The Weather

GENSES1 Earth Science with Environmental Studies Ms. Jeannette G. Adriano

Weather
is the state of the atmosphere at a given time and place with regard to temperature, air pressure, wind, humidity, cloudiness and precipitation. } Aristotle first to treatise weather } H.W. Brandes first to chart weather during the 1820s
} Weather

Steps in Weather Forecasting

Step: Observation } Second Step: Collection and Transmission of Weather Data } Third Step: Plotting and Analysis of Weather Data } Fourth Step: Prognosis or Forecasts } Next
} First

Step 3: Plotting and Analysis of Weather Data

} } } } }

ISOBARS lines drawn through places of equal pressure ISOGONS lines drawn through places with winds coming from the same direction ISOTHERMS lines drawn through places with equal temperature ISOTACMS line through places with equal wind speeds Back

In weather forecast, the following is used:

} Fine

weather used to designate a weather condition of few clouds with no rains weather clouds are present and may produce rain in scattered patches but the greater portion of the day is sunny without rain.

} Fair

In weather forecast, the following is used:

} Rainy

weather refers to the condition in which rain occurs during a greater portion of the day but the winds are mostly light to moderate weather refers to a weather condition characterized by rains and strong winds

} Stormy

Example of weather report

Weather Metro Manila fair with some cloudy periods. Manila Bay will be slight. Eastern Luzon will have scattered rain showers. The other parts of the country will be fair aside from isolated rain showrs. Tide: High 7:41 p., 0.84m. Low 12:50pm, 0.08m Temp. range yesterday: 32.9C 22.5C Humidity extremes: 94% - 73% Sunrise 6:10a.m. Sunset 5:27p.m.

Weather Elements
1.

Temperature it is the degree of hotness and coldness of a certain body. In the Philippines - C. Atmospheric Humidity Humidity the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere or moisture content of the air.

2.

Weather Elements (cont.)

3. Atmospheric Pressure force exerted by an overlying column of air extending to the outer limit of the atmosphere per unit area. 4. Wind it is measured in terms of its velocity.

Weather Instruments
The following are the basic requirements of any weather station.

Temperature
It is the degree of hotness and coldness of a certain body.

Thermometer
}

Thermometer it is a common instrument used in measuring temperature.

}3

thermometers used Fahrenheit, Reaumur, Celsius Fahrenheit c.1714; mercury Reaumur - c.1730; alcohol Anders Celsius 1742 } Maximum thermometer mercury } Minimum Thermometer - alcohol

Minimum-Maximum Thermometer

Thermograph
} It

is an instrument that records air temperature on graph paper.

Thermograph

Thermometer Shelter
} This

where the thermometers are housed in which it has double layered sides and a double-top roofing designed to permit air to circulate freely through the shelter.

Thermometer Shelter

Atmospheric Pressure

Barometer
is an instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure. } It was invented by Evangelista Torricelli in 1643. } At a given location:
} }

} It

Storm barometer is falling rapidly Fair Weather barometer is rising

Barometer

2 Types of Barometers
Barometer a simple barometer made by filling a glass tube 32 inches long with mercury and inverting it so that the open end of the tube is below the surface in a cistern. } Aneroid Barometer it is made by exhausting the air from a thin, circular, metallic box.
}

} Mercurial

Barograph it is a recording aneroid barometer

Surface Wind Velocity and Directions

Wind Vane, Anemometer

} Weather

vane or wind vane is an instrument used to indicate wind direction. measures the wind speed and is normally made of cups which are rotated by the motion of the wind.

} Anemometer

Windvane

Anemometer

Aerovane
is commonly used in the Philippines. } It indicates both wind direction and wind speed or simply the wind velocity in a remote wind indicator panel.
} This

Relative Humidity

Sling Psychrometer
is used to measure relative humidity. } It is consists of a dry and wet-bulb thermometer. } Bulb it is where the mercury is stored } The bulb has a piece of muslin cloth wrapped around its bulb. } Dry bulb reading air temperature } Difference between wet and dry bulb dew point temp and relative humidity
} It

Hygrothermograph
is a hygrometer and thermograph combination } It records both relative humidity and temperature on a graph paper.
} It

Hygrometer
} It

is an instrument used to measure the moisture content of a gas, as in determining the relative humidity of air.

Precipitation

Rain Gauge
} } } }

It measure the rain by measuring the depth or height of water collected over a surface area. King Munjong Korea, fourth month of 1441; invented the first rain gauge Christopher Wren invented the tipping bucket rain gauge; 1662, Europe Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge it is an upright cylinder that has a funnel-shaped receiver
}

Measures rate of rainfall (the amount of rain/unit time)

Clouds
These are condensed water vapor carried aloft and are either composed of water droplets or ice crystals.

Clouds
Classification of Clouds } Ceiling light Projector located at a known distance from the observer is used to project a narrow beam of light to a cloud base.
} International

Special Instruments to Measure Upper-Air Data

Pibal/Theodolite (Pilot Balloon Theodolite), Radiosonde, Wind-finding radar, Weather Surveillance radar, Satellite Imagery

} Pilot

Balloon Theodolite wind speed and directions at selected levels electronic device used to measure pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction.

} Radiosonde

} Weather

surveillance radar detects and tracks typhoons and cloud masses at a distance of up to 500 km. Finding radar it determines the speed and direction of winds aloft by means of radar echoes.

} Wind

Weather Satellite Data: Modern Tool for Weather Analysis

Polar-Obtaining Satellite
} Polar-Obtaining

Satellite NOAA (United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) satellite system consists of satellites in polar orbit at 833 and 870 km above the earths surface, respectively.

