In the Animal Crossing series, a numerical value determines weather patterns, including rain, snow, and clear skies. This value, though unseen by players directly, acts as a blueprint for daily meteorological conditions within the game. For instance, one specific value might result in a week of sunny mornings followed by afternoon thunderstorms, while another could lead to several days of snowfall.
Predictable weather is valuable for players planning in-game activities. Knowing the upcoming forecast allows for efficient resource gathering (e.g., catching specific fish or bugs that appear only during certain weather), optimizing turnip prices, and preparing for special events tied to weather conditions. The ability to manipulate these patterns via external tools became particularly relevant with the introduction of time travel mechanics in later installments of the series.