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Frequently asked questions about DIFAX maps
What are the descriptions of the available DIFAX maps and
charts? What is Greenwich Mean (z) Time?
How do I print DIFAX maps?
Answers
What are
the descriptions of the available DIFAX maps and charts? (Click on
map name below and you will go to description)
Radar/Weather Depictions
U.S. Radar
Composite U.S. Weather Depictions
Significant Weather
Depictions Significant Weather Forecasts (PROGS)
Significant Weather Forecasts, Flight Level 250 to
600
Upper
Air Maps and Charts
Constant
Pressure Analyses
Winds
Aloft RAFS/NGM Forecast
AVN/MRF
(Spectral) Forecasts
LFM
Forecasts Wind and Temperature Progs
Surface/Low Level Weather Maps and
Charts Current Surface Weather Analyses
Forecast
Weather Thickness
Miscellaneous Maps and
Charts Temperature-Related Charts-U.S.
Sunshine/Air Stagnation
Precipitation and Snow
Crop
Moisture-U.S. Extended-Long Range
Forecasts Ocean and Marine
Radar/Weather
Depictions
- U.S.
Radar Composite
Chart depicts shaded areas of precipitation over the
continental U.S. Precipitation cells and expected movement is shown. Weather
Watch areas. Administrative messages from National Meteorlogical Center.
Coverage Area: Continental U.S.
- U.S.
Weather Depiction
Useful for flight planning. Shows sky cover, surface
fronts, ceilings, visibility. Indicates IFR, MVFR and VFR areas. Update
time(s): 0209z, 0517z, 0815z, 1123z, 1405z,1720z, 2017z, 2316z Coverage
Area: Continental U.S. and Southern Canada
Significant Weather Depictions
Significant Weather Forecasts (progs)
- 12
& 24-hour forecasts
Weather systems, clouds, precipitation,
turbulence, flight rules. Four panel chart. Upper two panels show 12 &
24-Hour prognosis of IFR and severe weather. Also shows freezing levels,
ceilings, visibility, and any turbulence. Lower two panels depict 12 &
24-Hour areas of high and low pressure, frontal systems, and shaded areas of
expected precipitation. Update time(s):0007z, 0551z, 1006z, 1739z
Coverage Area: Continental U.S., Southern Canada
- 36
& 48-hour forecasts
Weather systems, clouds, precipitation.Two
panel chart shows high and low pressure centers, frontal systems, areas of
expected precipitation and cloud cover over the U.S. and southern Canada. Both
panels include a prognostic discussion of chart prepared by the National
Meteorological Center. Update time(s): 0720z, 1914z Coverage Area:
Continental U.S., Southern Canada
- Severe weather outlook
Likelihood
of severe thunderstorms over the next 48 hours. Two panel chart depicts areas
of potentially severe thunderstorms over the Continental U.S. in the next
48-hours. Update time(s): 1030z Coverage Area: Continental
U.S.
- Thunderstorm & severe thunderstorm
probabilities
Likelihood of severe thunderstorms over the next 48
hours. Two panel chart depicts areas of potentially severe thunderstorms over
the Continental U.S. in the next 48-hours. Update time(s): 1303z
Coverage Area: Continental U.S.
- Snow
cover & 6-hour snowfall (available 9/17-4/15)
Chart depicts
total snow depth in inches and the 6 hour snowfall Update time(s): 1303z
Coverage Area: Continental U.S.
- Thunderstorm & severe thunderstorm
probabilities (MOS)
Chart depicts 24-hour probabilities of
thunderstorms and severe thundertorms over the continental U.S. Also shows
chart valid times. Update time(s): 0418z Coverage Area: Continental
U.S.
- Forecast surface wind, cloud cover, and
flight rules (MOS)
Four panel chart shows forecast 12-hr, 18-hr, 24-hr
and 30-hr surface winds, cloud cover and visibility. Update time(s):0415z,
1553z Coverage Area: Continental U.S.
