20% chance of rain. Doesn't that mean 80% chance of no rain?

Question

and if so, isn't it then more likely that it won't rain? Therefore 50% chance of rain means, who knows? its 50:50.

Answer 1

by this way you are more interested.

when you go to sale u see 20% off not goods on 80%.

this would not attract you and you would not go to the sale.

Answer 2

Yes

Answer 3

Weather forecasts are scientific predictions based on what happened in the past during conditions that are similar to the current weather patterns.

When a meteorologist says there is a 20% chance of rain, he/she means that since we have been keeping weather data, 20% of the time that similar conditions existed, it rained and 80% of the time that similar conditions existed, it did not.

Even when there is a 100% chance of rain, it is possible (but highly unlikely) that it will not rain.  This is because the 100% chance is based on what happened every other time in the past when we had the same or very similar weather conditions.

Answer 4

Perhaps it means that if there is a 20% chance of rain than there is a 80% chance of any other kind of weather (including sunny, cloudy, snow, etc.) But when I hear a weather man say 20% chance for rain, I assume that it is more likely than not that it won't rain.

Answer 5

sounds right

Answer 6

yep..

Answer 7

I heard tell up in Portland OR & Seattle WA that a 30% chance of rain tomorrow means that it will be raining 30% of the time.   Now That's a forecast!  LOL

Answer 8

Yes, that means 80% chance that it will not rain ;)

Answer 9

20% could also mean that 20% of the viewing area will get rain, it depends on what method they forcast with.

Answer 10

The official definition is that in 20% of cases with the same or similar atmospheric conditions it rained, while in 80% of the cases it didn't.

So while that is the official definition, yes, that basically means that there is an 80% chance it won't rain.

Answer 11

um. yeah. duh?