1. Observations 4 Satellite –Two types: Polar Orbiting –very high resolution –only twice a day Geostationary –lower resolution –nearly continuous –3 basic channels »VIS (visible) »IR (infrared) »WV (H2O) www.arl.noaa.gov/ready/cmet.htm l#modelgraphics 4 Radar –Surface based uses microwave energy sent in rapid pulses to detect wind & precip –Network across USA WSR88D located at 125 sites including Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and PR –Displays returns of precip & wind in a 250 mile radius of site refreshed every 6 min.

2. Hourly Weather Reports (FAA) 4 Over 1300 airports take weather observations each hour (or more frequently) METAR KABC 121755Z AUTO 21016G24KT 180V240 1SM -RA BR BKN015 0VC025 06/04 A2990 RMK A02 PK WND 20032/25 WSHFT 1715 VIS 3/4V1 1/2 RAB07 POOO3 6OOO9 T00640036 10066 21012 58033

3. Weather Station Model 4 Standard approach to representing data

4. Weather Maps Wide View

5. Weather Maps - Close-up

6. Weather Data - Time Series