weather balloon

noun

plural weather balloons

: an inflated balloon used to lift meteorological instruments (such as radiosondes) to very high altitudes to help determine weather conditions

When potential extreme weather nears Nebraska and the Midwest in the spring, weather balloons launched by stations like Valley have been a crucial tool in providing accurate forecasts.

—Marjie Ducey

Weather balloons are approximately 5 feet in diameter and typically made of latex. There is a special powder that covers its surface, which helps the balloon resist premature popping.

—Brittany Van Voorhees

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above