Meteorology 5540/6540
Synoptic Meteorology II:
Atmospheric Structure, Analysis, and Prediction

Forecast Laboratory

Daily forecasting labs involve the predication of a number of meteorological variables for Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and a floating site that is determined each morning prior to class. The forecast variables are segregated into three categories: temperature, precipitation, and cloud/wind. Results in each category are normalized and an overall score based on the normalized temperature score + the normalized precipitaiton score + 50% of the normalized cloud/wind score. The lower the normalized score, the better.

Many students initially find the forecasting of a large number of variables in a short period of time rather difficult. Time management is crucial, as is spending time outside of class examining daily weather situations and validating forecasts. After a few forecasts, most students are able to manage their time wisely and put together a quality forecast.