The significance of correlations in meteorological series

The definition of the correlation coefficient and how the significance of a value derived from a sample is dependent on the number of pairs used in the computation is set out. The complications introduced by the presence of serial correlation within the parent series is brought out. A survey is given of the recent statistical literature which is relevant, and in which is contained a good coverage of the methods for testing significance, both of the correlation between serially correlated series, and also of the serial correlation coefficients themselves. Finally, suggestions are made as to the particular method of testing to be used in practice, the ultimate selection depending on interim results and the degree of precision required.