What is a nowcast primarily used for?

A nowcast is primarily focused on providing short-term weather observations, typically within a few hours up to a day ahead. Nowcasting is crucial for understanding and predicting rapidly changing weather conditions, such as thunderstorms, severe weather phenomena, and localized weather events. This type of forecasting utilizes real-time data from various sources, including radar, satellite imagery, and surface observations, to assess current weather patterns and project immediate changes.

In contrast, the other options involve longer time frames for weather forecasting. Forecasting climate change encompasses analyses over decades or centuries, often using historical data and climate models to understand long-term patterns. Seasonal predictions look at weather patterns over a season, usually spanning several months, while long-range forecasts extend even further into the future, often looking at trends beyond a few weeks. Nowcasting's focus on immediate weather makes it invaluable for timely decision-making in emergency responses, outdoor activities, and other situations where current weather conditions are critical.