Surface ProductsClick here to see the location of Pensacola, Florida and Atlantic, Iowa
Surface Products Upper Air Products Satellite Imagery
Surface maps display various surface parameters such as pressure, temperature, and dewpoint temperature. Lows, highs, and fronts are drawn on some maps to indicate varying surface conditions. These can be used to track areas of low pressure (usually producing cloudiness and precipitation) and high pressure (usually clearer weather).
Upper air analysis have many uses. Each map displays different aspects of the weather situation. The 300 mb map defines the jet stream position. The 500 mb map illustrates the positions of and troughs and ridges, which may indicate areas of stormy or fair weather. The 850 mb map can be used to indicate the presence or absence of moisture available for precipitation.
Satellite observations display existing cloud conditions. The visible picture gives a "camera shot" from space during the day. The infrared measures temperatures of the cloud tops (useful during the day or night). Water vapor shows the percentage of water vapor existing through the atmosphere.