The good folks over at the Ocean Prediction Center have a feature on their weather-maps page to cycle through weather maps for the last 3, 7, or 14 days.
A great way to study how systems are moving and evolving over time in the area we plan to cruise or the ocean we plan to cross.
- It’s important to understand that this is historic (before today), not forward looking.
- It’s easier to understand what’s going on if we slow it down, or better yet stop it and use the buttons at the top to step through at our own pace.
Don’t let the historic nature of this tool put you off. Knowing what the systems have been doing for the last two weeks is invaluable when planning cruises and voyages.
And those who have taken the trouble to learn a bit about 500-MB weather maps will get even better insights by looping those maps.
Other useful options are to add satellite imagery and look at how waves and swell have developed over time.
A truly great learning tool for anyone who wants to really understand the weather around them, rather than just looking at GRIBs.
Fantastic! I have not seen this tool before. As a professional pilot who crosses the North Antlantic regularly, I am a fanatic user and student of the 500mb chart. Got to love NOAA for providing these free features.
Hi James,
I can certainly see how you would love the 500 mb, given you fly up through it! And yes, I agree, NOAA is doing some really cool stuff these days.
Hi John,
Agree great product. Where can I find the equivalent for the Med, Red Sea and Indian Ocean?
Love your work.
Cheers
John
Hi John,
I don’t know of one. The Ocean Predication Centre seem to be world leaders in innovative weather products. I silently thank American tax payers every time I use one.
These are nifty! I found a nice page at NOAA that explains the basics of how to read weather maps, for those of us (like me) who are new to looking at weather this way. The lines and symbols are explained, as well as some other details. Here in CA we get to see Pacific systems marching across the globe. NOAA is a national treasure. Enjoy!
Hi Carolyn,
I just took a look and I agree, a great resource. Thanks for the heads up, I had no idea that existed.