Meteorological

Meteorological is an adjective relating to meteorology, the scientific study of the Earth's atmosphere and its processes. The term encompasses weather phenomena, atmospheric chemistry and physics, and the interactions between the atmosphere and the land, ocean, and cryosphere. Meteorology seeks to understand how variables such as temperature, humidity, pressure, wind, and radiation evolve in time and space, producing events from gentle breezes to severe storms.

Observation and data collection form the foundation of meteorology. Surface weather stations measure temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind, and precipitation. Upper-air observations come from weather balloons (radiosondes) and aircraft. Remote sensing instruments include weather radar, lidar, and satellites, which provide information on clouds, moisture, and atmospheric composition. Data are assimilated into numerical models that simulate atmospheric processes and generate forecasts.

Applications of meteorology include routine weather forecasting, severe weather warnings, aviation safety, agriculture, and climate monitoring. Meteorology also provides input for hydrology, disaster risk management, and environmental policy. Organizations such as the World Meteorological Organization coordinate international standards, data sharing, and observation networks to support science and public safety.