How forecasts are made

The steps

1. Observe: stations across the islands measure temperature, wind, pressure, humidity and rain, around the clock, and share them worldwide.
2. Watch from above: weather satellites and regional radar show cloud, rain and storms across the Caribbean and the Atlantic.
3. Model: supercomputers run numerical weather prediction models that calculate how the atmosphere is likely to change.
4. Forecast: a meteorologist compares the models with what is actually happening, and uses local knowledge of how Grenada's mountains and coasts shape the weather.
5. Issue: the forecast is written, checked and published on this site, the GMS app and to broadcasters, with alerts issued in CAP when hazards threaten.

Why forecasts change

Related

• ObservationsLatest readings from across the network
• Model guidanceThe numerical guidance behind the forecast