Polar-Obtaining Satellite (cont.)

}

2 sensors:
}

Advance High Resolution Diameter (AVHRR) sensitive to visible, near infrared and far infrared radiation. It is used to measure cloud distribution for determining temperatures of radiating surfaces. TIRDS Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS) used to determine the temperature profiles from the surface to 10hPA upper level, water vapor content at three levels of the atmosphere and total ozone content.

Geostationary Meteorological Satellite (GMS)

is a spin-stabilized that is launched in a geosynchronous orbit above the equator. } Mission:
} }

} It

The observation of the earth and cloud images Measurement of temperature on both the earths surface cloud tops using the Visible and Infrared (IR) Spin Scan Radiometer (VISSR)

Different Weather Disturbances

Different Weather Disturbances

} The

most common disturbances in the Philippines may be group according to the following structures:
}

Tropical Cyclones
} Tropical

depression } Tropical storm } Typhoons

} }

Easterly Waves Intertropical Convergence Zone

Different Weather Disturbances (cont.)

}

Monsoons
} Northeast

monsoon } Southwest monsoon

} }

Cold Fronts Local Disturbances

} Thunderstorm } Orographic

Lofting

Tropical Cyclones
} Cyclone

Gk. Word which means coiling

snake. } It is used to describe a violent whirlwind that occurs in many parts of the world. } Most destructive weather disturbance

Region of Formation and Movement of Cyclones

} Tropical

cyclones in the Philippines originate in the Pacific Ocean, some in South China Sea.
}

Pacific Ocean moves slowly towards the west or northwest with an average speed of 19km/hr. South China Sea moves generally from northward or toward the northeast.

Region of Formation and Movement of Cyclones (cont.)

greatest storm on earth; wind speed of 320 km/hour } 80 cyclones around the world, 58 Northern Hemisphere, 22 Southern Hemisphere } Western Pacific called typhoon } Indian Ocean - Cyclones
} Hurricanes

Energy Sources of Tropical Cyclones

} Water

vapor main energy source (ocean and seas) energy absorbed (evaporation) = Heat energy released (condensation)

} Heat

Cyclone Warning
Cyclone warning is divided into three stages in ascending order of threats or gravity of danger.

First Stage: Weather Advisory

} It

contains the general information on the presence of cyclone even if it is still too far away from the country to pose a threat in the next three days.

Second Stage: Tropical Cyclone Alert

} It

indicates that a tropical cyclone poses an impending threat on a part of the country but still falls short of the bases for raising storm signal.

Third Stage: Tropical Cycle Warning

} It

indicates the there is real and immediate threat to a part or parts of the country from a cyclone.

Public Storm Signals

} The

description of each signal is enhanced with the addition of statements pertaining to the perceived degree of associated damage based on the typhoon passage surveys and empirical analyses.

Public Storm Signal No.1

Conditions: a tropical cyclone will affect the locality.Winds of 30-60 KPH may be expected in at least 36 hours. } Precautionary Measures: People are advised to listen to the latest severe weather bulletin board issued by PAGASA every six hours.
} Meteorological

Public Storm Signal No. 2

}

Meteorological Conditions: A moderate tropical cyclone will affect the locality. Winds of greater than 60 KPH and up to 100 KPH may be expected in at least 24 hours. Precautionary measures: the sea and the coastal waters are dangerous to small seacrafts. Fishermen are advised not to go out the sea. Avoid unnecessary risks. Travelling by sea or air is risky. Stay indoors. Secure properties.

Public Storm Signal No. 3

Conditions: A strong tropical cyclone will affect the locality. Winds greater that 100 KPH up to 185 KPH may be expected in at least 18 hours. } Precautionary Measures: people are advised to evacuate and stay in strong buildings. Evacuate low-lying areas. Classes in all levels are suspended.
} Meteorological

Public Storm Signal No. 4

}

Meteorological Conditions: A very intense typhoon will affect the locality. Very strong winds of more than 185 KPH may be expected in at least 12 hours. Precautionary Measures: Electric power distribution and communication may be disrupted. Damage to affected communities can be very heavy. Cancel all travel and outdoor activities. Stay in the safety of houses or evacuation centers.

Rainfall Pattern
} Rain

will fall when the force of the gravity on the rain drops is greater than the force exerted on the drop by the upward movement of air. Cyclone: Course and Ahead of the center

} Tropical

Eye of the Storm

is actually the relatively open center of the tropical cyclone. } It is characterized by a sudden decrease in wind speed, sometimes calm winds. Clouds disappear at low levels, Rain usually stops or decreases in intensity, the temperature is higher. I } It has the lowest atmospheric pressure. } Diameter: 10-25 km.
} it

The Monsoons
} } } }

A great portion of our rainfall may be ascribed to monsoon weather, 2 types: Northeast Monsoon and Southwest Monsoon Northeast monsoon: Asiatic continent is snowbound; gives cold temp from Nov-Feb Southwest Monsoon: summer of southern hemisphere. Low pressure develops over the China area; June-September

The Intertropical Convergence Zone

is the region where the Northern Hemisphere tradewinds meet the Southern Hemisphere tradewinds. } Two tropical wind system convergence. } Towering cumulonimbus clouds
} It

Cold Air Advection or the Cold Front

Fronts weather disturbances characteristic of the temperature regions. } It is a region which separates cold air from warm air; the warm air is pushed aloft by the cold air giving rise to widespread cloudiness and rains. } It cause a lot of rains in the temperate regions. } Nov-Feb
} Cold