Lesson 14: Background

Surface Pressures Estimation from Synoptic Cloud Patterns

Surface pressure has been estimated from cloud patterns. Here are sketches of these cloud patterns and the associated pressure ranges(after Junker and Haller, 1980.) While the pressure may not be exact, you can you time sequences to estimate the rate of intensification of the storm.

Surface Press	Cloud Pattern
Surface pressure> 1000 mb
990 - 999 mb Note the beginnings of the dry slot.
980's mb Notice the emergence of a hooked pattern.
Pressure is the 970's mb range when the cloud band is nearly wrapped once.
Pressure is near 960 when the cloud band wraps around the center more than once.

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