2.

Which instruments are used by weather forecasters?

weather maps, radar, and weather flags
radar, GOES satellite, and weather flags
GOES satellite, weather balloons, and radar
weather balloon, GOES satellite, and weather flags

To determine which instruments are used by weather forecasters, we can analyze the options provided and identify the most commonly used instruments in weather forecasting:

Option 1: Weather maps, radar, and weather flags. Weather maps are essential tools that display atmospheric conditions such as temperature, humidity, and pressure. Radar is used to detect precipitation, storms, and other weather patterns. Weather flags are often used to indicate wind speed and direction.

Option 2: Radar, GOES satellite, and weather flags. Radar has already been discussed. The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) is used to monitor atmospheric conditions from space, including cloud cover, temperature, and water vapor. This satellite provides continuous, real-time data to meteorologists. Weather flags have been previously described.

Option 3: GOES satellite, weather balloons, and radar. The GOES satellite has already been explained. Weather balloons are large, helium-filled balloons equipped with instruments to measure temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure at different altitudes. These measurements provide valuable data for weather forecasting. Radar has already been discussed.

Option 4: Weather balloon, GOES satellite, and weather flags. The weather balloon and GOES satellite have been explained. Weather flags indicate wind direction and speed.

Based on the analysis, the most accurate answer is option 3: GOES satellite, weather balloons, and radar. These instruments provide crucial data for observing and monitoring atmospheric conditions, making accurate weather forecasts possible.