Weather Observation is a way of examining the state of atmosphere of the earth and its underlying surface in a particular area at a particular time of the day by using instruments and eyes within a given short period of time.
Where as Weather forecasting is predicting what the weather will be like at a certain time in the near future, in a given location or it is a statement saying what the weather will be like the next day or for the next few days.
The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services provide the observation service order to meet the Nation manandate as well as filifling the folowing Objectives;-
GOS Is the coordinated system of methods and facilities for making meteorological observations on a global scale in support of all WMO Programmes; the system is comprised of operationally reliable surface-based and space-based subsystems? The GOS comprises observing facilities on land, at sea, in the air and in outer space. These facilities are owned and operated by the Member countries of WMO each of which undertakes to meet certain responsibilities in the agreed global scheme so that all countries can benefit from the consolidated efforts
Weather Parameters Observed at a Weather Station;
Weather forecasting starts with weather monitoring which is critical in understanding the current situation in terms of weather. This is then followed by Weather Analysis and prediction. Weather Analysis tries to understand what weather systems are contributing to the current weather conditions and predicting what is going to be. Finally, all the weather information generated must be disseminated.
SEVERE WEATHER MONITORING AND EARLY WARNINGThe department of climate changes and meteorological issues severe weather warning for related hazardous weather conditions.
Figure 1: Local COSMO model for Short range forecasts as a tool for weather analysis and prediction
Figure 2: Meteograms for location specific medium range forecasts
There are several types of forecasts depending on validity time. These are: