WORLD METEOROLOGICAL DAY
Every year on March 23rd, World Meteorological Day celebrates the date when the World Meteorological Organization was formed in 1950. This day also educates the public on the importance of meteorology.
Barometric pressure. Jet stream. Wind chill factor. Cloud cover. Chance of precipitation.
When you listen to a weather report, you probably hear terms like these. All of the terms are commonly used by a meteorologist. Also called a weatherman or weather forecaster, a meteorologist is a scientist that studies the atmosphere. Atmospheric science includes atmospheric chemistry and atmospheric physics.
Meteorology has been studied for thousands of years. However, it was only since the 18th century that significant progress has been made in meteorology. Thanks to computers and satellites in the 20th century, the accuracy of weather predictions has greatly improved. Before the use of computers, forecasting the weather relied heavily on historical data. We even used astrology at one time to predict the weather.
Here are some more interesting facts about meteorology:
- Aristotle is considered to be the founder of meteorology.
- The first daily weather forecast appeared in the London Times in 1861.
- Weather predictions are based on the wind, temperature, air pressure, and water vapor.
Some people may complain that the weatherman always seems to make the wrong prediction. However, thanks to advances in science and technology, meteorologists are more accurate than ever. In general, the accuracy for a 24-hour forecast is 95 percent. The accuracy rate for a 5-day forecast is about 75 percent. Thanks to accurate weather forecasts, meteorologists can warn people of dangerous storms and impending natural disasters, thus saving lives.
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldMeteorologicalDay
Every year on this day, the World Meteorological Organization releases information regarding the world’s climate. They also educate the public on important happenings in meteorology, such as global warming, climate change, and the increased frequency of natural disasters. To participate:
- Thank your local weatherman for all they do to predict the weather and keep you safe.
- Learn more about meteorology and all that it entails.
- Come up with some fun weather proverbs, such as “red sky at night, sailor’s delight” and “you can tell the temperature by counting a cricket’s chirps.”
- Watch a movie that features meteorology, such as “Twister,” “The Perfect Storm,” and “The Day After Tomorrow,” and “The Wizard of Oz.”
Share this day on social media with a picture of your favorite kind of weather with #WorldMeteorologicalDay.
WORLD METEOROLOGICAL DAY HISTORY
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), an agency of the United Nations, established World Meteorological Day in 1961. The primary function of the WMO is to publish information on the status of the world’s climate and to monitor climate changes. They chose March 23rd as it was on this date in 1950 that the WMO was formed. Every year, the WMO chooses a new theme to celebrate the day. Recent themes include:
2021: The ocean, our climate, and weather
2020: Climate and water
2019: The Sun, the Earth, and the weather
2018: Weather-ready, climate-smart
2017: Understanding clouds
