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Weather Map Handbook

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Product Description

The science of forecasting has not changed, but the Internet and new marvels of technology have completely redefined the process. It is not a rare thing for weather hobbyists and National Weather Service forecasters to get a product from the very same site. With more and more charts and tools appearing on the Internet by the week, how do you make sense of the avalanche of weather imagery and data?

Using a double-page format, the Weather Map Handbook demonstrates nearly every type of weather map, image, and product in common use. An overview of each item’s origin, purpose, shortfalls, and tips are outlined. Standards for analysis symbology and chart markings are summarized. The surface, 850 mb, 700 mb, 500 mb, and 300-200 mb charts get two pages each, complete with philosophy, objectives, and techniques for each chart. Thickness, isentropic, and Q vector products get their own sections.

The WSR-88D Doppler Radar, in use by the United States weather services, has played a vast part in the weather information revolution. In the Weather Map Handbook, it gets thirty pages packed with the fundamentals and algorithms of the WSR-88D. Much of this information is obscure and nearly impossible to find. From the workings of the Composite Reflectivity product to the exact process used by the Mesocyclone Detection Algorithm to deconstruct a radar scan, any NEXRAD radar product on the Internet can be understood. There is even a range-height nomogram for each volume coverage pattern.

From the Eta to the MM5, from the GFS to the GEM, each numerical forecast model is revealed in incredible detail. Ensemble forecasts are highlighted. The satellite chapter explains visible, infrared, and water vapor imagery, how it is created, and how to interpret it. Even the METAR, TAF, SYNOP, and radiosonde formats get their own sections, complete with decoding instructions.

Topping off the book is an appendix with surface and upper-level station plot models, a vast technical glossary compiled from the depths of the NWS, SPC, and NCEP, and much more! Whether you are a hobbyist, private forecaster, a professional, or a student, the Weather Map Handbook is the book you can’t be without.

Spotlight Customer Reviews:

Customer Rating:

Summary:

A Must-Have For Any Weather Enthusiast!

Comment:

Of all the books I have in my library concerning the atmospheric sciences (and there are dozens of them), I keep coming back to the series from Tim Vasquez time after time. His writing style is clear, informative, and very educational. This book is an exhaustive look at the importance of weather maps, forecast models, and the importance of a "hands on" approach to weather forecasting. The double-page format is a real treat since this makes the book even more readable and literally easier to use. I've collected many good books over the years on weather maps and forecasting, some of which are excellent, but the Weather Map Handbook is an invaluable classic at the top of my list. A solid five stars!

Customer Rating:

Summary:

Excellent title from a series of excellent titles by the author

Comment:

I have three of Tim Vasquez's books: Weather Forecasting Handbook, Weather Map Handbook, and Storm Chasing Handbook. All three of them are absolutely fantastic, and are actually among my very favorite books.

This specific book is the perfect companion for those interested in forecasting (whether amateurs, professionals, or any in-between). It describes the various types of weather maps, from radar and satellite, to 850mb and surface maps, to the NAM, RUC, GFS, convective outlooks, TVS, et cetera. If you've ever wondered how to read and use a particular type of weather map, then this book is an excellent resource.

Customer Rating:

Summary:

Great Job Tim!!!

Comment:

I am a storm chaser and love seeing severe storms and Tim Vasquez (the author of this book ) is one of my idols because he is such a genius. I have seen several massive storms and 1-2 tornadoes. However that was just luck. Now this book is here and I have gotten very skilled at predicting,tracking, and chasing severe storms. In this book you will learn about all weather maps. From 850mb. map to composite reflectivity doppler radar. This book is very detatailed. I will recomend it to anyone who wants to study meteorology or often battles the elements.

Customer Rating:

Summary:

Mandatory for the weather hobbyist

Comment:

I do a lot of sailing, and really needed something to guide me through all of the available charts. I'm glad to say that this title measures up in every regard. It covers each type of weather chart, one by one, such as the Surface Chart, 700 mb Chart, and so on, presents an example, and scrutinizes the purpose and utility of each one. It even covers forecast models and radar products. This really is a unique (and welcome) departure from the format of other weather books. I found that the Weather Map Handbook gave me some excellent insight into understanding the weather systems that I have to deal with on the Gulf Coast. My only beef with the book is that it needs a few more marine-oriented charts. Some color maps would be nice, but this doesn't really detract from the book. Two thumbs up!