Significant Weather Forecasts
- Clouds, weather systems, precipitation,
turbulence
Chart shows Flight Level 25,000-60,000 ft. cloud cover;
wind speed and direction; frontal systems; and any significant weather;
including turbulence, hail and icing. Altitude is shown in hundreds of
feet. Update time(s): 0114z, 0857z, 1315z, 2028z Coverage Area: North
& Central America and Surrounding Areas
- Clouds, weather systems, precipitation,
turbulence
Chart shows Flight Level 25,000-60,000 ft. cloud cover; wind
speed and direction; frontal systems; and any significant weather; including
turbulence, hail and icing. Altitude is shown in hundreds of feet. Update
time(s): 0154z, 0851z, 1328z, 1955z Coverage Area: Eastern Asia and the
Pacific
- Clouds, weather systems, precipitation,
turbulence
Chart shows Flight Level 25,000-60,000 ft. cloud cover;
wind speed and direction; frontal systems; and any significant weather;
including turbulence, hail and icing. Altitude is shown in hundreds of
feet. Update time(s): 0854z, 1333z, 2044z Coverage Area: Europe,
Africa, Atlantic
- Clouds, weather systems, precipitation,
turbulence
Chart shows Flight Level 25,000-60,000 ft. cloud cover;
wind speed and direction; frontal systems; and any significant weather;
including turbulence, hail and icing. Altitude is shown in hundreds of
feet. Update time(s): 0119z, 0712z, 1520z, 1917z Coverage Area: North
America, Europe, Africa, Atlantic
- Forecast clouds, weather systems,
precipitation, turbulence
Chart shows Flight Level 25,000-60,000 ft.
cloud cover; wind speed and direction; frontal systems; and any significant
weather; including turbulence, hail and icing. Altitude is shown in hundreds of
feet. Update time(s): 0119z, 1320z, 6z, 18z Coverage Area: North
America, Europe, Africa, Atlantic
- Clouds, weather systems, turbulence
Chart shows Flight Level 25,000-60,000 ft. cloud cover; wind speed and
direction; frontal systems; and any significant weather; including turbulence,
hail and icing. Altitude is shown in hundreds of feet. Update
time(s):0141z, 1352z, 1939z Coverage Area: Alaska and the Pacific
- Significant Weather Forecast Flight
Level 0 to 400 millibar
Hand analyzed chart shows Flight Level
surface-40,000 ft. cloud cover; wind speed and direction; frontal systems; and
any significant weather; including turbulence, hail and icing. Altitude is
shown in hundreds of feet. Update time(s): 0203z, 1423z Coverage Area:
North Atlantic & Europe
Upper
Air Maps and Charts
Constant Pressure Analyses
- 850
millibar analysis heights and
temperatures with winds
Chart shows centers of high and low
heights, wind speed and direction, temperatures for specific locations, 850 mb
heights and tendencies. Update time(s): 0243z, 1433z Coverage Area:
North America
- 700
millibar analysis heights and
temperatures with winds
Chart shows centers of high and low
heights, wind speed and direction, temperatures for specific locations, 700 mb
heights and tendencies. Update time(s): 0248z, 1436z Coverage Area:
North America
- 500
millibar analysis heights and
temperatures with winds
Chart shows centers of high and low
heights, wind speed and direction, temperatures for specific locations, 500 mb
heights and tendencies. Update time(s): 0251z, 1439z Coverage Area:
North America
- 500
millibar analysis
Chart shows the height of the 500 mb surface and
temperatures at 500 mb over the Northern Hemisphere. Update time(s): 0603z,
1840z Coverage Area: Northern Hemisphere
- 500
millibar analysis height
changes for North America
Chart shows forecast 500 mb height
changes. Update time(s): 0225z, 1420z Coverage Area: North America
- 300
millibar height analysis
Chart shows the height of the 300 mb surface
and isotachs of wind speed at 300mb. Shaded areas indicate wind speeds above 70
knots. Update time(s): 1847z Coverage Area: Northern Hemisphere
- 300
millibar analysis heights and
temperatures with winds
Chart shows temperature, wind speed and
direction, centers of high and low heights, 300mb heights and tendencies.
