Weather Forecast Terminology Cheat Sheet for Travelers

Understanding weather forecasts is crucial for travelers to plan their activities effectively. Here's a concise guide to common weather terms and their meanings:

Sky Conditions

Sky conditions describe the amount of cloud cover in the sky:

• Clear/Sunny: 0 to 5% cloud cover.
• Mostly Clear/Mostly Sunny: 6 to 25% cloud cover.
• Partly Cloudy/Partly Sunny: 26 to 50% cloud cover.
• Mostly Cloudy/Considerable Cloudiness: 51 to 69% cloud cover.
• Cloudy/Overcast: 70 to 100% cloud cover.

These terms help you gauge how much of the sky is covered by clouds, affecting sunlight and visibility. (weather.gov)

Temperature Ranges

Forecasts often use specific terms to indicate temperature ranges:

• Around 50/Near 50: Temperatures ranging from 48°F to 52°F.
• Lower 50s: Temperatures between 50°F and 54°F.
• Mid 50s: Temperatures from 53°F to 57°F.
• Upper 50s: Temperatures between 56°F and 59°F.

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

Wind Descriptions

Wind forecasts include both direction and speed:

• Light Wind: 0 to 5 mph.
• Breezy: 15 to 25 mph.
• Windy: 20 to 30 mph.
• Very Windy: 30 to 40 mph.
• Strong/Dangerous Winds: Over 40 mph.

Understanding wind speeds helps in planning outdoor activities and anticipating potential hazards. (weather.gov)

Precipitation Probabilities

The likelihood of precipitation is expressed as a percentage:

• 0%: No precipitation expected.
• 10%: Isolated showers possible.
• 20%: Slight chance of precipitation.
• 30-50%: Chance of precipitation.
• 60-70%: Likely precipitation.
• 80-100%: Occasional or periods of precipitation expected.

This scale helps you prepare for varying levels of rainfall or other forms of precipitation. (weather.gov)

Additional Terms

• Humidity: The amount of moisture in the air, affecting comfort levels.
• Heat Index: A measure of how hot it feels when humidity is factored in.
• Wind Chill: How cold it feels due to wind speed.

Being familiar with these terms enables travelers to interpret weather forecasts accurately, aiding in better planning and safety.

Highlights:

• Forecast Terms
• Forecast Terms, Published on Thursday, February 05
• National Weather Service Terminology