1. Weather Maps

2. Scientists and weather forecasters use weather maps to help them see weather patterns.

3. They place symbols on the maps to help them see what is going on with the weather in various parts of the country.

4. Fronts
When two air masses that have different temperatures meet, they don’t mix.
The boundary, or line, between the two air masses is called a front.
Weather along a front is often stormy.

5. A Cold Front symbol shows the edge of a mass of cool air.
When a cold front comes through, a cold air mass meets and pushes under a warm air mass.

6. A Warm Front symbol shows the edge of a warmer air mass.
The warm air mass pushes up and over the cold air mass.

7. A Stationary Front means neither the warm air or the cool air are moving very much.
Rain can fall for several days along a stationary front.

8. How many fronts can you identify on this map?

9. How many fronts can you identify on this map?
Cold
Warm
Stationary

10. How many fronts can you identify on this map?
Cold
Warm
Stationary

11. Higher pressure usually means nice, clear weather.
A large “H” means an area of higher pressure. H
Higher pressure usually means nice, clear weather.

12. Which state has high pressure?

13. L A large “L” means an area of lower pressure.
Lower pressure usually means clouds, rain, or snow.

14. How many “Lows” are on this map?