Andrew BlumThe Weather Machine: A Journey Inside the Forecast

As a meteorologist myself, I collect nearly every weather book out there, new and old. So, I essentially had to grab this one. I was hoping this book would go into great detail about how data is collected and used in the forecast models. It does an ok job with this, but truly misses the mark. There is a pretty good history on how the forecast models got started, with some new information for me. However, I can help but wonder what this book would have been like had someone who was a little more technical in the field had written it. Or someone like Bill Bryson with his attention to detail and extensive research.

I’ve always been a bit of a science nerd and I remember that when I was a middle schooler I wanted to be a meteorologist. Then, I found out that there was a lot of math involved, so I had to change plans. But I’m still a weather junkie and couldn’t wait to read “The Weather Machine: a Journey Inside The Forecast” by Andrew Bloom.We learn about how super computers to generate weather models that guide the preparation of forecasts. Models are continuously updated as actual data is added. It’s a fascinating look at How forecast relay on world wide measurements and sophisticated algorithms. Decades ago the ability to predict weather 48 hours ahead of time was largely a guess while the 1 week and 10 day forecasts are increasing in accuracy.Governments of many nations have traditionally shared weather data that goes into these models, but Bloom shares his concerns that privatization puts future developments into jeopardy as well as what happens if governments no longer invest in measurements and the sharing of data.If you are interested in the science...and politics....of weather, I'd recommend this book.Memorable Quote: "The weather machine has to be a global system, and it won’t work any other way. At its heart is an equilibrium between the things nations do for themselves and the things they contribute to systems that supersede their borders. We are many countries, on one planet. "

This is an interesting topic, but not ultimately a very interesting book. The author goes to a lot of trouble to visit places and meet people involved in weather forecasting, but manages not to really explain much, or in much depth, what goes into weather forecasting. Instead the discussion seems to focus oddly on the people involved and the places that they work. On the plus side, it is short, and quick to read.

This book is mainly gossip about the scientists and engineers who have dealt with measuring and forecasting the weather. Unfortunately, it does not include explanations about the methods used to issue the forecasts.

This is an OK book, but I think it drifts too much into some fairly random personalities and places (interesting personalities and places, to be sure) and no enough on the actual business of numerical weather forecasting. The historical background is the best part of the book; the modern discussion is pretty superficial.

From Thomas Jefferson making temperature recordings to compare the weather in Virginia and New York City when he took on the position of Secretary of State in 1790 to observations scribbled on postcards and telegrams sent to collections of scientists that would calculate possible forecasts to the beginning of space exploration and the service of satellites processing data across the world.The author gives an insight into the science of weather forecasting which went from next day or two - with the telegraph reports being sent further east but could not be counted on with the unpredictability of the mass movement of the atmosphere - to the highly detailed forecast models available today. The creation of the ECMWF - the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts - and it's diligence to become the apex weather forecasting organization in the world. A look into The Weather Company and the Weather Underground vs. the National Meteorological societies (not just in the U.S.). Sharing of weather data and observations seems to be one of the few examples of world-wide mutual cooperation.So where does weather forecasts go from here? Especially with the demands that the ability to just look at our cellphones and get the current forecast - continually updating - numerous times each day. It is likely that sensors in the phones will, in turn, update with hyperlocal observations which will only enable forecasts to become more and more accurate. Today, with millions of current observations, millions of historic observations and the most current knowledge in air movement through the layers of the atmosphere, effects of humidity, soil moisture, water and land temperatures and many, many more qualifiers, computers can not only make forecasts days into the future but also note locations of interest.And they're getting better and better. A far call from the days of watching the sky in the west and counting on Uncle Buster's aching knees.*This review is identical to the one posted on GoodReads.com

Again, author Andrew Blum has crafted an entertaining look at a technological topic that impacts us all - but that we probably have not taken the time to better understand (other than to complain about in this particular case!). The reader learns the fascinating initial attempts, over a century ago, by a few individuals to mathematically describe the atmosphere's physics - laws that still provide the underpinnings of our understanding of atmospheric dynamics that enables today's complex weather forecasts. His interviews with major contributors to atmospheric science provides the insights and the human dimensions that lend credence to how the weather forecasting system works and how it will likely into the future. There is, however, a rather large elephant in the room: climate change. Blum did not address this issue directly, but the reader will hopefully come away with an understanding of how our evolving and current state of the science clearly is what led scientists to originally and to continue raise their concerns.

This book will become the classic goto reference for so many people who are interested in or studying the weather. I teach Construction Technology and detailing materials to withstand the weather is so important, so this book has gone on my reading list for my BSc Hon degree course, Its an easy read, but the content is both practical and informative to understanding the method of collection and use.

A detailed text, perhaps laboured in places but none-the-less well worth reading

Interesting read about the history of weather forecasting. The author is, perhaps, a bit too awed by the technology. He's all-in with the meteorologists about how accurate forecasts are now. As an on the ground victim of weather, like most people, I'd say forecasts aren't nearly as accurate as the experts would like us to think.

Ce livre parle de personnes qui s'occupent de météorologie, leur âge, leur aspect physique, leur biographie, leurs habits, le repas qu'il a pris avec eux. Il décrit des lieux où se trouvent des observatoires. Il n'explique pas les phénomènes météorologiques, ni la façon de les prévoir. Je suis très étonné des critiques élogieuses. J'ai l'impression d'un livre verbeux qui ne traite pas du sujet annoncé dans le titre, et qui m'a extrêmement déçu.

Non c'è nemmeno un grafico.