The book "Weather Prediction by Numerical Process," second edition, published by Cambridge University Press, summarizes the history and development of numerical weather prediction. It begins with a foreword by Peter Lynch, highlighting the reliability of modern weather forecasts based on computer simulations. The book traces the origins of numerical forecasting back to Lewis Fry Richardson, who developed a method for predicting the weather using numerical approximation. Richardson's approach, though mathematically correct, was physically unrealistic due to an imbalance in initial data, leading to a failed forecast. His work, though initially overlooked, laid the foundation for modern weather prediction. Richardson's life and work are detailed, including his contributions to meteorology, atmospheric turbulence, and peace studies. He is known for deriving the Richardson number, a criterion for turbulence onset. The book explains his finite difference method for weather forecasting, using a grid to approximate atmospheric conditions. Richardson's method involved solving differential equations to predict atmospheric changes over time. The book discusses the challenges of numerical weather prediction, including the need for smoothing techniques and accurate initial conditions. Richardson's trial forecast, though unsuccessful, demonstrated the potential of numerical methods. His ideas were later refined with advancements in computing and atmospheric modeling. The book's impact was limited initially, but his methods are now fundamental to modern weather and climate forecasting. The book was first published in 1922, with a revised edition in 1965. Despite its initial lack of commercial success, it is now recognized as a foundational text in meteorology.The book "Weather Prediction by Numerical Process," second edition, published by Cambridge University Press, summarizes the history and development of numerical weather prediction. It begins with a foreword by Peter Lynch, highlighting the reliability of modern weather forecasts based on computer simulations. The book traces the origins of numerical forecasting back to Lewis Fry Richardson, who developed a method for predicting the weather using numerical approximation. Richardson's approach, though mathematically correct, was physically unrealistic due to an imbalance in initial data, leading to a failed forecast. His work, though initially overlooked, laid the foundation for modern weather prediction. Richardson's life and work are detailed, including his contributions to meteorology, atmospheric turbulence, and peace studies. He is known for deriving the Richardson number, a criterion for turbulence onset. The book explains his finite difference method for weather forecasting, using a grid to approximate atmospheric conditions. Richardson's method involved solving differential equations to predict atmospheric changes over time. The book discusses the challenges of numerical weather prediction, including the need for smoothing techniques and accurate initial conditions. Richardson's trial forecast, though unsuccessful, demonstrated the potential of numerical methods. His ideas were later refined with advancements in computing and atmospheric modeling. The book's impact was limited initially, but his methods are now fundamental to modern weather and climate forecasting. The book was first published in 1922, with a revised edition in 1965. Despite its initial lack of commercial success, it is now recognized as a foundational text in meteorology.