A Need for Change
During World War I, weather forecasting was crucial for military operations, but the existing methods were unreliable. Meteorology relied on past patterns, a practice that English mathematician Lewis Fry Richardson found flawed.
Richardson’s Mathematical Model
In 1917, while serving on the Western Front, Richardson proposed a new approach. Using atmospheric data recorded by Norwegian meteorologist Vilhelm Bjerknes, he created a numerical model to predict weather based on scientific laws, not historical trends. This method was groundbreaking, but calculating a single forecast took six weeks and was inaccurate.
Impact on Meteorology
Despite initial failure, Richardson’s approach laid the groundwork for modern meteorology. With the advent of digital computers in the 1940s, his mathematical model became feasible, transforming weather prediction into a more precise science.
How WWI Transformed Weather Prediction ⚡️
A Need for Change
During World War I, weather forecasting was crucial for military operations, but the existing methods were unreliable. Meteorology relied on past patterns, a practice that English mathematician Lewis Fry Richardson… pic.twitter.com/SRMTfe4Tpi— Detective Tiger’s Stories (@TigerDetective) September 24, 2024