What is the purpose of a weather balloon (radiosonde)?

The primary purpose of a weather balloon, or radiosonde, is to collect data on temperature, humidity, and pressure at various altitudes in the atmosphere. As the balloon ascends, it sends back important meteorological information that helps in understanding the vertical profile of the atmosphere. This data is crucial for weather forecasting and atmospheric research, as it helps meteorologists analyze conditions such as temperature inversions, humidity layers, and pressure changes with altitude. The information gathered from radiosondes is used in numerical weather prediction models, which aid in providing accurate forecasts and understanding weather systems. This capability makes the radiosonde an essential tool for both operational meteorology and research.