GROUP
2
SYPNOTIC AND
PROGNOSTIC
CHARTS
Sypnotic and prognostic charts are used to
forecast regions of precipitation, clouds, high
winds, and wind directions. Because low-
pressure region spiral movement moves
clockwise in the weather hemisphere and
counterclockwise in the weather hemisphere,
isobaric wave motion, font oscillations, and
wind directions are readily targeted.
Strong winds occur 25 kilometers from the
'eye' or vertex, and heavy rains from cumulus
and cumulonimbus clouds occur at the same
distance. The eye is generally free from clouds,
but ascending air contributes to cumuliform
cloud development.
SYNOPTIC CHARTS
Synoptic charts or weather maps provide a
snapshot of the weather experienced at a
particular place at a certain time.
They show information relating to air
pressure, air masses and fonts, cloud cover,
wind speed, wind speed, wind direction and
rainfall.
This information allows is to make
predictions relating to temperature,
humidity, ocean conditions and the likely
weather for the next few days
HOW WEATHER OBSERVATION CAN BE
USED TO IMPROVE FORECAST
Weather observations from ships can enhance forecasts from synoptic and prognostic
charts. These observations are made at numerous stations ashore, providing adequate
coverage. Most observations at sea are made by mariners. Data recorded by designated
vessels is sent to weather centers ashore, where it is plotted. This data is then used by
cooperating vessels to provide data for meteorological services worldwide. The
Admiralty List of Radio Signals, Vol. 3, documents these broadcasts.
Routine synoptic reports are crucial for transmitting weather observations to data
collection platforms, especially in the tropics where they can be early indications of
developing tropical cyclones. Actual reports are needed to confirm suspicious patterns
and provide accurate temperature, pressure, and other measurements, as forecasts
cannot be improved on received data.
ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
Atmospheric pressure or barometric pressure is the pressure exerted by the weight
of the air on the earth’s surface.
Atmospheric pressure is measured in hectopascals (hPa)
Atmospheric pressure is mapped to form isobars.
ISOBARS
Are lines on a synoptic chart joining
places of equal atmospheric
pressure.
To estimate atmospheric pressure
you need to refer to the two nearest
isobars.
HIGH PRESSURE
SYSTEM
Occur where atmospheric pressure
increases towards the center of the
system. High pressure systems are
characterized by light winds, clear skies,
dry weather and a high diurnal (daily)
temperature range.
A ridge is an extension of high pressure
from a high pressure system
TYPICAL WEATHER ASSOCIATED WITH
HIGH PRESSURE
light winds
clear skies, dry weather
higher diurnal temperature range i.e.
hot days (sun rays maximum effect)
cool nights (because of lack of cloud
cover.
frosts are likely in winter.
LOW PRESSURE CELLS (CYCLONES OR
DEPRESSIONS)
occur where atmospheric pressure
decreases towards the center of the
system.
Low pressure systems are associated
with strongwe winds, cloudy skies, rain
a lower diurnal temperature range
A trough is an extension of low pressure
from a lowpressure system.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PROGNOSTIC
AND SYNOPTIC CHARTS
SYNOPTIC CHARTS PROGNOSTIC CHARTS
Also known as “synopsis”, these charts Also called “prognosis” these charts
depict the state of the atmosphere over forecast the likely state of the
a large area at a specific moment atmosphere over a large area at a future
(current or recent). time.
They show weather conditions such as Computer-generated forecasts shown
pressure systems, fronts, and wind expected pressure patterns.
patterns.
Aviation prognostic charts provide
Useful for understanding the current shorter-term weather changes (usually
weather situation. up to 48 hours ahead) compares to
general forecasts.
