Weather glossary

[Roberto]

I understand many weather forecast terms have a precise meaning (eg moderate, rough etc applied to sea state, or likewise good, moderate for visibility etc.)

But what about other terms like for example

occasionally
for a time
at times
locally

are these only generic terms without any hidden particular meaning (apart from forecasters latitude in interpreting future weather) /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif?

 

[fireball]

Re: Whether glossary

occasionally - the frequency when you are allowed time to persue your hobbies
for a time - the period of time given for such hobbies
at times - the frequency of having consent from SWMBO
locally - the area allowed for such hobbies - so as not to stray too far away and exceed "for a time"

 

[Stemar]

Re: Whether glossary

[ QUOTE ]
locally - the area allowed for such hobbies - so as not to stray too far away and exceed "for a time"

[/ QUOTE ]Also to be noted: locally does NOT include the kitchen or the dining room table on pain of a sudden cold snap or in more severe cases, cyclonic storm force, becoming colder later

 

[tcm]

hm, no explanation of which i know. They all add a bit of uncertainty, of course. Much better if they included other super-certainty phrases such as
no doubt about it
or I'll eat my hat
and the rain will stop at ten past eight
but not near your house

 

[Evadne]

Its a long time since I was a metoerologist, but being serious for a moment, I believe the BBC and UK met office interpret:
Later = more than 12 hours into a 24 hour forcast.
soon = more than 3 hours but less than 6
imminent = less than 3 hours

Meteorologically, intermittent and continuous preciptiation are distinguished as you'd expect, IIRC the period has to be 15 minutes for it to be continuous.
Similarly light, moderate and heavy are determined by the no. of millimetres per hour, also the rate of change of a barometer (slowly, rapidly etc.) etc.

For an observer, preciptitation can be reported as not reaching the ground, in sight but not at the station, or at the station. I would take locally to mean that it is part of a pattern that includes areas of non precipitation that the observer can see, but I'm not aware of a formal definition of that or the other terms you quote. The UK Met. office produce a book called "weather for observers", which is worth reading if only because it's the one they give you when you're learning to be a meteorologist.

Meteorolgists try and use generic terms in a consistent manner, so that you will understand the forecast whoever is giving it. But some TV and radio forecasts are less - how can I put it - intellectual than others.
Hope this helps.

 

[VicS]

As you say some of the terms used have precise meanings. I suggest looking at the RYA booklet on weather forecasts for those. Beware though that some have different meanings at sea or on land.

I am not aware of any such meanings for the others you mention though.