Weather instruments are mounted on the top of the Great Blue Hill Weather Observatory in Milton, MA.
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Knowing what weather is on the way is important to many people. For example, farmers plan their planting schedule based on the upcoming weather. Forecasts are also important for human safety and can warn people when a hurricane or tornado is on the way. People also plan their leisure time based on the weather forecast.
In order to predict the weather, every day scientists gather information about weather conditions everywhere on Earth. This information is collected using special equipment. A barometer measures the pressure in the atmosphere, a thermometer measures the temperature, and an anemometer measures the wind. Weather radar can see precipitation in the clouds, and the Doppler radar takes measurements of winds in clouds to help predict severe storms and tornadoes.
Weather stations often contain the different weather instruments listed above. In addition, scientists launch weather balloons to collect data from the atmosphere. Research aircraft also carry instruments to collect data about weather and climate.
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