Download CHART READING TIPS (ESPECIALLY RELEVANT TO DWD

CHART READING TIPS
Learn geographical locations, continents etc…
Learn compass points so that they become second nature
Analyse at least one surface plotted chart each day and write a brief text description of
the weather affecting the chart
Look at least two different models each day, perhaps through www.weatherweb.net or
www.weatheronline.co.uk
Write a short text each day describing the differences between each model.
Chart Bullet Points
Surface (MSLP):
- Locate fronts from kinks in isobars and assessing areas of strong winds, centre of
high and low pressure.
850hPa (~5000ft) temperature:
- assists identifying frontal zones
- predicts maximum temperatures
- -5C line denotes snow/sleet
700 hPa (~10000ft) humidity:
- Useful for identifying thicker medium level cloud, i.e. As or Ns
- 90% line indicates rain falling at the surface
- Can be used in frontal identification
500 hPa (~18000ft):
- Identify troughs and ridges
- Temperature gradients
- Look for cold air advection to rear of cold front, strengthening upper trough
- Identify jet streams and entrance exit zones
200/300 hPa (~40/30000ft):
- Long wave troughs and ridges
- Temperature gradients
- Good for identifying where troughs will amplify or weaken
- Identify jet streams and entrance exit zones
© Simon Keeling / Weather School