wind barbs

[Nicholas_Scherber]

i have reached a point in forecasting now that i can see descent setups coming and make a fair guess at a chase target. But i realizing basic things that i should already know that i didn't really realize i didn't. ne of these things being wind barbs (maybe a more correct name?). i know the basics on them (direction/speed). but i see a lot of models with different colored dots or circles on them, and a lot of times the is a number with them. basically i was wondering if anybody had any tips for using them.

 

[Skip Talbot]

See: http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/maps/sfcobs/home.rxml

 

[Matt Tottle]

Think of them like Roman numerals.. Each half line equals 5mph, each full line equals 10mph, and a triangle equals 50mph. Just add them up - a triangle, a full line and a half line means 65mph.

If there's numbers around them, it's DTP Dew/Temp/Pressure in mb. (If you forget the order, think "Do The MamBo")