Scientific Method -- An organized approach utilized to systematically study and solve problems of the natural world.

1. Define a Problem: Obtain and/or examine data and discern a pattern of importance.

• "Data" in this context means some sort of weather data. Such data is often plotted on map-view (looking down on a surface) or cross-sections (looking at a pattern sideways). Knowing the different types of weather data and being able to decode and interpret them is key here.
• "Importance" is often subjectively defined but to scientists is objectively defined.
  • Subjective: open to interpretation. To the average person, a pattern of importance could be the inland extent of fog during the summer
  • Objective: not open to interpretation. To the National Weather Service it may be some weather pattern that can cause harm to humans, animals, or property.
• "Discern" is an important part of the process. Training a person to notice patterns or to characterize what he/she sees is difficult.

2. Make a Hypothesis: Make a first guess about the reasons for the pattern or problem based upon proven principles or understood causes/effects.

• A mere correlation between the pattern and some other phenomenon is not enough to establish the basis for a hypothesis. The causes and effects must be understood.
• The problem to be solved must be done so in a rigorous fashion, so that the steps are reproducible.

3. Test the Hypothesis: See if the same hypothesized cause is associated with the same effects in other places, or for other times etc.

4. If this bears out, then the hypothesis becomes a "Theory" (or a "Law"). If it does not bear out then the hypothesis must be modified or abandoned and Step 2 must be redone.