The Role of Diagnosis in Weather Forecasting

Diagnostic meteorology is intertwined with the role of humans in forecasting, as discussed in D86a. Truly, weather forecasting is part of the science of meteorology, but recent history has created the illusion of a dichotomy between them. This paper attempts to illustrate how we envision diagnostic meteorology should proceed. In the process, we shall provide a basis for understanding why the gap between forecasters and researchers is only imaginary. In turn, this should give some foundation for our assertion that diagnostic meteorology is not a burden from which forecasters should be relieved. Instead, it is an essential component of scientific forecasting. 2. ANALYSIS VS. DIAGNOSIS