Download Weather Map Symbols

Weather Map Symbols
Symbol
Name
Description of Formation
Weather Associated
Front
Boundary between two
different air masses at
Earth’s surface. Occurs
when the air masses
have different
temperatures and levels
of humidity.
Any change in weather
can occur at a front.
Usually, rainstorms are
associated.
High Pressure
High pressure systems
are caused by cold,
sinking air.
Clear, sunny weather
Low Pressure
Low pressure systems
are caused by warm,
rising air.
Cloudy, stormy weather
Jet Stream
A fast moving current of
air trapped between two
air masses of different
temperatures. The jet
stream pushes weather
from west to east across
the United States.
The polar jet stream pulls
cold air from Canada
south, even as far as
Texas.
Cold Front
A cold front separates
faster moving cold air,
which pushes warmer air
up and out of the way as
it moves.
Rain frequently occurs
along the cold front.
After a cold front passes
there is often clear
weather and high
pressure.
A warm front occurs
when slower moving
warm air replaces
retreating cooler air. The
warm air gradually rides
over the cooler air.
Light to moderate rain is
produced. After a warm
front, there are warmer
temperatures and higher
humidity.
If air masses are not
moving a stationary
front forms. This front
forms a boundary
between nonmoving cold
air masses and warm air
Weather becomes cloudy
and overcast, there are
some light showers or
drizzle. Conditions do not
change until another
system moves. through.
Warm Front
Stationary Front
masses.
Occluded Front
A warm front is
overtaken by a cold
front. COOLER air in
front of the warm front is
separated from the
COLDER air behind the
warm front.
Severe snowstorms in the
Northeastern United
States occur as a result of
occluded fronts.
1. Describe the weather conditions at the border of Nevada and Oregon.
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2. What type of weather is Florida experiencing?
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3. Minneapolis is experiencing rainy, stormy weather. Add the symbol that represents the type of air
pressure they are experiencing.
4. Seattle is about to experience violent thunderstorms, followed by cool, clear weather. Add the
symbol that represents the weather approaching Seattle.
5. Draw an arrow representing the jet stream as it moves across the U.S.
6. Draw an occluded front occurring over Chicago. Describe the type of weather associated with it.
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