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What is a Station Model?
A station model is a symbolic illustration used by meteorologists to represent the weather conditions at a specific location on the Earth's surface. It provides a concise way to display a large amount of weather data on weather maps. Station models include information such as temperature, dew point, wind speed and direction, atmospheric pressure, and significant weather events, making it easier for meteorologists to analyze and predict weather patterns.
Components of a Station Model
A typical station model includes the following elements:
Temperature: The temperature at the station, usually in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius.
Dew Point: The temperature at which air becomes saturated (think full of water) with moisture, also in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius.
Wind Speed and Direction: Represented by an arrow (wind barb) pointing in the direction from which the wind is blowing, with barbs (tail of arrow) indicating wind speed.
Atmospheric Pressure: The pressure at sea level, usually in millibars (mb) or hectopascals (hPa).
Pressure Tendency: Indicates how the atmospheric pressure has changed over the past three hours.
Cloud Cover: The amount of sky covered by clouds, represented in quarters (fourths).
Present Weather: Symbols indicating current weather conditions such as rain, snow, fog, or thunderstorms.
Visibility: The distance one can see, usually in miles or kilometers.
How to Read a Station Model
Here is a step-by-step guide to interpreting a station model:
1. Locate the temperature: This is typically found in the upper left of the model.
2. Find the dew point: This is usually in the lower left.
3. Look at the wind barb: The direction of the barb shows the wind direction, while the barbs (lines) and flags indicate wind speed.
4. Identify the atmospheric pressure: This is found in the upper right, often coded
Here's how to uncode: It will always be a 9 or 10 in front of the 3 digits, whichever gets the number closer to 1000. For example, 107 is actually 1010.7 mb. The 10 is added to the front since 1010.7 is closer to 1000 than 910.7 is.
5. Determine pressure tendency: Adjacent to the pressure reading, showing the trend over the past three hours.
6. Assess cloud cover: Symbol at the center of the station model indicating how much of the sky is obscured by clouds.
7. Check present weather symbols: These can be found around the central circle, indicating ongoing weather phenomena.
8. Note visibility: Often located near the present weather symbols.
Here is an example of a station model with annotations and other possible symbols
Practice Creating a Model
Let’s make a sample station model using the provided link: Station Model Tool (psu.edu)
- Temperature: 75°F
- Dew Point: 60°F
- Wind: From the west (270°) at 15 knots
- Atmospheric Pressure: 1012.3 mb
- Pressure Tendency: Rising (+2.4 mb in the past three hours)
- Cloud Cover: Half (4/8) of the sky covered
- Present Weather: Light rain
- Visibility: 5 miles
Interpreting Surface Plots
Practice Problems
Try interpreting these station models on your own:
1. Station Model A
- Temperature:
- Dew Point:
- Wind/Windspeed:
- Atmospheric Pressure:
- Cloud Cover:
- Present Weather:
2. Station Model B
- Temperature:
- Dew Point:
- Wind/Windspeed:
- Atmospheric Pressure:
- Cloud Cover:
- Present Weather:
3. Station Model C
- Temperature:
- Dew Point:
- Wind/Windspeed:
- Atmospheric Pressure:
- Cloud Cover:
- Present Weather:
Fill in Answers on the Quiz link: Quiz Link
Station models are essential tools in meteorology for conveying detailed weather information in a compact format. By learning to read and interpret these models, you can gain valuable insights into current and future weather conditions.
Feel free to explore the provided material and practice with real-world weather maps to enhance your understanding of station models.
Real-World Map: GFA: Observations - Aviation Weather Center
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