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Weather Maps
How to Read a Surface Map
Surface maps depict the large-scale elements of the weather. These elements include high and low pressure
systems, cold and warm fronts, and precipitation areas.
A high pressure system is an area of relative pressure maximum that has diverging winds and a rotation opposite to
the earth's rotation. Fair weather is typically associated with high pressure.
A low pressure system is an area of relative pressure minimum that has converging winds and rotates in the same
direction as the earth. This is counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern
Hemisphere. Stormy weather is often associated with low pressure systems.
A cold front is the leading edge of an advancing cold air mass that is under running and displacing the warmer air
in its path. Generally, with the passage of a cold front, the temperature and humidity decrease, the pressure rises,
and the wind shifts (usually from the southwest to the northwest in the Northern Hemisphere). Precipitation is
generally at and/or behind the front, and with a fast-moving system, a squall line may develop ahead of the front.
A warm front is the leading edge of an advancing warm air mass that is replacing a retreating relatively colder air
mass. Generally, with the passage of a warm front, the temperature and humidity increase, the pressure rises, and
although the wind shifts (usually from the southwest to the northwest in the Northern Hemisphere), it is not as
pronounced as with a cold frontal passage. Precipitation, in the form of rain, snow, or drizzle, is generally found
ahead of the surface front, as well as convective showers and thunderstorms. Fog is common in the cold air ahead
of the front. Although clearing usually occurs after passage, some conditions may produce fog in the warm air.
Current surface maps are updated every hour. Forecast surface maps are updated once each day.
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Doppler Radar map
Northwest US Weather map
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East Central US Weather map
US Temperature Map
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