Weather Types weather patterns are categorized into similar groups, using for instance the position of the subtropical highs and the upper level flow. This only shows very broad features, not specific weather. To help with forecasting, radiosonde are sent up into the atmosphere with a balloon. These measure a variety of atmospheric data such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, etc. Greenwich mean time.
Weather satellites are vital in gathering national and global weather information.
There are two types. First, the Polar Orbiting Satellites parallel the meridian lines and passes over the north and south poles on each revolution. As the earth rotates to the east, each satellite pass monitors an area to the west of the previous pass, eventually covering the earth. This satellite photographs the clouds, and provides especially sharp pictures of the polar regions. Polar orbiting satellites fly at lower altitudes than GOES and provide more detailed information on such things as violent storms and cloud systems.