Meteorology is an observational science where meteorologists interpret observations from the land''s surface, oceans, and from the upper atmosphere to forecast weather. This is done using specialist computer programs designed to make both short and long-term predictions of weather and climate. The predictions are used in the air transport industry, the defense industry, public utilities, and commercial organizations (such as retailers and event organizers) as well as for public interest through television, radio and the press. Meteorologists are also widely involved in research into understanding and predicting climate change and into understanding and improving models of weather prediction. When looking at a weather map, a meteorologist needs to know where the cold air is, where the warm air is, where it is raining, what type of clouds are in the area, and many more things. The reason for this is that forecasts need to be accurate. But, they also need to be timely. If too much time is spent making the forecast, it will be late. Not many people want to know what the weather was like twenty minutes ago. Most people want to know what the weather is going to do in the near future. Because of this, weather symbols were invented so that weather maps could be looked at in a short amount of time.
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