Forecasts for beginners

[Gary Morrall]

So, I am new to this and have no idea what I am doing, but I want to learn how to forecast weather and how to use the charts so I can accurately predict a 5 day weather forecast. Anyone able to point me in the right direction?

[chrisbell-nottheweatherman]

There are several articles in the Netweather guides section which I'd recommend to give you a basic idea.  I'd suggest the following might be the most useful:

Guide to the main models

Model output updates

GFS charts guide

Guide to DAM lines

Understanding DAM

Guide to charts

SLP and 500mb charts

850hPa charts

SLP, cloud %age and 500-1000hPa charts

Precipitation charts

2 metre temperature charts

Wind speed and direction

Ensembles

More on ensembles

Summer set-ups

Summer guide

Winter set-ups

Forecasting snow

 

I'd also recommend the following video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kexXhluHes&index=20&list=PLP3IzT1tNiwH5AudY1tKsUXsZ3pQXjLoe&t=13s

[chrisbell-nottheweatherman]

Actually, forget that video link - I'd recommend the 7 videos on Skew-T from here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrBVFmALnvo

[chrisbell-nottheweatherman]

This thread is also useful:

https://www.netweather.tv/forum/topic/16002-a-simple-guide-to-understanding-skew-t-diagrams/