Synoptic Charts
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Synoptic Charts on meteoblue
Synoptic charts provide a large-scale view of atmospheric conditions, combining pressure, temperature, wind, and precipitation data. They are essential for understanding weather systems and predicting upcoming changes.1. Sea Level Pressure
• Air pressure at sea level (in hPa) shown with isobars and colour shading.
• Helps identify high-pressure (clear, calm) and low-pressure (stormy) zones.
• See: Pressure for more details.2. Pressure & 3h Tendency
• Shows pressure change over the last 3 hours.
• Positive values = pressure rising (improving weather likely).
• Negative values = pressure falling (possible deterioration in weather).
• See: Pressure.3. Measured Temperature
• Displays real-time temperature readings from weather stations.4. Measured Precipitation
• Shows hourly precipitation amounts in mm, transmitted from ground stations.5. 500 hPa Height
• Altitude (in geopotential metres) where the air pressure is 500 hPa.
• This level roughly divides the atmosphere into two halves.
• Weather patterns at this level influence large-scale systems, including wind currents.
• See: Pressure.6. 1000–500 hPa Thickness
• Thickness of the air layer between 1000 hPa and 500 hPa.
• Shown in colours according to thickness, with mean sea level pressure overlaid as isobars.7. Temperature & Height (GPH)
• Colours show areas of equal temperature at a given equipotential surface (e.g., 500 mb).
• Can be combined with other maps — for example:
o Add isohypses for sea level pressure.
o Add streamlines to visualise airflow patterns.
• See: Pressure.8. Jet Stream (250 hPa)
• Shows wind speed and direction at 250 hPa (upper troposphere).
• Speeds shown in colours, directions with streamlines.
• Jet streams can reach up to 400 km/h and influence weather systems globally.
• Two main types:
o Polar Jet Stream
o Subtropical Jet Stream
• See: Wind.
