Severe Weather: Forecasts Help Us Get Ready
Sometimes the weather can be dangerous: a thunderstorm, a very strong wind, a flood, or a big snowstorm. Weather scientists can tell us before it comes. Let’s find out how a forecast helps us get ready and stay safe.
This lesson takes about 15 minutes. You can take a break after each part.
Before you start
Learning objectives
- I can name kinds of severe weather.
- I can tell what a weather forecast is for.
- I can say how a family gets ready before a storm.
- I can choose the safe thing to do in severe weather.
What is severe weather?
Dangerous weather
Severe weather is weather that can hurt people or break things. It can be a thunderstorm with lightning, a very strong wind, a flood after very hard rain, a big snowstorm, or a very hot day.
Not the same everywhere
Some kinds of severe weather happen more in some places. Cold places get big snowstorms. Hot places get very hot days. Your town has its own kinds of severe weather.
Loading the questions…
What is a forecast?
Telling the weather before it comes
A weather forecast tells us what the weather will probably be like soon, like tomorrow. Weather scientists watch the sky and use tools every day to make it.
Hearing the forecast
We hear the forecast on the radio, on TV, or on a phone. When severe weather is coming, there is a warning. A forecast is often right, but the weather can still surprise us.
Loading the questions…
Getting ready
Before the storm
A forecast gives us time to get ready. We bring toys and bikes inside so the wind cannot blow them away. We change our plans, like moving a picnic to another day.
A storm kit
Many families keep a storm kit at home: a flashlight, water, food, and a first aid kit. If the lights go out, the family is ready.
Loading the questions…
Staying safe
Safe choices
Thunder: go inside a building, not under a tree. Flood: stay out of the water. Very hot day: drink water, stay in the shade, wear a hat. Snowstorm: stay inside and keep warm.
Listen to the adults
Adults hear the forecast and the warnings. At home and at school, there is a safety plan. Listen to the adults and follow the plan.
Loading the questions…
Review game
Final assessment
To master the lesson, you need at least 60% correct answers.
Loading the assessment…
Summary
- Severe weather can be dangerous: thunderstorms, very strong winds, floods, big snowstorms, very hot days.
- Some kinds of severe weather happen more in some places than in others.
- Weather scientists make a forecast: what the weather will probably be soon.
- The forecast gives us time to get ready: bring things inside, change plans, keep a storm kit.
- In severe weather, make the safe choice and listen to the adults.
A few related activities
GameSevere Weather: Forecasts Help Us Get Ready — Review gameReview game for the lesson “Severe Weather: Forecasts Help Us Get Ready”: 10 questions drawn at random every…See the activity
LessonCaring for Our Earth: Use Less, Reuse, RecycleNature gives us water, trees, land and air. The things people do can make them dirty or use…See the activity
LessonSunlight and Shade: Warm or Cool?Sand at the beach can feel hot. A spot under a tree feels cool. Why? Let's find out…See the activity