Weather Maps

A weather forecaster is somewhat like a detective gathering information and clues. Detailed information about the weather at a certain time of the day is collected and plotted on a Weather Map, called a synoptic chart.
The following is an example of a weather map, or synoptic chart, that we might find in the newspaper:

Here are some of the keys on how to read Weather Maps:

Some of the other signs that we see on weather maps tell us about what kinds of fronts we are experiencing. Fronts tell us about what the temperature of the weather is going to be like for the day.
Another symbol found on weather maps tells us about the Air Pressure system. This is indicated by a capital H for High Pressure systems and a capital L for Low Pressure systems.
ISOBARS are lines drawn on a synoptic chart joining together areas of equal pressure. The further apart they are, the lighter the wind. When they are close together the pressure is usually low and the wind is strong.

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