Course CodeBSC309Fee CodeS3Duration (approx)100 hoursQualificationStatement of Attainment Learn How Weather Conditions are able to be Predicted Weather forecasting can predict on a fine scale such as hourly, or as far into the future as required. It is important however to remember that with weather forecasts, the more data available and the closer time frame, the greater probability of prediction accuracy. A two-day forecast will have a greater accuracy than a 2-week forecast. Learn how modelling can be used to predict near term and long term weather patterns. Lesson Structure There are 8 lessons in this course: What to Measure What is Weather Forecasting? Weather Warnings Weather forecasting Impacts to people Impacts for farming Weather factors Cloud cover Minimum temperature Maximum temperature Dry bulb temperature Wet bulb temperature Wind speed Wind direction Precipitation Absolute humidity Relative humidity Dew point Mean sea level pressure Station level pressure Water vapour pressure UV index Tools for forecasting Equipment Weather stations Weather balloons and drones Satellites Recording, Storing and Processing Data High Performance Computers Numerical Weather Forecasting What should be in a minimal weather station? Types of Forecasting Persistence Forecasting Climatological Forecasting Use of a Barometer Looking at the Sky Nowcasting Numerical Weather Prediction models Statistical Forecasting Analogue Forecasting Ensemble Forecasting Weather Models Introduction Weather models data sets and global weather models ECMWF GFS How Weather Models are Built Grid size Problems with the Grid How do parameterisations work? Model Uncertainty Data Assimilation Mesoscale/Regional models The Human Element of Weather Modelling Predicting Temperature Diurnal temperature variation Forecasting maximum temperature Forecasting minimum temperature Effect of snow cover Severity of frost Forecasting grass minimum temperature Minimum temperature on road surfaces Heat Stress Determination Urban Heat Island Predicting Rain Introduction Convection and Showers Forecasting convective cloud Forecasting showers Forecasting cumulonimbus and thunderstorms Layer clouds and precipitation Layer cloud formation Condensation trails Orographic rainfall Formation of stratocumulus Precipitation associated with layered clouds Snow Air Conditions Introduction Air Quality Air Pollution and Its Effect on Climate Carbon Dioxide Methane Airborne Chemicals Air Particles Pollen and Allergies Radon Wind and Turbulence Mechanical Turbulence Thermal Turbulence Frontal Turbulence Wind shear Humidity Visibility Practical Applications Introduction Severe Weather Alerts Aviation Marine Agriculture Forestry Utility Companies Private Sector Military Medicine and Human Health Waves and surges Why Study this course? People could choose to study this course for many different reasons. Some seek more knowledge and skills to better manage their properties - farmers, horticulturists, land managers Some want a better understanding of climate change Others may seek to better manage how they operate at work - planning and managing what they do where and when, according to likely weather conditions. What can be gained from better Weather Prediction? By understanding weather patterns, and likely conditions at different times: Farmers can plan better Construction workers, urban planners and infrastructure managers can organise operations better. Logistics can be planned and supply of goods and services can become more efficient Air, sea and land transport can be navigated better Water resources may be managed more sustainably Extreme events can be better prepared for Whatever your reason for being able to better understand the weather; this course can potentially be a significant answer to your need.