Weather maps

Types of maps There are 5 basic types of maps: Pressure Aviation Temperature Streamline Station Model

Pressure Maps ►Tells the air pressure ►Gives the locations of high-pressure areas and low-pressure areas

Low Pressure and Bad Weather   Air warmed by the sun on the earth's surface can hold more moisture than cool air. As the warm moist air rises, it begins to cool. Eventually, the air reaches a level where it is too cool to continue to hold its moisture. At this point the moisture condenses out to become clouds. The clouds release their water as precipitation. High Pressure and Clear Weather   High pressure areas are produced by cooler, heavier, sinking air. This air contains less moisture and is more stable. In the summer, high pressure usually means sustained sunshine, few clouds, low winds, high temperatures, and dry weather.   In winter, the lack of cloud cover can cause the temperatures to be very cold, since the lack of clouds allows heat from the earth to travel away from the earth.

Aviation Maps Tells information necessary for safe flight of aircraft: ►Wind speed and direction ►Dew point ►Cold and warm fronts ►Icing areas ►Flight restriction information

Temperature Maps Shows temperature either in color-coded format or with the actual numbers.

Streamline Maps Shows wind patterns

Station Model Shows the weather conditions at a particular weather station (a place where weather is measured and recorded) Several conditions are measured: ►Temperature ►Humidity ►Air pressure ►Cloud cover ►Wind speed ►Wind direction Symbols are used

What information is this station model giving? Winds 15 mph from the NE Temp - 81° Cloud Cover – 75% Dew Point – 59° Air Pressure - 221

How fast is this wind blowing..AND in what direction? 65 mph from the Northwest