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What is a Synoptic Weather Map?. Station Models and Converting Station Pressure into Millibars. Synoptic Weather Maps.
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What is a Synoptic Weather Map? Station Models and Converting Station Pressure into Millibars
Synoptic Weather Maps • Synoptic weather maps: Show atmospheric quantities like temperature, air pressure, precipitation and other weather conditions at a particular time and over a large geographic area • Synoptic weather maps can be used to make weather predictions
Why? • Station models and pressure are key components for making an accurate forecast -For example, if you are making a forecast for the New York Yankees and you say, “There is a 20% chance of rain” but it is already raining, you probably won’t be forecasting for the New York Yankees for much longer! • At least 1 question on the Regents is about station models and at least one question on the Regents asks you to convert station model data to millibars
Station Models • Used on weather maps to show the current weather conditions for a particular location • They are easy to read and understand
Cloud Cover and Winds • The circle at the center shows the amount of cloud cover • The “flag pole” coming out of the circle shows the direction that the wind is coming from • Each “flag” shows approximate wind speed. A half flag shows an approx. 5 knot wind, and a whole flag shows an approx. 10 knot wind • *Add up the amount for each flag for the total wind speed
Determining Air Pressure • Air pressure is shown by using the last 3 digits of the pressure in millibars (coded) • Ex. 1018.6mb = 186 on the station model • To determine the air pressure from the numbers on the station model, use the following rule: • If the first number is 5 or less, put a 10 in front of it • If the first number is 6 or higher, put a 9 in front of it • Put the decimal point between the last two numbers
Example • The air pressure on a station model is 892. What is the pressure in millibars? ASK YOURSELF…. • Is the first number 5 or less? • After you add the number in front of 892, where does the decimal go? • **Remember, surface air pressure is usually between 960mb – 1050mb • If your answer is not in this range, then it is wrong. Check your work!
Another Example • What is the pressure of this station in millibars?
Practice with Station Models • Take two minutes to use your Reference Tables and the information below, draw the station model of Slate Hill. Compare your answer with your neighbor. • Slate Hill Observations: Cloudy, 61*F, 58* DP, 8.0 mile visibility, pressure is 996.0 mb, wind speed 9 mph, from SW.
How about decoding station models? • Take the next few minutes to write down the weather information that is given by the station model below. • You should be able to answer the following questions: What is the temperature? What is the dewpoint? What is the pressure in millibars? How much precipitation fell in the past 6 hours? What is the visibility? What is the present weather?
Example Regents Questions • 1. A weather station model is shown below. What is the barometric pressure indicated by this station model? (1) 0.029 mb (2) 902.9 mb (3) 1002.9 mb (4) 1029.0 mb • 2. Which station model shows the correct form for indicating a northwest wind at 25 knots and an air pressure of 1023.7 mb?
RADAR • Radar: reflects radio electromagnetic energy off the aerosols of precipitation and clouds. • Radar provides a tool accurate short-range prediction, showing precipitation intensity, precipitation type, and where it is heading. • AccuWeather Radar