Hurricane Frances
Before the age of computers, weather forecasters analysed observations plotted on paper charts, drew isobars and other features and — based on their previous knowledge and experience — constructed charts of conditions at a future time, often one day ahead. They combined observational data and rules of thumb based on physical principles to predict what would follow from a given state. The results were undependable for two main reasons: the data were sparse, and the empirical rules were unreliable [TM244 or search for “thatsmaths” at irishtimes.com].
For the past sixty years or so, forecasts have been based on computer models that numerically solve the mathematical equations expressing the physical laws. This approach is radically different but, after a shaky start, the numerical weather prediction (NWP) models have become remarkably accurate, with forecasting skill increasing by about one day each decade. Now there are signs of a return to the analogue, data-driven methods.
ThatsMaths 