Apple Computer Could Improve Forecasting

Pressure is arguably the most important meteorological variable when it comes to weather forecasting; pressure drives wind, and wind drives temperature change and storm systems. The phones in the iPhone 6 series all contain pressure sensors, which if used correctly, could help meteorologists initialize our weather models. With Apple’s prevalence around the world, the company may be the key to improving forecasting with the iPhone 6.

According to the Cliff Mass Weather Blog, “there may be a billion smartphones with highly capable atmospheric pressure sensors by the end of 2016.” With these pressure readings, accompanied by GPS position data, Apple could collect the information to enhance weather information around the world; this could be especially beneficial in second and third world countries.

applecompter
via Cliff Mass Weather Blog

So why would pressure sensors help?

We believe that large numbers of pressure might help forecast the initiation of thunderstorms. Or provide better short-term forecasts for wind turbines. Situations in which defining small scale weather features are important. And those are only a few of the potential weather features situation where smartphone pressures might help.

To read the entire article, visit the Cliff Mass Weather Blog.