Meteorology is the scientific observation and study of the atmosphere. Its purpose is to forecast the weather as accurately as possible.
Meteorology is a relatively new science -- it stated to be developed in the 16th century. But since time began, people have attempted to predict the weather. Early people used plants and animals -- and some plants and animals are excellent forecasters. Ants move to higher ground before it rains. And cows lie down, pinecones open up and the wool of a sheep uncurls.
Today, scientific forecasts are based on the work of thousands of human meteorologists, as well as thousands of machines. Weather satellites take photographs of clouds from space and modern computers make forecasting more accurate than ever.