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Weather Products

U. S. Weather Observations

Satellite and Radar Images

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.

Surface Weather Observations

National

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).

DIFAX IMAGES (ISU only)

DIFAX maps are similar but uncolorized versions of many of the other maps available here. Forecast maps are available from the NGM (a different model than the maps below).

U. S. Forecast Maps

 These maps display computer model forecasts of upper air and surface conditions from 12 hours to 10 days ahead based on the initial time. These are run once 12 hours (6 AM and 6 PM). Data is usually available 5-6 hours after the initial time.

Surface progs are manually drawn maps based on computer model data. These maps show the position of fronts and probable areas of precipitation 12 and 24 hours from the initial time.

Model Forecasts

Computer models use current weather conditions to project how conditions willchange in the coming hours and days. The model output must be interpreted, since few normal surface features are drawn on the maps. These are computer projections and not always correct. These are good to use for a guide but adaptations must be made.

Paul's Favorite Products

Revised: 9 Jan 1998
Send comments and suggestions to:
Doug Yarger (doug@iastate.edu) or Pete Boysen (pboysen@iastate.edu)
Copyright © 1996, Iowa State University, All Rights reserved