Shaded areas indicate wind speeds above 70 knots. Update time(s): 0311z,
1443z Coverage Area: Continental U.S. and Canada
- 250
millibar analysis heights and
temperatures with winds
Chart shows temperature, wind speed and
direction, centers of high and low heights, 250mb heights and tendencies.
Shaded areas indicate wind speeds above 70 knots. Update time(s): 0235z,
1453z Coverage Area: Continental U.S. and Canada
- 250
millibar analysis heights,
winds, and PIREPS for the Pacific
Chart shows 250 mb that includes
wind and temperature data from Aircraft, satellite and radiosonde. Also PIREPS
reports listing any turbulence, icing, cloud cover, etc., over 55N-20S,
40W-110W area. Update time(s): 0617z, 1852z Coverage Area: Pacific
Ocean
- 250
millibar analysis heights,
winds, and PIREPS for the Americas
Chart shows 250 mb heights,
wind speed and direction, centers of high and low pressure, and PIREPS reports
listing any turbulence, icing, cloud cover, etc., over an area from 50N-20S,
40W-110W area. Update time(s): 0621z, 2052z Coverage Area: U.S. &
Central America
- 200
millibar analysis heights,
winds, and Pibals for U.S./Canada
Chart shows 200 mb heights, wind
speed and direction, temperatures, and height changes over the past 12 hours.
The shaded areas indicate winds over 70 knots. Update time(s): 0353z,
1447z Coverage Area: Continental U.S. & Canada
- 200
millibar analysis heights,
winds, and Pibals for Americas/Atlantic
Chart shows 200 mb
streamlines and isotachs over 50N-20S, 10E-120W area. Update time(s):
1034z, 1633z Coverage Area: 50N-20S, 10E-120W
Winds Aloft
- Trajectory Forecasts (prog)
Four
panel chart shows 24 hr. forecast surface dew point trajectories, 850 mb
temperature trajectories, 700 mb dew point trajectories and 12 hr. 700 mb net
vertical displacement/K index. Update time(s): 0420z Coverage Area:
Continental U.S.
- Observed winds aloft
Four panel
chart shows observed winds aloft for second standard level above surface at
10,000ft, 14,000ft, 24,000ft and 34,000ft. Upper levels also show temperature
observations. Update time(s): 0222z, 1414z Coverage Area: Continental
U.S.
- Forecast winds aloft
Eight panel
chart shows LFM 12-hour forecast winds aloft. Also shows temperatures at
6,000ft, 9,000ft, 12,000ft, 18,000ft, 24,000 ft, 30,000ft, 34,000ft, and
39,000ft. Update time(s): 0336z, 1541z Coverage Area: Continental
U.S.
- Low
level circulation and mixing ratio
U.S. and Central America
Chart shows lower mean circulation in the 1000-600 mb layer with mean
mixing ratio. Update time(s): 0348z, 2233z Coverage Area: U. S. and
Central America
RAFS/NGM Forecast
- 850
millibar heights and temperatures
Four panel chart shows 12-hr, 24-hr,
36-hr and 48-hr forecast 850 mb heights, centers of high and low heights and
temperatures over North America. Update time(s): 0608z, 1818z Coverage
Area: North America
- 12-hour forecast
Boundary layer
winds and relative humidity. Chart shows forecast wind speed and direction and
relative humidity values over the Continental U.S. Update time(s): 0547z,
1812z Coverage Area: Continental U.S.
- 24-hour forecast
Boundary layer
winds and relative humidity. Same as Chart above, except forecast period.
Update time(s): 0614z, 1824z Coverage Area: Continental U.S.
- 36-hour forecast
Boundary layer
winds and relative humidity. Same as Chart above, except forecast period.
Update time(s): 0627z, 1834z Coverage Area: Continental U.S.
