Understanding Common Weather Forecast Terminology

Weather forecasts use specific terminology to convey information about expected conditions. Understanding these terms can help you interpret forecasts more accurately.

Sky Conditions

Sky conditions describe the amount of cloud cover:

• Clear/Sunny: 1/8 or less of the sky covered by clouds.
• Mostly Clear/Mostly Sunny: 1/8 to 3/8 coverage.
• Partly Cloudy/Partly Sunny: 3/8 to 5/8 coverage.
• Mostly Cloudy: 5/8 to 7/8 coverage.
• Cloudy: 7/8 to 8/8 coverage.

These terms help you gauge how much of the sky will be obscured by clouds. (weather.gov)

Temperature Ranges

Forecasts often use terms to indicate temperature ranges:

• Lower 50s: Temperatures between 50°F and 54°F.
• Mid 50s: Temperatures between 55°F and 59°F.
• Upper 50s: Temperatures between 60°F and 64°F.

These descriptors provide a quick understanding of expected temperatures. (weather.gov)

Wind Descriptions

Wind speeds are categorized as follows:

• Light: 0-5 mph.
• Breezy: 15-25 mph.
• Windy: 20-30 mph.
• Very Windy: 30-40 mph.
• Strong/Damaging: 40 mph or greater.

These terms help you anticipate wind conditions and plan accordingly. (weather.gov)

Precipitation Probability

The likelihood of precipitation is expressed as a percentage:

• 10%: Isolated.
• 20%: Slight Chance.
• 30-50%: Chance.
• 60-70%: Likely.
• 80-100%: Occasional or Periods of.

Understanding these probabilities helps you prepare for potential weather events. (weather.gov)

Additional Terms

• Advisory: Highlights special weather conditions that are less serious than a warning but may cause significant inconvenience. (weather.gov)
• Warning: Issued when a hazardous weather element is imminent or has a very high probability of occurrence. (weather.gov)
• Watch: Alerts the public to the possibility of severe weather. (weather.gov)

By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you can better interpret weather forecasts and make informed decisions.