So You Want To Be a Meteorologist? Quiz

Answer: Cold

Protecting the 3 P's means to take care of your pets, plants, and pipes! Other terms heard on weather forecasts as synonyms for cold include "frosty", "chilly-willy", and "frost bite weather".

It must be said that entertaining words alone do not make a meteorologist. In order to study and predict the weather, it is recommended that a person take a variety of science, computer science, and math classes in high school - and practice their writing skills in English class as well!

Answer: Dry

It may surprise you that the driest place on earth is an area called the Dry Valleys in Antarctica. It is believed that rain hasn't fallen in that region for almost two million years! Other terms used to describe dry weather are "arid", "high and dry", and "we could do a rain dance".

Once in college a prospective meteorologist generally must first earn a bachelor's degree. A meteorology student will take classes in what is called Meteorology or Atmospheric Sciences.

Answer: Fast

Some fronts, transition zones that separate two masses of air, move very fast, and can be described as "accelerating", "digging in", and "running". Slow-moving fronts, on the other hand, are described as moving at a "snail's pace" or "tortoise-like" and stationary fronts are "motionless" or "parked". These fronts are among the phenomena that create changes in the weather.

The required courses for a degree in meteorology will include subjects such as atmospheric chemistry, atmospheric physics, and climatology, as well as many more! Be prepared to work - hard!

Answer: Fog

The term "pea soup" was first used in an article by a young English artist, John Sartain, living in London in 1820, where there was "a fog as thick and as yellow as the pea-soup of the eating house..." Also called black fog or killer fog, the fog was a result of the air pollution caused by the comining of the Industrial Revolution, and is also called "London particular" or "London fog".

A student of meteorology will also want to take classes in journalism if there is interest in broadcasting on television. In addition computer science classes are recommended due to the many types of technology a meteorologist uses.

Answer: Heavy Rain

I am sure that many have heard the phrase, "it's raining cats and dogs", and there are several theories as to the origin of this phrase. One theory is that it came from Norse mythology. Odin, the god of storms, was often pictured with dogs or wolves, the symbols of the wind; it was believed that witches rode their broomsticks during storms with heavy rains; their symbol was a black cat. The phrase may relate to winds (dogs) and rain (cats). Some would say the term was first used in 1651 by Henry Vaughn, "dogs and cats rained in shower", although other names and dates are cited as well. It may refer to the fact that during heavy rains, the dead animals, as well as the filth, were carried through the streets.

Many meteorologists earn master's or doctorate degrees, depending on the type of job they are seeking. Different fields of study in meteorology may require different degrees, so it is important to know a field of interest.

Answer: High Pressure

A high pressure area is defined as "a region where the atmospheric pressure at the surface of the planet is greater than its surrounding environment". This condition typically brings fair weather and clear, sunny skies. Other terms that can be used are "big blue H" and "wall to wall sunshine".

In addition, meteorology students also can benefit from internships with meteorologists who specialize in their particular field of interest. This type of study really looks good on a resume!

Answer: Hot

The hottest inhabited place on earth is listed as Dallol, Ethiopia. Recorded from 1960-66, the hottest annual mean temperature was 34.4 °C, or 93.9 °F, and the average daily maximum temperature was 41.1 °C or 106.0 °F, according to "Extreme Weather: A Guide & Record Book", which was published in 2007. Other terms used to describe this type of weather include, "baking", "roasting", "searing heat wave", and "air conditioner weather".

There are many different types of jobs available in the field of meteorology. For example, a climatologist would study seasonal changes that occur over time.

Answer: Humid

The most humid places on earth are believed to be in equatorial, coastal regions, such as Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Jakarta, Indonesia, and Singapore; all experience year-round humidity. Other cities, such as Calcutta in India or Lahore, Pakistan, have extreme seasonal humidity during the monsoon season. In terms of relative humidity, in the United States, one of the most humid cities is Olympia, Washington. In the area where I live, humidity is described as "weather you can wear"!

An environmental meteorologist would study the effects of air pollution on the earth's atmosphere. Synoptic meteorologists use math to help forecast weather.

Answer: Low Pressure

Most people do not look forward to a weather forecast that describes a low pressure system, as it usually brings a storm or some sort of inclement weather to a region, unless the region is in desperate need of rain! Typically rain, clouds, wind, and cool weather are associated with a low pressure systems; however, stronger storms, such as hurricanes or cyclones, can be produced. Other terms used to describe low pressure include "storm system", "area of energy" or "big red L".

There are also a variety of agencies for which a meteorologist may work. Each may require a different degree or course of study.

Answer: Snow

Snow is defined as "precipitation in the form of flakes of crystalline water ice that falls from clouds". There are several terms for this type of weather; a "flurry" is a very light, short snowfall, while a "snow shower" is longer, more patchy snowfall. A heavy snowstorm could be described as a blizzard if it lasts for three hours or more with winds of at least 35 miles per hour.

Of course, there is much more involved in the process of becoming a meteorologist than has been mentioned; however, I hope you find my suggestions to be a good starting place! Good luck!