Assignment:

On an eastern U.S. base map, you are to construct a composite chart using the maps and parameters given in this lab. For each map located on the website, identify just those parameters favorable for severe thunderstorms. To do that, use symbols similar to the ones used by Miller. For example, Miller used different kinds of arrows for jet streams so you should use these: at 850 mb, at 500 mb, at 300 mb, at 200 mb. The numbers are just representative wind speeds in the jet streams. You can’t use those numbers unless your data shows those winds.

For other symbols, you should devise different ones to represent the different favorable parameters you find. Use the sample chart below for ideas and think of others on your own. You MUST include a key showing the symbols you made up and the parameters they mean.

Once you have all the maps analyzed, transfer ONLY the symbols to the blank base map in the same geographic positions. This becomes your composite chart. Then go to the SPC website and read the discussion for today’s outlook. On a separate piece of paper, you should write an assessment of what your composite map means for this specific case. In that assessment, identify the important ingredients you found for this severe weather case and explain what each one brings to the severe weather potential.

Your case is a situation for March 2012. Your analysis maps are as follows (all are 00Z):

US surface plot, 850 hPa, 700 hPa, 500 hPa heights, 500 hPa vorticity, 300 hPa, 200 hPa