ATMO 505 ... Weather Forecasting

Course Description

Catalog Description

Weather Forecasting
Course Number: ATMO 505

This first course in synoptic meteorology introduces students to basic weather analysis and forecasting concepts, and the application of hydrodynamic and thermodynamic processes to operational forecasting. Topics include: surface and upper air observations; interpretation of remote sensing systems such as satellite, radar and profilers; chart and sounding analysis; and conceptual models of 3-dimensional atmospheric systems. The course includes student-led weather briefings and analysis exercises.

Current Course Content

  • Introduction
    1. Class Information
    2. How to Make a Weather Forecast (concept)
    3. Operational Weather Analysis

  • Lesson 1: Weather Observations
    1. Types of Observations
    2. Basic Terminology
    3. Siting Requirements
    4. ASOS/Surface Observations
    5. METAR
    6. Upper Air Observations
    7. Other Observing Systems (profilers, lightning)

  • Lesson 2: Basic Satellite Interpretation
    1. Physical Principles/Remote Sensing Basics
    2. Types of Satellite (IR, Vis, WV)
    3. Basic Interpretation

  • Lesson 3: Basic Radar Interpretation
    1. Physics of Radar
    2. Types of Radar Data (ref, vel, specw)
    3. Radar Displays
    4. Basic Interpretation
    5. Cautions
    6. Radar Patterns
    7. Radar Algorithms

  • Lesson 4: Dynamics, Kinematics and Vertical Motion
    1. Coordinate Systems
    2. Geostrophic/Gradient Wind
    3. Wind Shear
    4. Kinematics/Advection
    5. Vertical Motion/Omega Equations

  • Lesson 5: Atmospheric Models
    1. Analysis Models
    2. Basic Weather Patterns
    3. Waves in the Westerlies
    4. Fronts and Cyclones
    5. Types of Fronts
    6. Alberta Lows
    7. TROWALs

  • Lesson 6: Weather Charts & Graphical Analysis
    1. Map Projections
    2. Basic Weather Charts
    3. Internet Sources
    4. Graphical Analysis

  • Lesson 7: Sounding Analysis
    1. Sounding Features
    2. Thermodynamic Diagrams
    3. Skew T, log p
    4. Graphical Operations
    5. Stability Considerations
    6. Other Thermodynamic Variables
    7. Thunderstorm Forecasting (if time permits)

  • Lesson 8: Precipitation Type
    1. Rain-Snow Distribution
    2. Low Level Thermal Structure
    3. Freezing Rain and Ice Pellets
    4. Freezing Drizzle
    5. Thickness
    6. Thermal Wind

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    last updated on 5/21/09