1. Cloud Classifications

2. Clue: bluish-gray and streaky

3. Altostratus!

4. Clue: low cloud, white with dark patches and streaky

5. Stratocumulus!

6. Clue: very wispy clouds

7. Cirrus!

8. Clue: layered and dark clouds

9. Nimbostratus

10. Clue: uniform base, gray

11. Stratus!

12. Clue: white and gray and puffy!

13. Altocumulus!

14. Clue: layered with halo

15. Cirrostratus!

16. Clue: dark flat base, look like cauliflower!

17. Cumulus!

18. Clue: cover entire sky and are small puffs

19. Cirrocumulus

20. Clue: thunder and lightning!

21. Cumulonimbus!

22. Weather Maps
Weather Maps are absolutely critical for forecasters. They contain information regarding fronts, highs and lows, isobars, and weather data for specific locations expressed through the use of symbols.

23. Frontal Precipitation

24. Isobars
Air pressure is shown on a weather map using isobars - lines joining points of equal pressure at the earth's surface.
You may think of isobars as being similar to contour lines on a topographic map but instead of elevation, air pressure is represented.

25. Isobars
Recall that strong winds occur where there is a strong pressure differential.
This can be seen on a weather map where the isobars are close together.
Again similar to a topographic map where contour lines being close together indicates a steep slope / gradient, isobars being close together indicates a significant pressure gradient.

28. Image Analysis
a) Describe the characteristics of a Continental Arctic air mass. Give data from the weather map to support your answer. b) What is the relative humidity at the station circled in red? Explain. c) What cloud types are at the station circled in green? d) What is the direction of the wind at the station circled in purple? e) What is the air pressure at the station circled in yellow?

29. Weather Map Activity
Complete Handout

30. Weather Map Activity 104.74 kPa 1047.4 mb 2/8 5-13 km/h Stratocumulus
Steady Light Drizzle
kPa F

31. Weather Map Activity A Northeast No Wind
Risen 0.24kPA (2mb) in last 3 hours
Continental Arctic – Dry and cool
Maritime polar – wet and cool

32. Weather Map Activity
Artic front will move through bringing drier conditions and colder temp
The Rockies and the Selkirk mountains break the advance of the artic air mass; one part goes east into Alberta, the other pushes south into the Okanagan valley.