---
title: "Weather Forecasting"
description: "Know that meteorologists are scientists who study and forecast the weather using satellites, radar, weather balloons, and computer models, and that weather forecasts help people plan their activities "
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/weather-forecasting-mt_AghN5YcCHX
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/weather-forecasting-mt_AghN5YcCHX.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Weather Forecasting

Know that meteorologists are scientists who study and forecast the weather using satellites, radar, weather balloons, and computer models, and that weather forecasts help people plan their activities and prepare for dangerous weather

Subject: Science · Area: Weather & Climate · Ages 7 to 9
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/weather-forecasting-mt_AghN5YcCHX

## Ready when they can

- Define a meteorologist as a scientist who studies and predicts weather
- Name at least three tools meteorologists use
- Explain why weather forecasting is useful for safety and daily planning

## Lesson: Weather Forecasting

A meteorologist is a scientist whose job is to study the weather and figure out what it will do next. They look at clouds, wind, and temperature, then use special tools to make a good guess about tomorrow, so you know whether you can play outside.

Meteorologists use more than their eyes. A weather balloon carries instruments high into the sky to measure temperature, wind, and how damp the air is. Radar sends out signals that bounce off raindrops, so it shows where rain and storms are. A satellite takes pictures of clouds from space. A computer puts all the clues together.

*(drawing: Meteorologists gather clues from weather balloons, radar, and satellites, then a computer helps turn it all into a forecast.)*

**Example.** Dr. Nia checks the radar and sees a big storm moving toward her town. She looks at satellite pictures of the clouds and checks numbers from a weather balloon. Then she tells people on TV, a storm is coming tonight, so bring an umbrella and stay inside if it gets bad.

A forecast is a smart guess, not a sure thing. That is why meteorologists use many tools together instead of just one.

**Recap.** Meteorologists use satellites, radar, weather balloons, and computers to study the weather and help people stay safe and plan their day.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Cloud Types](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/cloud-types-mt_IhWzO4sQPg)
- [Using Weather Instruments](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/using-weather-instruments-mt_sA0RvWXSYY)
- [Weather Forecasting & Safety](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/weather-forecasting-and-safety-mt_URezjbU-6f)

## Opens up

- [Reading Weather Maps](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/reading-weather-maps-mt_3pgTpuetKi)