Weather Data Essentials: Understanding Models, Forecasts, and Real-Time Data

This course introduces fundamental weather concepts, aiming to demystify the vast world of weather. It is divided into two sections.  The first section focuses on various types of weather data products available, guiding traders and researchers on which data to utilize for their needs. This section addresses questions such as: What is a weather forecast model? What forecast models are available, and how often are they updated? We will explore the differences, strengths, and weaknesses between realized vs. forecast weather data, station-based vs. gridded weather data, and deterministic vs. ensemble weather forecasts.  The second section introduces basic weather concepts. Participants will learn about global circulation patterns and how to interpret common weather maps. The course will familiarize participants with frequently used weather jargon, such as pressure levels, geopotential height, and jet streams. Additionally, participants will learn to decode metadata on standard weather maps and interpret various types of contours and color fills. By the end of the course, participants should be able to identify key atmospheric ingredients essential for supporting wet and rainy weather.