation of Weather Radar, is an advanced type of radar, different from those generally used from the 1940's through the 1980's. The United States Air Force, the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Weather Service (NWS) came together and determined a need for a new type of radar called Doppler radar.
Doppler radar can tell where it's raining and how hard it is raining like conventional radar, but it does so in much greater detail. It can also measure the speed at which precipitation is moving toward or away from the radar site. This is how Doppler radar helps in detecting tornadoes.
Doppler radar is so sensitive that it can even detect small airborne objects such as a flock of birds. Animal behaviorists have used Doppler radar to track bird migration patterns.
On June 24, 1995, Doppler radar near San Antonio, Texas showed a rapid expansion of green. Forecasters at The Weather Channel, noting that there was no rain in the San Antonio area, placed a call to the National Weather Service ( NWS ) office in San Antonio.
"It's not rain," quipped a meteorologist at the NWS office on the other end of the phone. "It's bats coming out of their caves."
GOES
The newest generation of weather satellite is the GOES series. GOES-8 was launched in 1994 and provides more clarity in satellite pictures and more temperature and moisture data than ever before.
With the launching of GOES-9 in 1995, US forecasters now have full coverage of both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts with satellite pictures.
THE FUTURE
There has been significant success in short range forecasting. Some meteorologists believe that the greatest advancements in the future will be greater accuracy in long term forecasting. New computer models have been developed to give a general idea of weather patterns up to ten days in advance.
The key to improvement in long term forecasting is the ability to receive information from more data points on the earth. The more data points you have, the more precise the information is that goes into equations used by the computer models.