- 48-hour forecast
Boundary layer
winds and relative humidity. Same as Chart above, except forecast period.
Update time(s): 0630z, 1837z Coverage Area: Continental U.S.
- 0 to
36 -hour Lifted Index
4-Layer Lifted Index. Four panel chart shows
current and NGM forecast 12-hr, 24-hr and 36-hr maximum/minimum lifted
indexes. Update time(s): 0526Z, 1733Z Coverage Area: North America
- Initial 500 millibar heights/vorticity,
700 millibar heights/mean humidity, pressure/thickness, 850 millibar
heights/temperature
Four panel chart. First panel shows forecast 500mb
heights/vorticity locations. Second panel shows forecast 1000-500mb thicknesses
and surface pressure patterns. Third panel shows 700mb heights and relative
humidity. Fourth panel shows 850 mb initial conditions. Update time(s):
0443z, 1647z Coverage Area: North America
- 12-hour 500 millibar heights/vorticity,
700 millibar heights/mean humidity, pressure/thickness, precipitation/vertical
velocity
NGM (Nested Grid Model) Forecast Model. The top left panel
show the heights and vorticity at 500 mb. The top right panel shows the MSL
pressure and 1000-500 mb thickness. The lower left panel shows the 700 mb
height and relative humidity. The lower right panel shows the total
precipitation and 700 mb vertical velocity. Update time(s): 0450z,
1700z Coverage Area: North America
- 24-hour 500 millibar heights/vorticity,
700 millibar heights/mean humidity, pressure/thickness, precipitation/vertical
velocity
NGM (Nested Grid Model) Forecast Model. The top left panel
show the heights and vorticity at 500 mb. The top right panel shows the MSL
pressure and 1000-500 mb thickness. The lower left panel shows the 700 mb
height and relative humidity. The lower right panel shows the total
precipitation and 700 mb vertical velocity. Update time(s): 0503z,
1706z Coverage Area: North America
- 36-hour 500 millibar heights/vorticity,
700 millibar heights/mean humidity, pressure/thickness, precipitation/vertical
velocity
NGM (Nested Grid Model) Forecast Model. The top left panel
show the heights and vorticity at 500 mb. The top right panel shows the MSL
pressure and 1000-500 mb thickness. The lower left panel shows the 700 mb
height and relative humidity. The lower right panel shows the total
precipitation and 700 mb vertical velocity. Update time(s): 0510z,
1713z Coverage Area: North America
- 48-hour 500 millibar heights/vorticity,
700 millibar heights/mean humidity, pressure/thickness, precipitation/vertical
velocity
NGM (Nested Grid Model) Forecast Model. The top left panel
show the heights and vorticity at 500 mb. The top right panel shows the MSL
pressure and 1000-500 mb thickness. The lower left panel shows the 700 mb
height and relative humidity. The lower right panel shows the total
precipitation and 700 mb vertical velocity. Update time(s): 0520z,
1723z Coverage Area: North America
AVN/MRF (Spectral) Forecasts
- Initial to 36-hour 500 millibar
heights/vorticity
Chart shows AVN model forecast 500mb heights and
vorticity over North America. Update time(s): 0633z, 2022z Coverage
Area: North America
- 36-hour 500 millibar heights/wind
speeds
Chart shows MRF forecast of 500mb heights and isotachs over
North America and surroundiing areas. Update time(s): 0746z, 2152z
Coverage Area: North America
- 48-hour 500 millibar
heights/vorticity
Chart shows MRF forecast 500mb heights and vorticity
over North America. Update time(s): 0750z, 2033z Coverage Area: North
America
- 72-hour 500 millibar heights
Chart
shows forecast MRF 500mb heights over North America and polar regions.
