By: Todd Wheatley
(c) IQ-2k   02-24-14

Given the recent ice storms unseen in the South for more than two decades many may wish to see how the storms originate at the pole and move southward. Fortunately the Weather Channel posts many maps to show the various aspects of the weather including cloud cover, wind, and of course, rain. My favorite and the one I find most useful is the map of "CURRENT SURFACE WEATHER". Here you will find a radar composite superimposed on pressure isobars and weather front graphics. Essentially this tells you what is causing the weather along with its effects. It would also be nice, however, to see the jet stream shown as well.

To watch the fronts move you must download several maps and view them with a slideshow application. The shifting weather will move across the screen according to updated information. Fast moving storms can track across the nation in as few as four days. Other storms may linger about or stall. Summer storms rarely gain energy from the pole and die quickly. Hurricanes and polar fronts are especially dramatic and may track for very long distances.

Tracks of the most deadly storms are stored in various places on the net, but the vast majority of weather resides in locked archives. Therefore the best option is one of vigilance. Download and store the weather for your own use. If you are interested in small storms update your maps by the hour. Otherwise once a day will be sufficient to watch for movement and larger patterns. For best results you should download at the same time every day to keep the time intervals regular.

The shorter download intervals (4,6, or 12hrs) will yield smoother movement, but you should note that the relative movement will depend on the interval between map updates and the actual speed of the storm. Larger time intervals will make the fronts appear to move more quickly regardless. Over time, however, patterns emerge that will enable you to forecast the weather with surprising accuracy.

While this is fun and interesting for kids I especially recommend this tool for pilots, golfers, sailors, and construction workers. If you are all of the above, like myself, then weather plays a critical role and can not be taken for granted. At any rate stay proactive. Watch the Weather Channel. Watch your local news. Download the maps and make your own predictions. Be the "go to" person when others inquire about the weather.

Those who are less inclined to make predictions and fully understand the weather patterns can still follow hurricanes and other destructive weather.




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