Station Models and
Converting Station Pressure into Millibars
Synoptic Weather Maps
Synoptic weather maps: Show
atmospheric quantities like
temp, air pressure and precip. at
a particular time and over a
large geographic area- used to
make weather predictions
Why?- Do Not Write
 Station models and pressure are key components for
making an accurate forecast
-For example, if you are making a forecast for the New
York Yankees and you say, “There is a 20% chance of
rain” but it is already raining, you probably won’t be
forecasting for the New York Yankees for much longer!
 At least 1 question on the Regents is about station
models and at least one question on the Regents asks
you to convert station model data to millibars
Station Models
Used on weather maps to show
the current weather conditions
for a particular location
Page 13 of your Reference Tables
Cloud Cover and Winds
The circle at the center shows
the amount of cloud cover
The “flag pole” coming out of
the circle shows the direction
that the wind is coming from
Each “feather” shows approximate
wind speed. A half feather shows
an approx. 5 knot wind, and a
whole feather shows an approx. 10
knot wind
*Add up the amount for each flag
for the total wind speed
1 knot = 1.15 mi/hr
Determining Air Pressure
Air pressure is shown by
using the last 3 digits of
the pressure in millibars
(coded)
Ex. 1018.6mb = 186 on
the station model
To determine the air
pressure from the
numbers on the station
model, use the following
rule:
If the first number is 5
or less, put a 10 in front
of it
If the first number is 6
or higher, put a 9 in front
of it
Put the decimal point
between the last two
numbers
Add “mb” at the end for
units
Example
The air pressure on a station model
is 892. What is the pressure in
millibars?
ASK YOURSELF….
Is the first number 5 or less?
After you add the number in front
of 892, where does the decimal go?
**Remember, surface air pressure is
usually between 960mb – 1050mb
If your answer is not in this range,
then it is wrong. Check your work!
Another Example
 What is the pressure of this station in millibars?
Practice with Station Models
Take two minutes to use your
Reference Tables and the
information below, draw the
station model of Slate Hill.
Compare your answer with your
neighbor.
Slate Hill Observations:
Cloudy, 61*F, 58* DP, 8.0 mile
visibility, pressure is 996.0
mb, wind speed 9 mph, from
SW.
Your station model should look
something like this…
How about decoding station
models?
Take the next few
minutes to write down the
weather information that
is given by the station
model.
You should be able to answer the
following questions: What is the
temperature? What is the
dewpoint? What is the pressure in
millibars? How much precipitation
fell in the past 6 hours? What is the
visibility? What is the present
weather?
Example Regents Questions
 1. A weather station model is shown
below.
What is the barometric pressure
indicated by this station model?
(1) 0.029 mb (2) 902.9 mb (3) 1002.9
mb (4) 1029.0 mb
 2. Which station model shows the correct form for
indicating a northwest wind at 25 knots and an air
pressure of 1023.7 mb?
RADAR
Radar: reflects radio
electromagnetic energy off the
aerosols of precipitation and
clouds.
Radar provides a tool accurate
short-range prediction, showing
precipitation intensity,
precipitation type, and where it is
heading.
 AccuWeather Radar
Review of How to Interpret Weather
Station Data
What is the temperature of each station?
What is the dew point of each station?
What is the wind direction of the stations?
Which station model has higher pressure and why?