What does the rain percentage mean in a forecast? It’s a commonly misunderstood forecast element, though it can help you gauge the likelihood of measurable precipitation in a given time frame.
You might check the forecast and see a 50% chance of rain, but what does this mean? Will it rain half the day? Will 50% of the forecast area receive precipitation? Understanding what this value actually means and how it’s determined can help you stay dry and better prepare for the day’s activities.
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What Does Rain Percentage Mean?
In a weather forecast, the rain percentage represents the chance of rain or the “Probability of Precipitation.” According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the percent chance of rain indicates the statistical probability that it will rain 0.01 inches or more in a given area over a specified period of time. The NWS describes this as enough rain to produce puddles or runoff.
Whether you’re looking for the best weather for gardening, or trying to time the right barometric pressure for fishing, tracking the likelihood of rain is valuable for nearly any outdoor activity.
Review the factors determining the accuracy of forecasts and how you can access more accurate weather data for your location.
What Does 30% Chance Of Rain Mean?
What does a 30% chance of precipitation mean in the weather forecast? It indicates there is a nearly one in three probability of measurable precipitation in your area for a certain time — which could be this afternoon, this evening, over the next few days, etc.
What Does 40% Chance Of Rain Mean?
If the forecast for your area shows a 40% chance of rain, then there’s a 40% likelihood of precipitation during the specified period. In other words, this forecast indicates rain is more likely than in the previous example. However, there’s still a higher likelihood you’ll experience dry conditions.
What Does 80% Chance Of Rain Mean?
The forecast could show an 80% chance of rain. In this case, the likelihood of rain in your area is fairly high at 80%. With this forecast, you can expect intermittent showers or occasional precipitation.
What Does 90% Chance Of Rain Mean?
When the forecast shows a 90% chance of rain, you’ll probably experience some sort of precipitation. It means there’s a likelihood of 90% that it will rain in the forecast area during the provided timeframe.
Learn about the different types of weather fronts and how they impact the conditions in your area.
How Does The Chance Of Rain Work?
Meteorologists can calculate the chance of rain by combining various factors, such as historical data, forecaster confidence, weather patterns, and probability models. Today, weather stations, including personal weather stations like the Tempest Weather System, use radar technology to provide even better accuracy and more sophisticated observations.
Get A Better Local Rain Forecast With The Tempest Weather System
Whether you’re hoping for rainfall or wishing for dry conditions, knowing what the chance for rain means in a forecast can help you stay prepared.
There are different types of weather instruments and local forecasts you can rely on to monitor the probability of precipitation. But, using an advanced home weather system, like what Tempest offers, combines accurate observations, powerful machine learning, and state-of-the-art modeling capabilities for the most precise local forecast available.
Shop the Tempest Weather System today for precise forecast data to drive all your weather-related decisions.