Station Models

strong crosswind can be dangerous, to say the least. Additionally, the circulation of air brings

about changes in weather by transporting water vapor. Therefore, wind plays an important role

in the formation of fog, clouds, and precipitation.

So how does one determine the wind direction? Wind direction is always expressed in terms of

the direction from which it is blowing. This convention holds throughout the world-- civilian or

military, weather or navigation, aviation or sailing -- wind always blows from a particular

direction. Thus, it would be best for a student to master this particular concept as early as

possible in a career where wind is an everyday concern.

There are many different ways weather phenomenon, such as wind, are annotated on charts or in

print. One of these methods is the use of a station model.

205.

STATION MODELS

Some weather charts display the information gathered from individual weather stations through

the use of the station model, shown in Figure 2-1. This model begins with a circle (or a square

for automated stations) at the center to represent the location of the station that issued the

weather report. Around the station symbol, data describing wind, temperatures, weather, and

pressures are displayed in a pictorial shorthand (Figure 2-2) to provide the maximum amount of

data in a minimum of space.

Wind Speed: 65 kts

Wind Direction: 330

Sea Level Pressure: 1014.7 mb

Temperature

147

Present Weather

+28 /

Dew Point

Pressure Change (3 hrs)

Sky Cover

Figure 2-1 Station Model Explanation

Another noticeable feature of the station model is a line coming out of the circle indicating the

wind direction. Since the station models are aligned for ease of reading, north is at the top of the