Reading Synoptic Charts

A Synoptic Chart Explained

Features of a Synoptic Chart

Predicting the weatherExamine the first weather map on the next

slide and identifyWhere the high and low pressure systems areHow close the isobars are together (an

indication of wind speed)The direction of windThe presence of absence of rain

Weather Map 1: 2/3/11

Predicting the weatherExamine the second map to see

Where the pressure systems are centred and how or where they have moved

Whether the pressure systems have intensified or not

Changes in wind directionChanges in the pattern of rain

Weather Map 2: 4/3/11

Predicting the weatherBased upon the changes you have seen what

predictions can you make about the 5/3/11?

Once you have made your predictions use the BOM website to find out if you were correct.

Tropical Cyclone ‘Yasi’ 1/2/11

Tropical Cyclone ‘Yasi’ 2/2/11

Tropical Cyclone ‘Yasi’ 3/2/11

Tropical Cyclone ‘Yasi’ 4/2/11

Tropical Cyclone ‘Yasi’ 1/2/11 – 4/2/11Click on the BOM website link below to

discover more about this recent tropical cyclone

http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/history/yasi.shtml