Topic > Meteorology: from myth to measurement - 1936

Avoiding the weather is impossible. Weather forecasting is the one branch of science that almost everyone uses on a daily basis. Whether checking the forecast in the morning, afternoon or evening, knowing the weather conditions allows us to prepare for the type of weather we will face. Climate prediction has been practiced since the beginning of time with more or less accuracy. Historical beliefs show numerous examples of weather prediction methods based on observation of surrounding elements. Although meteorologists' observations are not always accurate; having little knowledge of what may happen is better than none. “The only thing that never changes about time is that it always changes” (Wills 8). However, the forecast transition is constantly changing with respect to biblical beliefs, philosophical opinions, observations, and evolving technology that helps forecasters stick around for a few more days. Weather was believed to belong to God. “Storms were evidence of God's wrath and rain was evidence of God's blessings” (Lockhart 11). In the first book of the biblical collection, after suffering and returning to God, Job learns: God does great things, which we cannot understand. For he says to the snow, fall to the earth; the same is true of the rain and the showers of its mighty rain. From the southern chamber comes the storm; and cold from the north. With the breath of God ice is given and the breadth of the waters freezes (11). Ancient beliefs were if God said so, so it was. Today's Bible contains little weather information; however, the book of Enoch was accepted by early Christians and is widely cited in Revelation. In this book of the Bible, "Enoch visits heaven and... half of the paper... travel depends on it" (Hassan). Without meteorologists present at weather stations at all times of the day to prepare weather forecasts for us, we would not know what to expect from the weather. In recent years when I have witnessed natural disasters, meteorologists have had enough time to alert people in areas that would most likely be affected. With this little information, these humans had enough time to relocate or simply prepare for its disasters. Having this knowledge of the weather has improved and saved several lives, while the number of deaths and injuries would be skyrocketing. Who doesn't appreciate meteorologists? Even if we don't say thank you regularly, we appreciate all the help we can receive. Meteorologists are not 100% right, but the percentage of the time they are right is of great benefit!