Update time(s): 0951z, 2206z Coverage Area: North America
- 84-hour 500 millibar heights
Chart
shows MRF forecast 500mb heights over Northern Hemisphere. Update time(s):
1053z Coverage Area: Northern Hemisphere
- 60-hour 500 millibar heights/vorticity,
700 millibar heights/mean humidity, pressure/thickness, 850 millibar
heights/temperature
Four panel chart.First panel shows forecast 500mb
heights and vorticity. Second panel shows forecast MSL pressure and 1,000-500mb
thickness. Third panel shows forecast 700mb heights and relative humidity, and
fourth panel shows forecast 850mb heights and temperatures. Update time(s):
0944z, 2346z Coverage Area: North America
- 24-hour thickness, 700 millibar
heights/wind speeds
2 panel chart with 24 hour MRF forecast 850 mb
heights/850-500 thickness; 700 mb heights/wind speeds Update time(s):
0014z Coverage Area: North America
- 36-hour 300 millibar heights/wind
speeds
Chart shows MRF forecast of 300mb heights and isotachs over
North America and surrounding areas. Update time(s): 010z, 0925z
Coverage Area: North America
- 12 to
48-hour humidity, vertical velocity
Four panel chart shows 12, 24, 36
& 48 hour MRF forecasts of relative humidity and vertical velocities over
North America. Update time(s): 0810z, 2209z Coverage Area: North
America
LFM Forecasts
- Initial to 36-hour 500 millibar
heights/vorticity
Four panel chart showing progression of
heights/vorticity at 500 mb, beginning with actual observed heights through the
next 36 hours over North America. Update time(s):0329z Coverage Area:
North America
Wind and Temperature Progs
- Flight Level 340
Chart shows
24-hour forecast temperatures, wind speed and direction at 34,000 feet over
entire geographic region. Update time(s): 0036z,0836z, 1211z, 1925z
Coverage Area: North America, Europe & Atlantic Areas
- Flight Level 340
Chart shows
24-hour forecast temperatures, wind speed and direction at 34,000 feet over
entire geographic region. Update time(s): 0046z, 0649z, 1236z, 1903z
Coverage Area: Northern North America, Pacific & Asia
- Flight Level 340 Chart shows 24-hour
forecast temperatures, wind speed and direction at 34,000 feet over entire
geographic region.
Update time(s): 0041z, 0703z, 1220z, 1909z Coverage
Area: Australia and the Pacific
- Flight Level 340
Chart shows
24-hour forecast temperatures, wind speed and direction at 34,000 feet over
entire geographic region. Update time(s): 0825z, 1225z, 1931z, 2303z
Coverage Area: U.S., South & Central America
- Flight Level 450
Chart shows
24-hour forecast temperatures, wind speed and direction at 45,000 feet over
entire geographic region. Update time(s): 0052z, 0644z, 1250z, 2108z
Coverage Area: Australia and the Pacific
- Flight Level 450
Chart shows
24-hour forecast temperatures, wind speed and direction at 45,000 feet over
entire geographic region. Update time(s): 0143z, 0841z, 1150, 2009z
Coverage Area: U.S., South & Central America
- Flight Level 450
Chart shows
24-hour forecast temperatures, wind speed and direction at 45,000 feet over
entire geographic region. Update time(s): 0639z, 1137z, 2103z, 2239z
Coverage Area: Asia, Europe, Oceans, and Northern North America
- Flight Level 240
Chart shows
24-hour forecast temperatures, wind speed and direction at 24,000 feet over
entire geographic region. Update time(s): 0805z, 1142z, 2039z, 2251z
Coverage Area: North America, Europe & Atlantic
Surface/Low Level Weather Maps and
Charts
Current Surface Weather Analyses
- U.S.
Surface Analysis
Chart shows surface high and low pressure centers and
frontal systems. Each reporting station shows wind direction and speed, cloud
cover, visibility, temperature, dew point, precipitation type and amounts, and
barometric pressure. Update time(s): 0437z, 1041z, 1640z, 2239z
Coverage Area: Continental U.S.
