How do barometers make weather forecasting easier?
Barometers measure atmospheric pressure, essentially giving an idea of the weight of the atmosphere above the reporting station. An individual reading is useful, but the trend of pressure is even more useful to a forecaster. If the pressure is rising, that means that the weight of the column of atmosphere above the station is increasing. This typically means sinking air and clearing skies. If the pressure readings are dropping, this means the air is rising. Clouds and stormy weather are likely. Learn more about barometers on this USA TODAY resource page.
