Weather Maps

Weather Maps

4.2.2

Objectives

Learners can:

• identify important features included on a weather map

• explain how weather maps help predict and track severe weather events

• isobar

• weather map

Prerequisite Vocab

• cyclone

New Vocab

Vocabulary

an area of low atmospheric pressure characterized by rotating winds and often accompanied by storms

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Cyclone

Categorize

Options (2)

a line on a map that represents points that share the same air pressure

a model that shows the current trends in weather in a geographic area

Match the vocabulary word to its definition.

Isobar

Weather Map

Open Ended

What do you think tomorrow's weather will be?

What do you think the weather will be like in the spring?

Climate refers to the long-term weather patterns and trends over a large region. Climate patterns can be relatively stable for long periods of time.

Climate

Weather refers to the day-to-day atmospheric conditions in a particular location, such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation.

Weather

Weather vs Climate

Types of Weather Maps

A surface weather map represents information over a geographic area, such as a region or country. Often these maps will include temperature, atmospheric pressure, and precipitation information.

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Surface Maps

Upper-level weather maps represent weather conditions in the atmosphere high above Earth's surface. Weather balloons are often used to collect this information

Upper-level maps provide an understanding of atmospheric behavior to better forecast weather patterns and severe weather events.

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Upper- Level Maps

A radar map represents weather conditions based on radar data. A radar map shows areas of precipitation, as well as the intensity of the precipitation and the direction of its movement. Radar maps show the location and movement of severe weather, such as thunderstorms and tornadoes.

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Radar Maps

A satellite weather map shows weather conditions based on images from weather satellites orbiting Earth. Satellite images help show different weather features, such as clouds, fog, and snow cover. Satellite maps are also helpful for showing the location, movement, and intensity of weather systems.

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Satellite Maps

Multiple Choice

Which of the following types of weather maps represents weather conditions at high altitudes?

• surface weather map

• upper-level weather map

• radar weather map

• satellite weather map

Weather Symbols

Weather stations across a region or country collect data on weather conditions that can be used to create surface weather maps. Meteorologists plot these conditions on a weather map to interpret current and future weather patterns. Meteorologists use symbols to quickly and easily display information on a map.

Categorize

Options (3)

Match the weather symbol with the correct weather event it describes.

Thunderstorm

Rain

Snow

Isotherms are lines that connect areas of equal temperature.

Isobars are lines that connect areas of equal air pressure.

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Isotherm vs Isobar

A cyclone is an area of low atmospheric pressure characterized by rotating winds and often accompanied by storms. On a weather map, a cyclone is typically represented by a low-pressure system symbol surrounded by circular isobars.

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Cyclone

​Recognizing Patterns

By understanding the symbols and data on weather maps, meteorologists can gain insight into current and future weather conditions. This insight helps them make informed decisions to better protect people from dangerous weather events.

Meteorologists will typically use weather maps to look for patterns and study the movement of weather systems.

A high-pressure system, represented by a capital H, can indicate clear and dry conditions. In contrast, a low-pressure system, represented by a capital L, can mean stormy weather.

Patterns

Weather maps show information about the air pressure, temperature, and wind direction in different areas. Meteorologists can analyze this information to track the movement of high and low-pressure systems and weather fronts.

Movement

Open Ended

If you look at a Weather Map, would you prefer to see a high-pressure system or low-pressure system coming into your area? Why?

SENTENCE STARTER: I would prefer to see a ______-pressure system coming into my area because _________.

Interpreting Weather Maps

Weather maps can help meteorologists predict dangerous weather, like thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. For instance, if a weather map shows a low-pressure system moving toward an area, it might mean there will be thunderstorms or heavy rain. On the other hand, if a high-pressure system is moving toward a place, it might mean a period of dry weather.

Weather patterns are dynamic and constantly changing as atmospheric conditions change. Because weather maps are based on dynamic conditions, they are only one tool scientists use to make predictions. Also, tornadoes and hurricanes can come up suddenly and without any warning, which is why it is essential to have other ways to get weather information.

Weather Predictions

Open Ended

On a scale of 1-10, how much should we trust the accuracy of weather maps? Why do you give it that rating?

SENTENCE STARTER: I would give the accuracy of weather maps a _____ because ______________.