Station Model Plots

Learning to decode Station Model Plots opens the door to weather watching. Not only will you be able to plot your local weather observations but you will be able to see weather conditions elsewhere. The Station Model Plot is used worldwide to code weather observations from thousands of weather stations.

The sample station model plot to the right is based on the standard format from the World Meteorological Organization and the U.S. National Weather Service. Each weather element is plotted at a specific location around the circle. With a little practice both children and adults are able to easily identify the current weather anywhere in the world.

Weather Briefing provides guides for the major ele- ments found on a station model plot. These guides show the symbols used for each element type. Click on the “Your Weath- er Guide” link in the “Free Downloads” section at www.weatherbriefing.com to access these guides. New guides are being added so be sure the check back often for the latest Weather Element Description additions. Station Circle Observation location and cloud cover As you are able to see each weather element is as- Temperature Degrees Fahrenheit signed its own location around the plotting circle making it easy to look at any plot and find the available information. The origi- High/Middle Cloud Type High and middle cloud symbols nal plotting code used circles to locate each observation. Today Pressure Pressure in millibars (add leading 10 or 9) circles are used to signify an observation that has been assisted by human observation. Square locators are used to signify an Pressure Change Tenths of millibars for past 3 hours observation that is entirely automated without human involve- Pressure Tendency Shape of pressure trace ment. Wind Direction Wind is blowing toward the station circle Today’s weather maps continue to use the same basic Wind Speed Feathers indicate speed plotting scheme. However, not all maps plot all of the weather (long = 10, short =5 knots) elements. Most plots show much less data. With practice you In hundredths of an inch will be able to identify what is plotted. The National Weather 6-Hr Precipitation Service publishes a surface weather map every three hours Low Cloud Type Low cloud symbol through the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. You may Dew Point In degrees Fahrenheit access it at weatherbriefing.com on the right menu column under “USA Current Weather Map.” Weather Briefing also oc- Visibility In statute miles casionally publishes plotted maps in the “Weather Journal.” Current Weather Current weather symbol

© 2012 Weather Briefing, L.C.