The calculation models used by meteorologists work with data from so-called grid points, which are virtually distributed over the earth's surface. These grid points are at least 25 to 50 kilometres apart for large-scale forecasts. Computers simulate what will happen in between in the near future using the widely spaced data at the measuring points. In technical terms, this is called "parameterising" and, more casually, "averaging".
This can result in values and therefore forecasts that have little to do with the situation at the actual location of a sailor. This is because wind and cloud phenomena can very well occur locally, and these small-scale developments cannot be taken into account by a comparatively coarse grid. For this reason, looking at the sky is still important and a maritime necessity - because the clouds reveal exactly what is currently developing.
Although meteorology works with extremely sophisticated methods and almost unbelievable computing power, celestial events have not yet been deciphered down to the last detail. A new type of cloud has just been identified and classified. The sky has a kind of wave structure and it is still completely unclear how this type of cloud is formed.
In its current issue, YACHT reports on what signs in the sky mean for short-term weather developments. You can find the big weather topic in YACHT 7/2017, now on newsstands, in the DK-Shop or Order digitally directly here !
