What is often used by meteorologists to analyze large-scale weather patterns?

Meteorologists frequently utilize satellite imagery to analyze large-scale weather patterns due to its ability to provide comprehensive, real-time views of the Earth's atmosphere and surface. Satellites are equipped with advanced sensors that can capture images in various wavelengths, enabling the observation of cloud formations, temperature distributions, and moisture levels over vast areas. This aerial perspective is essential for tracking large-scale phenomena such as storm systems, front movements, and climatic trends, helping meteorologists forecast severe weather and understand broader atmospheric conditions.

While other tools like weather balloons, weather stations, and radar systems play important roles in atmospheric observation and analysis at different scales or for specific purposes, they do not provide the same extensive coverage or visual insights into large-scale weather patterns. Weather balloons primarily gather upper-atmospheric data, weather stations focus on localized conditions, and radar systems are effective for precipitation tracking but may not capture the broader atmospheric context as effectively as satellite imagery.