Updraft: November 6, 2008 Archive

Draw me a picture

Posted at 7:51 AM on November 6, 2008 by Craig Edwards

Meteorologists and broadcasters on the radio have to verbally create an image of the weather map that keenly conveys the current and forecast weather. It is more challenging than pointing at the radar or satellie imagery to inform a viewer/listener on the local and regional weather.

Several years ago the National Weather Service developed a new suite of products that mosaic a regional and national graphical picture of the weather. This initiative was called the National Digital Forecast Data base. It allows users to click on a specific location and get a seven day, hour by hour forecast. Most casual users of weather information have time only to glean the minimal of information.

Sample of site specific text forecast

Weather data available on the web and cell phones is personalized and continues to enhance the capabilities of people on the go to capture weather information on the fly. A far cry from having to wait until the evening news to view picture weather.

Interactive graphical forecast

CE
Naturesmessenger.com

Strong winds in east central Minnesota

Posted at 5:51 PM on November 6, 2008 by Craig Edwards (1 Comments)

While our neighbors in the eastern Dakotas are dealing with snow and winds to 50 mph this evening, creating blizzard conditions, the Twin Cities remain on the relatively warm side of this strong weather system.

Between 11am and noon a surge of a frontal boundary with cooler and drier air brought a non-thunderstorm squall line through the metro area. From Stanton to St. Paul winds gusted from 50 to 60 mph. Some trees were reported uprooted in the Richfield area.

NWS Chanhassen report on the strong winds in the metro area around the lunch hour

We will experience a change-over from rain to snow from southwest to east central Minnesota during the next 18 hours.

CE