How to Map Weather
A weather map is a graphic display of what the weather is doing on the ground and in the upper atmosphere. Forecasters on television use them to explain the current pattern as well as to make predictions for the near future. Making a weather map from scratch can be an instructional activity or merely a diversion. Before trying to draw a map from scratch, learn the most common symbols that forecasters use. Also, pay attention to weather reports to get an idea of typical weather patterns.
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Instructions
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Study maps at weather websites and in your local newspaper to get an idea of what a typical weather map looks like.
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Sketch a cold front across the middle of the country with a pencil. Draw a warm front attached near the top of the cold front that stretches off to the east through Ohio.
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Write an "L" at the top of the cold front using a red marker. This stands for low pressure, and is the center of a storm system.
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Write an "H" in blue marker east of the cold front. Write another one north and west of the cold front. These represent the calmer air associated with high pressure.
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Fill in the sketch of the cold front with blue marker and the warm front with red marker.
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Add precipitation to the map. Draw the symbol for snow to the north and west of the low pressure. Draw rain along and north of the warm front. Draw two or three thunderstorm symbols along the eastern edge of the cold front.
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Tips & Warnings
Try creating a map based on the real national weather. Follow the weather for five days and make a map for each day, seeing how storms and fronts move across the country.
Always sketch in pencil. That way, you can change your mind about details without having to start over.
The Internet provides interactive drag-and-drop weather maps if you don't want to use markers and paper.
References
Resources
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