It is not hard to convince even the casual observer of weather that the measurement of winds is important for the prediction of future weather. Simply put, the weather systems that can be so disruptive of human activities are transported by the wind. Furthermore, within these systems the wind itself is a very important characteristic. The first, and direct, source is from weather balloons. Winds are measured by tracking the motion of the balloon as it rises through the atmosphere and is moved by the wind.
Satellites play an important role in providing atmospheric data over the oceans.
Temperature and humidity data have been obtained by satellites for about 30 years or so, and the quality of that data is improving with each new generation of instruments. Global computer models accept that satellite data to put together detailed snapshots of the state of the atmosphere and to make weather forecasts. However, the models have to make up their own winds over vast regions of the globe. The atmosphere is very complex. The computer models can be used to study which information would help the most.