chain

There are thousands of weather stations, each with its own set of meterologists and forecasters. Each station reports to the nearest central weather office. The immediate weather forecaster (Brad) records hourly statistics and sends them by computer to the closest central office. From there, the world can see the information. This "chain of information" shows you how the information gets from the weather station to you.

These are the forecasters, Brad and Linda. Brad is the immediate weather forecaster, so it is his job to record what the weather is all the time. He compiles the hourly statistics, and then sends it off. Linda is the extended weather forecaster, so it is her job to write her forecasts every six hours.

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Brad compiles the hourly statistics and then sends them by computer to the central office that is closest to him (right) Linda checks the central weather office to see if the predictions

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And then the information comes to you! News programs broadcast the information on television, so you can tune in to see what is happening with the weather. Or you can call the National Weather Service and listen to a recording.

of other forecasters match hers.

Brad also records his information on tape every hour and slides the tape into a slot. The tape runs continuously as a regular update to weather radio receivers and to radio and television stations. (top-left) Linda records the extended forecast for broadcasting, as well.

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With the information on the computer, all sorts of things can happen. Now weather stations around the world have access to the information.