meteorological forecast

Scientific method that makes it possible to forecast atmospheric conditions in a particular region for a given period.

data processing

Data from weather stations and satellites is centralized and processed with a view to forecasting weather and producing maps.

sounding balloon

Pressurized balloon equipped with measurement instruments used to collect atmospheric data (up to an altitude of 20 mi), which it then transmits to the ground by radio signal.

weather radar

Instrument that detects the presence and movement of clouds and precipitation.

land station

Collective term for the facilities and instruments required to perform meteorological observations at ground level.

weather map

Map representing atmospheric conditions observed in a region at a given time.

ocean weather station

Ship equipped with meteorological observation instruments that report on atmospheric conditions on the oceans.

buoy weather station

Buoy equipped with an automatic weather station that transmits data about atmospheric conditions on the water.

aircraft weather station

Aircraft equipped with meteorological observation instruments; it reports on the state of the atmosphere at various altitudes.

weather satellite

Observation spacecraft that studies the atmosphere and transmits data to Earth, making it possible to forecast the weather on the ground.