Can anyone actually predict the weather anything like accurately ?

Question

we go camping quite a bit and obviously check the weather before we go.

we use national and local forecasts on television and metcheck and the met office on the web.

they all seem to contradict one another.

where's the best place for a reliable forecast ?

(northwest england btw (and i know the lakes is "unpredictable" but even so))

Answer 1

might sound silly, but I can tell when it is going to rain for my hands will hurt in the joints

Answer 2

Your local weather stations are the most reliable sources.

Answer 3

Local weather stations, but even these are only accurate to within a few hours, due to the various criteria they need to track - air density, moustier, etc. that can change rapidly. Next would be satellite data, which can track weather patterns, but again are subject to large variances.

As for a specific source: try BBC weather - I find that they are the most accurate.

Answer 4

Meteorologists can predict when there are chances for various weather conditions, and you are right, they are only so-so accurate. The Weatherman with the dopplar maps is your best resource, along with carrying a barometric pressure gauge. Play one off the other.

I find that it is odd that these predictors are also designated as the early warning experts here inthe ststes, for tornados, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, etc. I agree with you that they are seldom accurate with if it's going to rain or not, so why are they the ones we have to rely on to get our information on earthquakes, tornado warnings, and so on. Wouldn't it make more sense to hear that kind of stuff directly from the Goverment Agencies issuing the warnings? With communication's technologies so modern, why can't anyone just stick a camera phone or video live feed from these Expert's offices? I'd sure trust their predictions and warnings more than the 50-50 percent of the time accurate local Weather forecaster!!