1. Weather Data and Weather Maps
UNIT 10
STANDARDS: NCES 2.5.1, 2.5.2, 2.5.3, 2.5.4, 2.5.5, 2.6.1, 2.6.2, 2.6.4
LESSON 2

2. Lesson Objectives In this lesson, you will learn about:
Recognize the importance of accurate weather data.
Describe the technology needed to collect data
Analyze a basic surface weather chart
Distinguish between digital and analog forecast
Describe problems with long-term forecasts

3. Where is weather data collected?
Surface Data
Upper-Level Data
Data includes:
Temperature-thermometer
Air Pressure-barometer
Wind Speed-anemometer
Humidity-hygrometer
Cloud height-ceilometer
Use of weather balloons to reach heights above 30,000 feet. They have the same instruments as surface data.

4. Weather Radar Traditional Radar Doppler Radar
One radar station covering about 85 mile radius.
Measures only the reflected sounds.
Use of the Doppler Effect (train sound analogy) to measure the raindrops both coming and going.
Doppler radar now allows to see wind speed based on the data.

5. Weather Satellites Origins Infrared Imagery
Developed out of military satellites as security
Now able to monitor the Earth’s weather, climate, and changes
Images based on the different temperatures of the weather system. This is why the weather map has different colors.

6. Section Review
What is an advantage of Doppler radar over conventional radar?
Why is infrared imagery so important to weather?
Why are weather forecast more accurate in the US compared to developing countries?

7. Weather Analysis Station Model
A record of the weather data for a particular site at a particular time.
Use of isobar lines help meteorologists map out the different air pressures for the area.

8. Air Pressure Map

9. Digital versus Analog Forecast
Looks at past weather events and draws analogies to current weather conditions.
Looks for similar patterns.
Looks at current conditions and allows a computer or other device to make predictions based on the data available.
More Accurate

10. Weather Accuracy Short-term forecasts Long-term forecasts Accuracy
Forecasts for the day or three days. Based on what is seen.
May include forecasts from a week to a year. Based on previous data and weather models of current weather.
Accuracy DECREASES with the longer the forecast is for.

11. Section Review
Compare and contrast analog and digital forecasting.
Why are long-term forecasts not as accurate as short-term forecasts?
What is “The Almanac” and how does it make weather predictions?

12. Weather Map Lab
Use the following map to answer the following questions:
What is the contour interval?
What are the highest and lowest isobar readings?
What type of weather is NC, FL and OH experiencing?
If the low pressure located in Michigan is moving east at 15 mph, what type of weather might NY experience the next day?

13. Interpreting a Weather Map Lab
Use the map below to answer the questions for the lab.