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Lesson 10 of 14
Lesson 10 of 14
New
New
Weather and climate forecasting
I can describe and read a weather forecast.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Weather forecasts can be displayed on synoptic charts.
- Air pressure is shown on weather maps by isobars indicating areas of equal air pressure.
- Symbols are used to indicate the type of weather that can be expected.
- Weather fronts are shown on weather forecasts, these are cold and warm fronts.
Keywords
Front - a weather front is the boundary between a warm air mass and a cold air mass
Prediction - a statement about what could happen in the future, usually based on evidence
Isobars - lines on weather maps that join areas with the same air pressure
Air pressure - force exerted by the weight (or mass) of the column of air above a place
Common misconception
Weather forecasts are only seen on apps and on the TV. Weather forecasts just use symbols.
Students will explore synoptic charts, used by meteorologists, to interpret the weather.
You could show students a TV weather forecast for their local area to make this lesson relatable.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
Download quiz pdf
6 Questions
Q1.What is the difference between weather and climate?
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Weather is what happens over a long period of time, while climate is short-term.
Weather and climate are the same thing.
Weather is only about temperature, and climate is about rain.
Q2.What is a forecast?
What is a forecast?
a type of weather event
a rainstorm
a tool to measure air pressure
Q3.What does a thermometer measure?
What does a thermometer measure?
wind speed
air pressure
humidity
Q4.What are the basic elements of weather?
What are the basic elements of weather?
clouds and rain
sunshine and rainbows
Q5.Why do meteorologists use satellites?
Why do meteorologists use satellites?
to predict the colour of the sky
to study animals
to look at meteorites in space
Q6.Weather forecasts are shown by:
Weather forecasts are shown by:
symbols - e.g. a sun for a sunny day, clouds for rain.
maps
Assessment exit quiz
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4 Questions
Q1.Weather forecasts are a of the weather that we expect.
Weather forecasts are a of the weather that we expect.
Q2.Weather forecasts can be seen on...
Weather forecasts can be seen on...
x-rays
Q3.Air pressure has an impact on the weather that we experience. Match the key terms.
Air pressure has an impact on the weather that we experience. Match the key terms.
generally brings sunny and calm weather
generally brings rainy and stormy weather
join areas of equal pressure
the boundary between two air masses
Q4.Synoptic charts also show weather fronts, the UK is affected by ...
Synoptic charts also show weather fronts, the UK is affected by ...
cold weather fronts
mild weather fronts