NWS JetStream Learning Lesson: Drawing Conclusions

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/synoptic/ll_analyze.htm

Learning Lesson: Drawing Conclusions

OBJECTIVE OVERVIEW TOTAL TIME SUPPLIES Determining the location of cold and warm fronts on a map plotted with weather observations. Learning how to read a weather map allows us to see the weather across the country (and world) at the same time. 60 minutes Colored pencils

PRINTED/AV MATERIAL Weather maps (see Teacher Preparation) You will need to provide each student with one of each of the following maps: Surface pressure, Temperature, Dewpoint Temperature, Pressure TEACHER PREPARATION Change, and the Complete Plot maps. Chart Surface Pressure Air Temperature Pressure Change Complete Plot Map with Map only Instructions (pdf) Small Map Large Map Small Map Large Map Small Map Large Map Large Map

Dewpoint Temperature Small Map Large Map

Each of the maps can be printed with instructions or you can print the larger versions of the basic maps and provide the students with the instructions in the classroom. SAFETY FOCUS Turn Around, Don't DrownTM

Background Analyzing maps with the current weather conditions is an essential part of the entire forecast process. Basically, if we do not know what is currently occuring, it is near impossible to predict what will happen in the future. Computers have been able to analyze maps for over 20 years. However, computers cannot interpret what they analyze. There is no substitute for the hand analysis. Analyzing maps by hand causes the forecaster to study every detail in the weather and enables him/her to discern the continuity or "flow" of the weather. Great forecasts, the ones that save lives and property, begin with the careful analysis of the current conditions. Conversely, based upon post-analysis, "bad" (or busted) forecasts, the ones most remembered by the public, could have been improved if one did a careful analysis in the beginning. Map analysis is not too unlike drawing in a dot-to-dot coloring book. Just as one would draw a line from one dot to the next, analyzing maps is similar in that we will draw lines of equal values between dots representing various elements of the atmosphere. Procedure Instruct the students to complete the following exercises in order. 1. Surface pressure analysis 2. Air temperature analysis 3. Dewpoint analysis 4. Pressure change Discussion Hand the students the complete surface weather plot map for analysis. This map has full weather information for each site in its proper

1 of 2

4/13/13 4:50 PM

NWS JetStream Learning Lesson: Drawing Conclusions

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/synoptic/ll_analyze.htm

format. For example, the sea level pressure and pressure change are reported in tenths of millibars. The maps the students analyzed were in whole millibars with the tenths units omitted. In addition to the same data as seen on the earlier maps, it has additional information such as sky cover, wind speed and direction, cloud types, present weather and past weather. 1. Have the students compare, and comment on, the direction the wind blows around high and low pressure (based upon the arrows they drew) compared to the direction of the staffs on the surface map. 2. Have the students compare, and comment on, the cloud cover under the areas of high and low pressure. 3. Ask the students what type of present weather they see plotted on this map. What type of past weather do the students see? 4. Have the student place a red "L" on the map in the same location as they placed it on their surface pressure map. 5. Given the following information, have the students draw a cold front, in blue, and a warm front, in red, on the map. Remind the students of the Norwegian cyclone model to help determine which side of the low pressure area to place the fronts. The boundary between two air masses is called a front. As a result, fast moving cold fronts indicate a rapid change in the weather. Warm fronts also can have large changes in weather but the change is usually not as rapid as with a cold front. On a weather map fronts are drawn where there is large changes in temperature, changes in wind direction and speed, and between areas where there are large changes in pressure. On a weather map, fair weather is generally associated with "Highs" while stormy weather is associated with "Lows" and with the portions of fronts that extend from them. The location of the fronts should be similar to this one. There is a possibility that a warm front could also be placed between Seattle and the Oregon coast based upon the difference in weather between these two locations. This "canned" map is simple. In the real world, weather plots are much more challenging to analyse. View real-time weather observation plots (pdf) from across the country. Live Weatherwise Turn Around, Don't DrownTM Most flood-related deaths and injuries could be avoided if people who come upon areas covered with water followed this simple advice: Turn Around Don't Drown. The reason that so many people drown during flooding is because few of them realize the incredible power of water. A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes only two feet of rushing water to carry away most vehicles. This includes pickups and SUVs. If you come to an area that is covered with water, you will not know the depth of the water or the condition of the ground under the water. This is especially true at night, when your vision is more limited. Play it smart, play it safe. Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded road, TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!

National Weather Service Southern Region Headquarters 819 Taylor Street, Room 10A06 Fort Worth, TX 76102 Webmaster's E-mail: SR-SRH.Webmaster@noaa.gov Page last modified: March 1, 2011

2 of 2

4/13/13 4:50 PM