Accurate, up-to-the-minute information on weather is an integral part to producing reliable forecasts. The diagram depicts three different ways in which the Australian Bureau of Meteorology collects weather data.
A weather forecast is made in 4 major steps, mainly gathering information, analysing & forecasting, preparing the broadcast, and ultimately, broadcasting. Data is gathered through various avenues, such as through satellites, radars, and drifting buoys.
A satellite covers the aerial view, a radar gives a view of the terrain, and a drifting buoy measures weather movement in water bodies. Such raw data is then studied and turned into valuable, reliable forecast information. The forecasting is done by experts after analysing the satellite photos, radar screen, and synoptic charts, which were gathered from the collection methods.
Next, the Bureau of Meteorology prepares a script to be distributed for the broadcast through various modes of mass media communication like TV newsreader, radio, and recorded announcements.