How do meteorologists predict the weather?

Meteorologists predict weather by measuring what the air is doing now, then using physics and computers to estimate what comes next. Sensors, balloons, radar, and satellites feed in temperature, wind, pressure, and moisture, and forecast models calculate how those moving ingredients may change.

The charming part is how many clues come from places children can picture: clouds over an ocean, wind above a school roof, cold air sliding under warm air. Because the atmosphere is sensitive, forecasters often compare many model runs to see which future is most likely.