What do the symbols on weather maps mean?

What do the symbols on weather maps mean?

The large letters (Blue H’s and red L’s) on weather maps indicate high- and low-pressure centers. They mark where the air pressure is highest and lowest relative to the surrounding air and are often labeled with a three- or four-digit pressure reading in millibars.

What do the circles mean on a weather map?

The little circle with a line sticking out gives us that information. Those are called wind barbs and the direction they point is the direction the wind is blowing from. The lines on the staff are called flags and they tell us how fast the wind is blowing. Many times the measurements are in knots.

What do the front symbols mean?

Cold Front: A cold front indicates a colder air mass is moving in the direction toward which the triangles are pointing. Stationary Front: A stationary front separates a warmer from a cooler air mass. A stationary front has a little or no movement thus the cold and warm front symbols are drawn in alternating fashion.

What is the symbol for a warm front on a weather map?

red line
A warm front is the leading edge of a relatively warmer air mass replacing a colder air mass. A warm front is depicted by a red line with half-moons located on the side of the direction of its motion.

What does 4 dots on a weather map mean?

The number of the symbols can even tell how much rain or snow is falling. So, a dot stands for rain, three dots in a triangle shape tell us the rain is moderate and continuous, and 4 dots in a diamond shape means the rain is heavy and continuous.

Why are standard symbols used on a weather map?

Weather symbols are graphical representations of a range of atmospheric conditions commonly used during meteorological forecasts to display current and predict future weather conditions. It is commonly used in conjunction with a synoptic weather map but can be displayed separately as well.

What do the different weather symbols mean?

They are : 0: clear sky (night) 4: sandstorm 5: mist day / night 6: fog day / night 31: tropical storm 32: hazy

What does the symbol h mean on a weather map?

Atmospheric pressure is measured with an instrument on the ground called a barometer, and these measurements are collected at many locations across the U.S. by the National Weather Service. On weather maps, these readings are represented as a blue “H” for high pressure or a red “L” for low pressure.

What do the lines on a weather map mean?

Air temperature (in degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Dewpoint temperature (degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Current weather (marked as one of dozens of symbols established by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or NOAA)
  • Sky cover (also as one of NOAA’s symbols)
  • Atmospheric pressure (in millibars)
  • Pressure tendency
  • Wind direction and speed (in knots)