What is this? A Weather Map

Weather Maps: What do we use them for? These maps are used to: Locate and identify fronts Areas of high and low pressure Temperatures

Dissecting the Map In a weather map, there are isotherms. These are lines that connect places with the same temperature. To remember: isotherm has the word “therm” in it, like thermometer There are also isobars. These are lines that connect areas of the same air pressure. To remember: iosbar has the word “bar” in it and they have to do with pressure so think bench pressing.

Isotherm

Isobar Do you see the difference in the two? When the bars are close together the wind is very strong, and when they are far apart the wind is gentler. Identify a spot where the wind is strong. Now where it is weaker. Do you see the difference in the two?

There are several types of weather maps. Surface Map Forecast Map What do you notice is different between the two maps?

Surface Maps These maps use international symbols to represent wind speed, direction, temperature, types of clouds and amount of cloud cover They also include information weather station reports

Forecast Maps These are used to demonstrate the predicted changes in the weather. These maps are created by computers There are two types of forecast maps: Short Range: indicate the weather for 18-36 hours Constantly updated Long Range: indicate weather for 6-10 days Updated three times a week

Are Forecast maps 100% accurate? Why or Why not? No they are not. They are a prediction of what the weather should be. Think bad to news anchors, does it always rain when they say it should?

Now we are going to read a map of today’s weather.