METEO 3
Introductory Meteorology

Lab #6

Overview

As you get started on your sixth lab exercise in METEO 3, keep in mind the suggestions given in the other exercises (follow directions and don't procrastinate!).

Let's get started.

Activity

Collect the Data

  1. First, go to the Weather Prediction Center's site and retrieve the latest 24-hour forecast surface map.  Save this image to your local computer following the procedure as in previous assignments. You will need to include it when you submit your assignment. Do not crop or otherwise alter your surface forecast image before including it. The time/date stamp must be included.

Analyze the Data

For this exercise, you'll be analyzing pressure and winds on a surface map.

  1. (1 point) Based on the pattern of surface isobars on your forecast map, select two cities. One city should be in an area where winds will be relatively fast and the other city should be in an area where winds will be relatively slow. Do NOT choose any cities very near the center of a low-pressure system (within the inner-most closed isobar near the center of a low). Otherwise, you have some flexibility here in the cities you choose, but one of your cities should clearly have faster winds at the forecast time than the other based on the pattern of surface isobars. If you need some help identifying two specific cities once you've identified areas suitable for your choices, check out the United States Climate interactive map. Click on any state to get a closer view with major cities labeled. Simply name your two cities and states where they're located for this part of the assignment.
  2. (1 point) Which city should have faster winds based on the pattern of surface isobars? Briefly explain why this is the case.
  3. (2 points) Estimate the wind direction in degrees and words at the city which will have faster winds (so your answer should take the format of "winds from 310 degrees; from the northwest," for example). Remember that wind direction should be expressed as the direction from which the winds will be blowing.
  4. (1 point) Based on the pattern of surface isobars, estimate the mean sea-level pressure at the city which will have faster winds. Express the pressure value in millibars and also code it as it would appear on a station model.

Submit Your Lab

Please follow the instructions for lab submission in Canvas.