- North
America and nearby areas
Chart shows surface high and low pressure
centers and frontal systems. Each reporting station shows wind direction and
speed, cloud cover, visibility, temperature, dew point, precipitation type and
amounts, and barometric pressure. Update time(s): 0132z, 0738z, 1336z,
1943z Coverage Area: North America & Surrounding Areas
- Atlantic Tropical Analysis
Chart
shows surface high and low pressure centers and frontal systems. Each reporting
station shows wind direction and speed, cloud cover, visibility, temperature,
dew point, precipitation type and amounts, and barometric pressure. Update
time(s): 1015z Coverage Area: Atlantic Basin
- Tropical Eastern Hemisphere
Chart
shows high and low pressure centers and stream lines; satellite winds are shown
from low cloud motions. Each reporting station shows wind direction and speed,
cloud cover, temperature, dew point, precipitation amounts, and barometric
pressure, pressure tendencies and changes in pressure. Update time(s):
0104z, 0934z Coverage Area: Tropical Eastern Hemisphere
- Tropical Western Hemisphere
Chart
shows high and low pressure centers and stream lines; satellite winds are shown
from low cloud motions. Each reporting station shows wind direction and speed,
cloud cover, temperature, dew point, precipitation amounts, and barometric
pressure, pressure tendencies and changes in pressure. Update time(s):
0538z, 2135z Coverage Area: Tropical Western Hemisphere
- Pacific Ocean and nearby areas
Chart shows high and low pressure centers and frontal systems. Each reporting
station shows wind direction and speed, cloud cover, visibility, temperature,
dew point, precipitation type and amounts, and barometric pressure. Update
time(s): 0301z, 0909z, 1510z, 2125z Coverage Area: Pacific Ocean &
Surrounding Areas
- Atlantic Ocean and nearby areas
Chart shows high and low pressure centers and frontal systems. Each reporting
station shows wind direction and speed, cloud cover, visibility, temperature,
dew point, precipitation type and amounts, and barometric pressure. Update
time(s): 0315z, 0917z, 1520z, 2144z Coverage Area: Atlantic Ocean &
Surrounding Areas
Forecast Weather
- 24-hour MRF Surface/Thickness prog
Chart shows forecast high and low pressure centers, and 1000-500mb thickness
over North America. Update time(s): 0732z, 2118z Coverage Area: North
America
- 36-hour MRF Surface/Thickness prog
Chart shows forecast high and low pressure centers, and 1000-500mb thickness
over North America. Update time(s): 0735z, 2056z Coverage Area: North
America
- 48-hour MRF Surface/Thickness prog
Chart shows forecast high and low pressure centers, and 1000-500mb thickness
over North America. Update time(s): 0753z, 2115z Coverage Area: North
America
- Surface prog for Days 3, 4, 5, &
108-hour 1000/500 millibar thickness/surface prog
Four panel
chart:Charts show forecast high and low pressure centers, surface frontal
systems and isobars for Days 3, 4 and 5. Last panel depicts forecast 500 mb
heights and departures from normal readings. Update time(s): 2003z
Coverage Area: North America & Polar Regions
Thickness
- 1000-500 millibar Thickness
Analysis
Chart shows high and low pressure centers, and surface frontal
systems. Also shows 1000-500 mb thickness in decameters over North America.
Update time(s): 0535z, 1729z Coverage Area: North America
- 12-hour 1000-500 millibar
Thickness/Surface prog
Chart shows forecast high and low pressure
centers, and frontal systems. Also shows 1000-500 mb thickness in decameters
over North America. Update time(s): 0657z, 1844z Coverage Area: North
America
- 24/36-hour 1000-500 millibar
Thickness/Surface prog
Chart shows forecast high and low pressure
centers, frontal systems. Also shows 1000-500 mb thickness in decameters over
the northern Pacific. Update time(s): 0728z, 2121z Coverage Area:
Northern Pacific Areas
- 48-hour 1000-500 millibar
Thickness/Surface prog
Chart shows forecast high and low pressure
centers, frontal systems. Also shows 1000-500 mb thickness in decameters.
