Met WK1 Lorenzo
Met WK1 Lorenzo
Met WK1 Lorenzo
Specific Learning Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the students should be able
to:
• Interpret the overview of weather maps
o Ocean Prediction Center
o GRIB forecasting
o data
o 500-mb maps
Galton prepared the first weather map published in The Times (April 1 1875,
showing the weather from the previous day, March 31), now a standard feature in
newspapers worldwide.
Galton also devised several novel and ingenious mechanical instruments for
recording information about the weather, while working at the Kew
Observatory. An example of the information recorded by such an instrument is
reproduced below.
DATA FOR PLATING LEGENDS
Lowcloudsymbols
Low étage (Sc,St) and
upward-growing vertical
(Cu, Cb)
Midcloudsymbols
Middle étage (Ac,As)
and downward-
growing vertical (Ns)
Highcloudsymbols
High étage (Ci,Cc,Cs)
Weather Symbols
Wind barbs
Cloud cover
STATION MODEL station models
are symbolic illustrations showing
the weather occurring at a given
reporting station. Meteorologists
created the station model to fit a
number of weather elements into a
small space on weather maps. This
allows map users to analyze
patterns in atmospheric pressure,
temperature, wind speed and
direction, cloud cover,
precipitation, and other parameters.
*OVERVIEW OF OCEAN PREDICTION CENTER
Ocean Prediction Center - Overview The OPC strives to provide the world's best
marine weather forecasts, preventing loss of life and property at sea. It an integral
component of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) located
at the National Center for Weather and Climate Prediction in College Park,
Maryland.
OPC originates and issues marine warnings and forecasts, continually monitors
and analyzes maritime data, and provides guidance of marine atmospheric
variables for purposes of protection of life and property, safety at sea, and
enhancement of economic opportunity. These products fulfill U.S. responsibilities
with the World Meteorological Organization and Safety of Life at Sea Convention
(SOLAS) [International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1960 and 1974].
OPC also provides forecast points in coordination with the National Hurricane
Center (NHC) for Tropical Cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean E of 60W and N of
20N. In emergency situations OPC acts as a backup to the National Hurricane
Center (NHC) and the Honolulu National Weather Service Office taking over the
marine functions. Those offices also act as backups to OPC's marine functions.
History
The Ocean Prediction Center (OPC), established in 1995, was one of the National
Centers for Environmental Prediction's (NCEP's) original six service centers.
However, the basis for OPC's mission can be traced back to the sinking of the
Titanic in April 1912. In response to that tragedy, an international commission
was formed to determine requirements for safer ocean voyages. In 1914, the
commission's work resulted in the Safety of Life at Sea Convention; the United
States is one of the original signatories. The National Weather Service (NWS),
through OPC, assumed the U.S. obligation to issue warnings and forecasts for
portions of the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans.
Current Operations and Responsibilities
OPC's Ocean Forecast Branch issues warnings and forecasts in print (bulletins) and
graphical formats, on a 24x7 basis up to five days in advance. Over 100 of these
products are issued daily. They cover the North Atlantic Ocean from the west
coast of Europe to the U.S. and Canadian east coast and the North Pacific Ocean
from the U.S. and Canadian west coast to the east coast of Asia. OPC weather
forecasts and warnings for these areas primarily ensure the safety of ocean-
crossing commercial ships and other vessels on the high seas. Imbedded in these
high seas areas are smaller offshore zones off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
These zones extend from near the coast seaward to just beyond the U.S. Exclusive
Economic Zones, out to about 250 nm. OPC services ensure the safety of the
extensive commercial and recreational fishing, boating, and shipping activities in
these offshore waters.
1.Areal extent: Region of coverage is the over marine areas of the Northern
Hemisphere S of 67N to 15 degrees S (except Indian Ocean).
2.Temporal extent: Guidance and forecasts are issued for time periods where
useful skill exists out to 96 hours for seas and 120 hours for weather systems.
3.Application activities: Conducted to support the civilian maritime community
and other government agencies in support of safety of life at sea , i.e. U.S. Coast
Guard.
4.Product suite: Support for transoceanic, fishing, and recreational marine users,
coastal communities, marine navigation, and other marine interests.
5.Product distribution: Direct support for all national and international marine
users. MPC produces principal guidance for National Weather Forecast Offices
with offshore and coastal responsibilities, and other marine related programs.
Radiofacsimile Schedule
In addition to being available online through the Ocean Prediction Center
homepage, the graphical products described below are transmitted directly to
vessels at sea and the public along coastal areas via High Frequency (HF) short-
wave radiofacsimile through transmitters of the U.S. Coast Guard at Marshfield,
MA, and Point Reyes, CA. The Coast Guard transmits these products at scheduled
times throughout the day.
Atlantic Ocean
Pacific Ocean
Alaska Pacific Ocean
Winds at the 500-mb level are generally not the actual jet stream, which is
generally between 200 and 300 mb. Jet streams exist due to horizontal temperature
contrasts. In an extremely cold atmosphere, the Arctic jet stream can extend down
to 500 mb. However, meteorologists do call wind speed maxima at 500 mb “jets”
or “jet streaks.” On the 500-mb charts distributed by the National Weather Service,
only 500-mb heights and winds are depicted. The distribution of height contours,
and therefore the strength of the 500-mb winds, implies the strength of horizontal
temperature contrasts.
The "L" and "H" labels represent areas of relatively higher and lower heights. An L
or H with a closed contour around it implies that the high or low has a closed
circulation with the wind circulating around it.
Troughs are areas of relatively lower heights and are U- or V-shaped contours.
Ridges are areas of higher heights; these are shaped like an upside down U or V
and are indicated by a zigzag line.
On 500-mb charts, the 5,640-meter height contour is enhanced in bold. Some basic
rules of thumb used by marine meteorologists concerning the 5640 contour and the
500-mb wind maxima are:
• The surface storm track is usually 300 to 600 nautical miles north and
parallel to the 5640 height contour.
• Fronts (cold fronts in particular) and surface storm centers move at
approximately one-third to one-half of the wind speed.
*VIDEO PRESENTATION
https://youtu.be/bd7DcVnrSL8
https://youtu.be/RbHOr9L3HeE
https://youtu.be/-OuSnA9f9qg
https://youtu.be/GtR9cf9qSyw