Sequential Weather Maps Over the USA for Eight Days in January 2008 Assembled by Ken Mitchell Livermore TOPScience

Surface Map - January 12, 2008

Surface Map – January 13, 2008

January 14, 2008

January 15, 2008

January 16, 2008

January 17, 2008

January 18, 2008

January 19, 2008

How to Read a Surface Map Surface maps depict the large-scale elements of the weather. These elements include high and low pressure systems, cold and warm fronts, and precipitation areas.

Cold Front A cold front is the leading edge of an advancing cold air mass that is under running and displacing the warmer air in its path. Generally, with the passage of a cold front, the temperature and humidity decrease, the pressure rises, and the wind shifts (usually from the southwest to the northwest in the Northern Hemisphere). Precipitation is generally at and/or behind the front, and with a fast-moving system, a squall line may develop ahead of the front.

Warm Front A warm front is the leading edge of an advancing warm air mass that is replacing a retreating relatively colder air mass. Generally, with the passage of a warm front, the temperature and humidity increase, the pressure rises, and although the wind shifts (usually from the southwest to the northwest in the Northern Hemisphere), it is not as pronounced as with a cold frontal passage. Precipitation, in the form of rain, snow, or drizzle, is generally found ahead of the surface front, as well as convective showers and thunderstorms. Fog is common in the cold air ahead of the front. Although clearing usually occurs after passage, some conditions may produce fog in the warm air.

Low Pressure System A low pressure system is an area of relative pressure minimum that has converging winds and rotates in the same direction as the earth. This is counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. Stormy weather is often associated with low pressure systems.

High Pressure System A high pressure system is an area of relative pressure maximum that has diverging winds and a rotation opposite to the earth's rotation. Fair weather is typically associated with high pressure.