Update time(s): 1003z, 2236z Coverage Area: U.S., Atlantic, Europe
- 72 to
120 hour 1000/500 millibar thickness/surface prog
Four panel chart
shows forecast high and low pressure centers, frontal systems. Also shows
1000-500 mb thickness in decameters. Update time(s): 1205z Coverage
Area: North America
Miscellaneous Maps and Charts
Temperature-Related Charts-U.S.
- Observed Minimum Temperatures
Chart shows observed minimum temperatures for 12 hours ending at 12z.
Update time(s): 1306z Coverage Area: Continental U.S. & Southern
Canada
- Observed Maximum Temperatures
Chart shows observed maximum temperatures for 12 hours ending at 0z.
Update time(s): 0206z Coverage Area: Continental U.S. & Southern
Canada
- Maximum/Minimum Temperatures prog
Four panel chart shows 24 hour and 48 hour forecast minimum temperatures. Also
shows 36 hour and 60 hour forecast maximum temperatures. Update time(s):
0403z Coverage Area: Continental U.S.
Sunshine/Air Stagnation
- Sunshine/Solar Energy prog
Four
panel chart: Upper two panels show 24-hour and 48-hour forecast sunshine; hours
are plotted, percentages expressed with contours. Lower two panels show 24-hour
and 48-hour forecast; solar energy plotted at 10 x Kwh/m2; Kmh/m2 expressed
with contours. Update time(s): 0411z Coverage Area: Continental
U.S.
- Sunshine prog
Two panel chart
showing 36-hour and 60-hour forecast sunshine. Hours are plotted, percentages
expressed with contours. Update time(s): 1547z Coverage Area:
Continental U.S.
Precipitation and Snow
- Snow
Cover Analysis (Available
winter season)
Update time(s): 1217z Coverage Area:
- Observed 24-hour precipitation
Observed 24-hour precipitation ending at 12z. Precipitation shown to the
nearest 0.01 inches. T equals trace. Update time(s): 1309z Coverage
Area: Continental U.S.
- 18,
30, 42, & 54-hour precipitation prog
Four panel chart shows
probability and type of precipitation at the midpoints of those time Update
time(s): 0407z, 1549z Coverage Area: Continental U.S.
- Quantitative precipitation/excess
rain/heavy snow prog 24-hour
Four panel chart. Chart 1
shows prognosis of quantitative precip from 06z-12z. Chart 2 shows prognosis
from 12z-18z. Chart 3 & 4 show forecast excessive rain and heavy snow over
the continental U.S. Update time(s): 1203z Coverage Area: Continental
U.S.
- Quantitative precipitation/excess
rain/heavy snow prog 48-hour
Same as Chart above, except
for forecast period. Update time(s): 1451z Coverage Area: Continental
U.S.
- Heavy
rain/snow prog
Heavy Rain / Snow Prognosis. Four panel chart showing
forecasted precipitation amounts for selected time periods. Bottom panel
depicts areas which have the potential for heavy rain or snow to occur over the
period indicated. Update time(s): 0233z, 0726z, 1203z, 1344z, 1451z,
1941z Coverage Area: Continental U.S.
- Quantitative precipitation/excess
rain/heavy snow prog 6-hour
Same as 2 charts above, except
for forecast period. Update time(s): 0233z Coverage Area: Continental
U.S.
- Quantitative precipitation/excess
rain/heavy snow prog 12-hour
Quantitative
Precipitation/Excessive Rain/Heavy Snow prog (beginning 00z). Same as chart
above, except for forecast period. Update time(s): 0726z Coverage Area:
Continental U.S.
Crop Moisture-U.S.
- Crop
Moisure Index (available
Tues.)
Chart depicts week-to-week abnormal dryness/wetness
affecting agriculture during the warm season. Update time(s): 2322z
Tuesdays Coverage Area: Continental U.S.
- Crop
Moisure Index by Division (available Tues.) Chart depicts abnormal
dryness/wetness affecting agriculture by state agricultural divisions.
Update time(s): 2324z Tuesdays Coverage Area: Continental U.S.
