forecast

A report saying what the weather will probably be like.

• The forecast says it will rain.
• Have you checked the forecast for tomorrow?
• Last week's forecasts failed to predict the storm.

How to use it: forecast for a time/place (The forecast for Saturday promises sunshine.)

Similar words: weather report, weather prediction

Common phrases: weather forecast, tomorrow's forecast, check the forecast

A statement about what will probably happen, based on available information.

• Our sales forecast was too high.
• The bank lowered its growth forecast.
• These forecasts suggest that energy demand will increase.

How to use it: forecast for something (The sales forecast for next year looks promising.); forecast of something (They published a forecast of future energy demand.)

Similar words: prediction, projection, estimate

Common phrases: sales forecast, economic forecast, growth forecast

To say what will probably happen, using the information you have.

• They forecast rain for tonight.
• The company forecasts higher sales next year.
• Nobody forecast how quickly demand would fall.

How to use it: forecast that… (Experts forecast that demand will rise.); be forecast to do something (Prices are forecast to fall next year.)

Similar words: predict, project

Common phrases: forecast the weather, forecast sales, forecast economic growth