Weather Analysis

1
Weather Analysis

• pg. 81

2
Recording data

• after weather data is collected it is plotted on
  a map using station models
• station models- record of weather data for a
  particular site at a particular time
• gives meteorologists a uniform way to communicate
  data

3
Surface Analysis

• to plot data globally, use isopleths
• lines that connect points of equal values
• lines of equal pressure-isobars
• lines of equal temps- isotherms
• the spacing of lines can provide info
• wind- the closer the lines the faster
• pressure- closers the isobars, larger the
  pressure difference strong winds

4
isopleths

• can show where high and low pressure systems are
• combined with isotherms it will tell the frontal
  system there
• must know current weather conditions before
  forecasting can occur

5
isopleth
6
Short Term Forecast

• reliable forecasts must be taken from data at
  multiple levels in the atmosphere
• can be digital or analog forecasts
• Based on the fact that the atmosphere behaves as
  a fluid

7
digital forecasts

• can use mathematical equations to determine how
  variables change with time (temp, pressure,
  density)
• forecasts that rely on mathematical data are
  digital forecasts
• the more data, the more accurate the forecast

8
analog forecasts

• compares current weather patterns to patterns
  that have happened in the past
• assumes weather systems behave in a similar
  fashion
• must find a past event that is similar in all
  levels of the atmosphere
• useful for monthly and seasonal forecasting

9
long term forecasting

• factors in the landscape make it hard to
  accurately predict weather
• forecasts that are in the 1-3 day range are no
  longer based on the movement of clouds and
  precipitation
• dependent on the upper level features such as low
  pressure systems
• can accurately predict if it will be wet or dry
  and when rain will come

10
Accuracy in long term forecasting

• 4-7 day forecasts rely on changes in the surface
  weather based on weather patterns in the
  troposphere and lower stratosphere
• can only estimate weather
• must be able to understand how all facets effect
  weather patterns for future

11
Station modelpg.82

• Create a station model for our weather today.
  Include the following (use appendix E pg. 915)
• Type of low cloud
• Temperature
• Wind direction and speed
• Dew point temp
• Percentage of sky covered
• Barometric pressure
• Turn in Ch. 12 assessment pg. 326-327
• s 1-6, 8-19
• s 1-5 test practice