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P - 1 Introduction To Weather Maps

The document provides an overview of weather maps, which graphically represent weather conditions and are essential for forecasting and decision-making. It details the history of the Indian Meteorological Department and the evolution of weather mapping since its establishment in 1864. Additionally, it outlines various uses of weather maps in fields such as aviation, agriculture, and emergency management.

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Merel DSilva
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45 views2 pages

P - 1 Introduction To Weather Maps

The document provides an overview of weather maps, which graphically represent weather conditions and are essential for forecasting and decision-making. It details the history of the Indian Meteorological Department and the evolution of weather mapping since its establishment in 1864. Additionally, it outlines various uses of weather maps in fields such as aviation, agriculture, and emergency management.

Uploaded by

Merel DSilva
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Date: 07/01/2025

Practical no 1: Introduction to Weather Maps

Introduction
A weather map is a graphical representation that displays weather conditions across a specific
geographical area. The depicted weather events can pertain to the past, present, or future
forecasts. From a meteorological perspective, a weather map illustrates the current state of
the atmosphere over a larger region. It provides information about various weather
parameters, such as temperature, wind speed, wind direction, or precipitation. Weather
observations or anticipated changes in atmospheric conditions are represented symbolically
or through colored contours.

A Brief History

In India, the Indian Meteorological Department was set up in 1864, with its headquarters in
Simla. Till 1949, weather maps provided information about only three weather elements –
pressure, wind and precipitation. After World War I, the IMD expanded and became more
efficient as weather elements and its associated information proved to be highly useful to plan
warfare tactics. Its headquarters were shifted to Pune. Today, there are roughly 250+ weather
stations where data regarding each weather element is recorded and subsequently transmitted
to the World Meteorological Organization after coding (for forecasting purposes). Many of
these weather stations include completely automated ones.

Nowadays, satellite pictures provide accurate information about the cloud structure, thermos-
humid potential, associations, rate and direction of movement and other behavior from which
forecasting has become more easy, precise and accurate.

Uses of Weather Maps

Weather maps serve as essential tools for making informed decisions in complex
environments.

Through clear animations and visualizations, weather maps provide easily understandable
information, enabling quicker and more effective decision-making. By offering a broad view
of changing weather conditions, they allow for the identification and reduction of risks,
process improvement, and cost savings.
Weather maps are invaluable tools for a variety of purposes, including:

1. Weather Forecasting: Meteorologists use weather maps to predict future weather


patterns, helping us prepare for potential storms, heatwaves, or cold snaps.
2. Aviation and Navigation: Pilots and ship captains rely on weather maps to make safe
navigation decisions, avoiding adverse weather conditions.
3. Agriculture: Farmers use weather maps to plan planting and harvesting schedules and
manage irrigation.
4. Emergency Management: During severe weather events, emergency services use
weather maps to coordinate responses and keep the public informed.

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