In addition, computer models are now extremely useful in forecasting. There are many long tedious calculations that need to be made to predict how the atmosphere will behave. Extremely powerful computers are used to solve millions of mathematical calculations based on physical properties of the atmosphere. It would take humans days to do these calculations. Computers can do these in seconds with much greater accuracy.
Meteorologists rely heavily on the computer generated forecasts in their analysis.
There are many types of maps that meteorologists use. Pressure, temperature, dewpoint temperature, and wind are some of the most important and easily understood maps. Analyzing these atmospheric variables will be the primary focus. Surface pressure is a significant feature of interest since low pressures indicate rising vertical motions which usually leads to clouds and precipitation, while high pressures signify downward vertical motion giving fair weather. Temperatures are important for indicating the type of air mass.