1. Section 12.4 – Weather Analysis and Prediction
8th Grade Earth and Space Science
Class Notes

2. Wednesday, 5/8
Warm – Up
Explain what happens at a cold front. How is a cold front represented on a weather map?
Write down the HW.
Learning Goal – Identify the various ways that weather data is collected.
Agenda
Warm-Up Question/Review HW
Class notes/discussion of Section 12.3
Work on Weather Data WS (pg. 38) and 12.3 Review (pg.42)
Homework Air Mass WS and Section 12.1 Review due by Friday, 5/10
Global Wind Systems WS and Section 12.2 Review due by Friday, 5/10
Weather Data WS (pg. 38) and Section 12.3 Review due by Friday, 5/10

3. Station Models
A record of weather data for a particular site at a particular time
Uses meteorological symbols (see Figure 12.17) for example
All meteorologists to have a convenient and efficient way to share data

4. Plotting Station Model Data
Meteorologists use lines to connect points of equal or constant values.
Isobars – lines of
equal pressure
Isotherms – lines of
equal temperature

5. Interpreting Station Model Data
Isobars that are close together indicate strong winds
Isobars that are far apart indicate light winds
Indicates high and low pressure systems

6. Digital Forecasts
Created by applying physical principles and math to atmospheric variables and making a prediction about how these variables will change over time
Main method used
by present day
meteorologists

7. Analog Forecasts
Based on comparison of current weather patterns to those of the past
Useful for conducting monthly or seasonal forecasts

8. Short-Term Forecasts
One to three days based on behavior of larger surface and upper-level features (low pressure, high pressure, etc.)
Usually accurate for temperatures and precipitation

9. Long-Term Forecast Less reliable than short-term forecasts
4-7 day forecasts rely on circulation patterns in the troposphere and upper stratosphere
Forecasts for months or seasons are based on weather cycles or patterns