How to Do a Weather Report

Weather reports

Weather reports follow a certain format no matter what media you use to present them. Trained meteorologists prepare the forecast and after all of the data has been prepared, anyone can present the report. Successful weather reporters consider what listeners need to know before deciding what information to use. For example, no one will care about the total monthly precipitation during the first week of the month unless the numbers are abnormal. Also, remember that the most popular weather reporters maintain a cheerful, enthusiastic disposition no matter what the forecast predicts.

Things You'll Need

• Current weather conditions Weather forecast for the next three to seven days Satellite maps (if doing a visual display)

Instructions

How to Do a Weather Report

1. Provide an overview of the current weather conditions. The information you should provide includes temperature, humidity, precipitation amount, barometric pressure, dew point, wind speed and direction, UV index and air quality rating. Other items you can mention are sunrise and sunset times, tides and visibility.

2. Mention the average high and low temperatures for the time of the year. You may also include historical information on the record highs and lows, and the years in which they occurred.

3. Display the satellite map of the region for the previous few hours. Point out any storm systems or pressure fronts in the area to explain why the forecast is for a certain kind of weather, such as rain, snow or unusually high winds. Also indicate any approaching weather patterns to further support the forecast.

4. Go over the forecast for the next few days. For each day, you need to state the high and low temperature, the percentage chance of precipitation, the general conditions (such as mostly sunny, cold and clear or partly cloudy), and any other warnings (snow, gusting winds or possible flooding).

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware that the accuracy of long-term weather forecasts decreases. You're far more likely to have an accurate forecast for tomorrow's weather than you are for five days from today. Focus on the weather conditions during the morning and evening rush hours. People will rely on this information to plan their commute. Weather forecasters use almost exclusively Fahrenheit temperatures and precipitation/barometer readings in inches in the United States. For more universal appeal, consider including Celsius temperatures and metric readings.

Resources

• National Weather Service