numerical weather prediction
Low (Technical Term)Formal / Technical / Academic
Definition
Meaning
The science of forecasting weather by processing data through mathematical models on supercomputers.
A specific branch of meteorology that involves using complex computer simulations, based on the laws of physics, to predict the future state of the atmosphere from its current observed state. It is the foundation of modern weather forecasting.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
It is a compound noun phrase treated as a singular concept. Often abbreviated as NWP. The 'numerical' aspect distinguishes it from earlier, less quantitative forecasting methods.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., 'modelling' vs. 'modeling').
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Used with equal frequency in professional meteorological contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] uses/relies on/applies numerical weather prediction for [purpose].[Adjective] numerical weather prediction has revolutionized [field].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in aviation, agriculture, and energy sectors for risk assessment and planning (e.g., 'Our logistics plan incorporates the latest numerical weather prediction to mitigate delays.').
Academic
Core subject in meteorology and climate science journals and courses (e.g., 'The paper critiques parameterization schemes in numerical weather prediction.').
Everyday
Rarely used; the simpler term 'weather forecast' or 'computer model' is preferred.
Technical
The standard term in meteorological reports, research papers, and operational forecasting centres.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- To forecast the storm, they will numerically model the atmospheric conditions.
- Meteorologists are predicting the weather numerically with greater accuracy.
American English
- They used a supercomputer to numerically predict the hurricane's path.
- Forecasters numerically modeled the system's development.
adverb
British English
- The weather was predicted numerically, not by folklore.
- The system operates numerically to generate forecasts.
American English
- Forecasts are now generated almost exclusively numerically.
- The process works numerically, using complex equations.
adjective
British English
- The numerical-prediction model output was analysed.
- They attended a course on numerical-prediction techniques.
American English
- The numerical-prediction data is crucial for the briefing.
- Advances in numerical-prediction science have been rapid.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The weather forecast on TV uses computers.
- Modern weather forecasts are made by powerful computers.
- Meteorologists use numerical weather prediction to make more accurate forecasts for the next week.
- Despite advances in numerical weather prediction, the chaotic nature of the atmosphere imposes inherent limits on long-range forecasting accuracy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Numbers (numerical) + Atmosphere (weather) + Future (prediction) = Computerized forecast.'
Conceptual Metaphor
WEATHER FORECASTING IS SOLVING A GIANT PHYSICS PUZZLE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid a word-for-word translation that might sound like 'number weather prophecy'. The established Russian equivalent is 'численный прогноз погоды'.
- Do not confuse 'prediction' with 'предсказание' in a mystical sense; it is a scientific 'прогноз'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'numeric weather prediction' (though sometimes seen, 'numerical' is standard).
- Incorrect: using it as a plural (e.g., 'numerical weather predictions are...') when referring to the field or general process; it is usually uncountable.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary tool used in numerical weather prediction?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very closely related. Numerical weather prediction is the overall science and process. A 'weather model' is a specific computer program that performs this prediction.
Generally, detailed forecasts are reliable for up to about 7-10 days. Predictions become increasingly uncertain beyond that due to the chaotic nature of the atmosphere.
Virtually all professional and official forecasts are now based on NWP output, which meteorologists then interpret and refine.
They are the precise measurements of the current state of the atmosphere (temperature, pressure, wind, etc.) that are fed into the computer model to start the forecast simulation.