READING A SIMPLE STATION MODEL

By learning to read a simple station model plot found on surface maps from all over the CONUS, we can learn to approximate the location of fronts, and many other weather changes without having the latest maps explaining in detail where the fronts are located.



Temperature and Dew Points are expressed in Fahrenheit in the US. The Temperature is shown on the upper left side of the model, and the Dew Point on the lower left. In the above sample, it is 76 F. and the Dew Point is 55 F at the surface.

Wind is expressed in Knots. A longer horizontal bar on the wind barb equates to 10 knots, and a line half of that is 5 knots. Always read the direction as the barb is pointed into the wind. In the above example, the wind is blowing FROM the Northeast at approximately 20 Knots.

Pressure is Sea Level Pressure, and is located on the upper right hand side of the model. It is measured in mb. The reading on the model is initially expressed as 13.8; which is actually a SLP of 1013.8 mb. To convert the 13.8 to 1013.8, use this handy rule:

• If the station model pressure value starts with a 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5; ADD a 10.

• If the station model pressure value startkes with a 7, 8, or 9, then ADD a 9.

The line in the center on the right side of the model tells us the pressure has risen slightly, but then decreased overall by .3 mb in the past three hours. (The bottom right hand number.)

The dark center portion of the circle in the center attached to the wind barb expressed the cloud cover in the sky. In the above example, the fully dark circle tells us the skies at this location are covered in clouds.

Current weather is expressed on the left center line. The current weather is rain in the example station model. Below is a key to common current weather symbols.



With a little practice on surface model maps online, you will soon be plotting your own fronts and boundary lines!

Thanks Sea. Great job. Wish I could see your images. (Only admins are allowed to see this image).

Test........Quick Reply...............

ok...this time I see pictures..thanks for the write up:)

Thanks a bunch Sea......Great blog!!!!!

Very informative and simple to understand. Thanks a lot Sea!

Very informative Sea. Thanks, I was always wanting to know how to read those darn things. No but keeping it real, nice job of explaining for those who did not know how to read such charts