Synopsis
Where does our weather come from? How is weather measured? What do weather symbols mean? Find out in Forecasting the Weather, a fascinating introduction to how weather data is used to make accurate weather forecasts! Each book contains: charts, tables, and diagrams, ideas for measuring the weather, examples from around the world, a glossary explaining important terms.
School Library Journal
Gr 3-6-Excellent introductions to weather forecasting, clouds, wind, temperature, and precipitation. The books are stylish and easy to read, and have full-color photographs, fact boxes, and charts with weather symbols. Chapters are only two pages in length, but cover the subject appropriately without overwhelming readers. Simple experiments are included in each book. Cloud Cover discusses UV radiation; four types of fog; analyzing and recording cloud cover; and the characteristics of cumulus, stratus, cirrus, and giant clouds. The predictions that can be made based on each cloud type are particularly interesting. In Forecasting Weather, students learn about weather stations, instruments, recording data, the Beaufort scale, making local forecasts based on data recorded, weather satellites, and photographing the weather. The author states that the Internet is useful for more information about weather, but gives no specific sites. Pressure discusses wind chill, measuring wind strength, barometers, air pressure, anemometers, El Nino, and jet streams. The charts, diagrams, and photographs are particularly useful in all of these titles. Some terms are difficult to explain to a younger audience, but the authors do a credible job. These overviews will also be useful to older students who need introductory information or are lower-level readers.-Michael McCullough, Byron-Bergen Middle School, Bergen, NY Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.