Extended-Long Range Forecasts
- 3-5
Day Forecast Daily temperature/precipitation anomalies
Top charts show
24 hour predicted precipitation anomalies. The lower charts show predicted
departure of temperatures from the normal for the period. Update time(s):
2046z Coverage Area: Continental U.S.
- 5 Day
Forecast Mean temperature/precipitation anomalies
Top chart show the
forecast 5 day mean minimum temperature anomaly. The center chart show the
forecast 5 day mean maximum temperature anomaly. The bottom chart shows the
forecast 5 day total precipitation. Update time(s): 2113z Coverage
Area: Continental U.S.
- 30
day and 90 day outlooks (issued
the middle of each month)
These are the standard monthly 30 and 90
day weather outlooks issued by the NWS. They are issued once a month --
generally within a few days of the 15th. The 0.5 indicates they have a half
month lead time before the forecast begins. The information is presented as
percentages above 33% chance of the event taking place -- above, near or below
normal -- with insufficient data, use climatology across the remainder of the
nation. Update time(s): 2256z 15th of each month Coverage Area:
Continental U.S.
- Seasonal Outlooks
1.5 and 2.5 month lead time
These are seasonal (30 and 90 day) weather outlooks issued by the NWS that
are issued in advance. The table below indicates the amount of lead time for
the 30 and 90 day outlooks. The number at the beginning of the description
indicates the lead time before the forecast begins (1.5 would be 1.5 months,
12.5 would be a year and half a month). The information is presented as
percentages above 33% chance of the event taking place -- above, near or below
normal -- with insufficient data, use climatology across the remainder of the
nation. Update time(s): 2353z Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday Coverage
Area: Continental U.S.
- Seasonal Outlooks 3.5 and 4.5 month
lead time
Same as above, except for lead time.
- Seasonal Outlooks 5.5 and 6.5 month
lead time
Same as above, except for lead time.
- Seasonal Outlooks 7.5 and 8.5 month
lead time
Same as above, except for lead time.
- Seasonal Outlooks 9.5 and 10.5 month
lead time
Same as above, except for lead time.
- Seasonal Outlooks 11.5 and 12.5 month
lead time
Same as above, except for lead time.
Ocean and Marine
- 12
& 24-hour Wave direction/Period prog
Two panel chart depicts wave
directions and primary wave periods plotted in seconds for both 12-hr and 24-hr
forecast periods. Update time(s): 1109z, Forecast Period: 12 & 24
hour Coverage Area: Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
- 12
& 24-hour Wind/Wave height prog
The height of the waves in the
eastern and central Pacific and Gulf of Mexico along with the period of time
between waves or the frequency of waves. Update time(s): 1115z, Forecast
Period: 48 & 72 hour Coverage Area: Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
- 48
& 72-hour Wave direction/Period prog
Two panel chart depicts wind
direction and significant wave heights plotted in feet for both 48-hr and 72-hr
forecast periods. Update time(s): 1104z, Forecast Period: 12 & 24
hour Coverage Area: Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
- 48
& 72-hour Wind/Wave height prog
Two panel chart depicts wind
direction and significant wave heights, plotted in feet for 48-hr and 72-hr
forecast periods. Update time(s):1106z, Forecast Periods: 48 & 72
hour Coverage Area: Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
- Gulf
of Mexico 12 & 48-hour Wave Height/Direction prog
Five panel chart
depicts wave heights and wind directions for 12-hr and 48-hr forecast
periods. Update time(s):0423z, 1605z, Forecast period: 12 & 48 hour
Coverage Area: Gulf of Mexico
- Atoll
Wind Analysis
Chart depicts a streamline analysis of surface winds in
the Tropical Atlantic. Update time(s): 0342z, 1504z Coverage Area:
Tropical Atlantic Ocean
- 5 Day
Mean 500 millibar Heights, 6-10 Day Temperature Anomalies, 6-10 day Total
Precipitation
Update time(s): 2100z Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Coverage Area: North America, specifically United States
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