Weather and Climate Forecasting

Short-range forecast is a daily forecast of weather, mainly based on current or real-time weather data such as pressure, rainfall, wind speed and direction, temperature changes and cyclonic tendencies. It is valid for 24-72 hours and updated every day.

Medium-range forecasts provides rainfall and temperature pattern and anomalies information for the five to seven days in advance.

Long-range forecast provides a range of possible climate that are likely to occur in the season ahead. This is helpful in forecasting the expected rainfall amount and distribution for the next 1-4 months. Long-range seasonal forecasts are useful to enable cropping to be adjusted to the anticipated climate.

Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) is the science of predicting the weather using mathematical models of the atmosphere and oceans to predict the weather based on current weather conditions.