Analysing and recording weather elements
Weather symbols are used to represent weather elements on weather maps called
synoptic charts
Weather symbols for synoptic charts
Analysed weather data can also be presented on line and bar graphs.
a) Cloud cover is shown on divided and shaded circles from 0-8 oktas. There is also use of
specialized cloud symbols show cloud type. The amount of cloud cover on maps can be shown
using isonephs, which are lines drawn on a map indicating areas receiving the same cloud
cover amount.
b) Temperature and rainfall can be shown on tables, graphs and maps. On weather charts
temp is shown as a figure to the top left of cloud cover. Temperature is also shown on line
graphs with temperature on the vertical scale (y-axis) and time on the horizontal scale (x-
axis). On maps temperature is shown using isotherms, which are lines drawn across the map
joining places receiving the same temperature.
c) Rainfall is shown on bar graphs with the vertical scale showing rainfall amount and
horizontal axis showing time. On maps isohyets are used – lines joining places receiving the
same rainfall.
d) Wind direction is recorded on a wind rose. Wind roses are star diagram with 8 rectangles
or arms with a hexagon at the centre. Each arm represents a compass point e.g. N, S, NE etc.
Each arm is divided into boxes onto which the date of dates when winds blow from that
direction are recorded and this is done for a month. The direction with the largest number of
days is the prevailing wind. A prevailing wind is a wind which maintains direction for a
longer period of time. The figure at the centre shows calm days. Note that: a wind rose can
be shown in different forms, although the principle remains the same.
A wind rose and summary of data for wind direction
Wind speed and direction can be recorded on the same chart as shown below. The long part
shows the wind direction i.e. the direction from which the wind is blowing from. Remember that
winds are named after the direction from which they blow. The other shorter parts show speed
where a longer part is equivalent to 10 knots and the shorter 5 knots. In the diagram below, the
weather represented was a day with a gentle southerly wind blowing at 15 knots and cloudy, with
some rain showers.
A simple synoptic chart
Note that: in the exam you may be given a description and asked to draw the relevant symbols;
or you may be given the symbols as those given, and asked to describe the weather pattern.
