Reading Surface Maps

There are different levels of the atmosphere and this explains what meteorologists look at at the surface.

850 mb – Just a Few Thousand Feet Above

Meteorologists and weather forecasters use the upper levels of the atmosphere to help predict the weather and make a better forecast. One level is at 850 mb.

10,000 ft Above — 700 mb Map

Forecasters and meteorologists look at the upper atmosphere to determine a forecast. At 700 mb, omega is graphed or the vertical motion.

Dealing with 500 mb Pressure Maps

A 500 mb pressure map is what meteorologists look at to predict a forecast. This is the middle of the atmosphere and height levels are plotted and vorticity is determined.

Jet Streams on a 300 mb Map

Weather forecasters look at 300 mb, or the jet stream, to look at wind speeds in the upper atmosphere. This also can help determine the flow of the atmosphere.