What Time Will It Rain Today?
A rainy day can provide much needed relief from the summer heat. But if you’re planning a day outdoors, it pays to know what time it will rain. Whether you’re looking to catch the most beautiful rainbow or just know the best time to duck into a cafe, here’s what you need to know about forecasted rain.
The Role of Weather Forecasts
Weather forecasts have come a long way over the years. Go back half a century, and estimates of when and where it would rain were more guesswork than science. Today, with access to satellite imaging technology and data-driven models, meteorologists can make more confident predictions of when inclement weather will arrive.
It’s important to remember however that forecasting the weather is an inexact science. While meteorologists are generally accurate in their predictions, the arrival of storms and rain can be affected by a number of variables. Further, if the weather is particularly volatile, a forecast may change drastically over a short period of time.
Making the Most of Forecasting Technology
The greatest advancements in weather forecasting technology have likely come over the past two decades. Meteorologists use both computer models and radar imagery to monitor weather activity in a given area and make predictions of when it will arrive.
Most meteorology services produce a forecast up to a few days in advance. This gives people the opportunity to plan outdoor activities carefully. Depending on your location, a detailed weather report may even indicate not just when and where storms are expected, but down to the minute.
Balancing Preparation and Acceptance
Forecasting technology is like any tool. While it can be useful, it’s important to remember that it is not impervious to error and can be unreliable in certain situations. Even if a rain shower is predicted, it may not come at the time indicated, or at all.
The availability of forecasting technology has transformed how we respond to inclement weather. But our acceptance that all of nature—rain included— is unpredictable is just as important. Weather forecasts are a tool to help you plan, but ultimately, the weather may do what it wants.