Daily Weather Charts

When towers and castles build in the sky,
Bring in the laundry you intended to dry.
Weather Folklore
 

     As a National Weather Service SKYWARN® storm spotter located in Priceville, Alabama, I like to keep a close eye on the weather, especially when severe weather is in the forecast. For those days, I created this web page, together with the smaller "mini version" and the even smaller "micro version." The intent is to give me an amateur's "map room" for north Alabama.

Right: The "Map Wall" in the Meteorology Dept., University Park Campus, Penn State University.

     However, this is not a map room in the conventional sense, since it is not my intent to make a weather forecast. Instead, the purpose of this page is to answer two questions: (1) Will today be a severe weather day? (2) If so, what, where and when?

     Many of these maps look well to my west. The average cold front can cover 720 miles in a day (the distance to Russell, KS), but a fast-moving cold front can cover that distance in 12 hours. Knowing what the weather will be in the next few days gives me the extra time I need to plan and prepare for potentially severe weather. Be Prepared!

Today is

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Graphical Weather Forecast
National and Local Radar

Severe/Hazardous Weather, Huntsville Office, National Weather Service
Storm Prediction Center, NCEP, NWS

Weather Station at 24 Willow Place: KALDECAT4
Weather Station at Pryor Field, Decatur, AL
Last Three Days | Meteogram

Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States.

Based on the 10-year average from 2000 to 2009, excessive heat claims an average of 162 lives a year. By contrast, hurricanes killed 117; floods 65; tornadoes, 62; and lightning, 48. The National Weather Service has a web page to help individuals and communities plan for and deal with the dangers of heat.

For more information, point your browser to Heat: A Major Killer.

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Current Conditions

Source: Current Conditions, The Weather Channel
 

Other Surface Maps
Current Conditions,  Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, NCEP, NWS
 24-hour Current Conditions Loop - Hydrometeorological Prediction Center
Fronts/Analysis: North America | CONUS - Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, , Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (HPC), National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), National Weather Service (NWS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), US Department of Commerce 
Analysis/Satellite Composite (North America) - Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, NCEP, NWS
Analysis/Satellite Composite (N Amer/Pacific) - Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, NCEP, NWS 
GOES E & W Satellite Composite  - Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, NCEP, NWS
North American Surface Analysis Products, NCEP, NWS 
North America Surface Analysis (Loop), HPC, NCEP, NWS
Isobars, Fronts, Radar & Data, American Meteorological Society
Southeast Fronts Surface Map, WAAY-TV
Current Frontal Analysis Plot (Inverted), Unisys
Build Your Own Weather Map and Forecast Tools, Storm Prediction Center (SPC), NWS
Daily Weather Map Weekly PDF Files

 Current Surface Webpage, RAP Real-Time Weather Data, National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)

 , University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)

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Radar Images

US National Radar

Source: Storm Prediction Center, NCEP, NWS
If there is a notation "See Text," refer to the text messages at Day One Convective Outlook.
See also: AccuWeather.com Enhanced Radar

Lower Mississippi Valley Sector Radar

Additional NWS Radar Links
Southeast Sector | Loop
Lower Mississippi Valley Sector | Loop
Upper Mississippi Valley Sector | Loop
 South Plains Sector | Loop
Pacific Northwest Sector | Loop
Source: National Doppler Radar Site, National Weather Service

Hytop, Alabama

Source: Hytop Radar Image for north Alabama, Weather Underground
Decatur-Priceville Close-up Loop: Decatur Radar
NWS Radar Loop from Huntsville, NWS
Hytop (Alabama) | Hytop Radar Loop, National Weather Service
Huntsville Radar, College of DuPage, Next Generation Weather Lab, Main Analysis Page (multiple views of reflectivity and velocity)

ARMOR (Advanced Radar for Meteorological and Operational Research) at UAH: http://vortex.nsstc.uah.edu/armor/webimage/
Note: ARMOR Data is now available as a Google Earth overlay. Google Earth® software required.

National and Local Radar

North Central Alabama Weather Radars
Channel 19 Weather Page

Channel 19 Armor Doppler Radar Loop
Channel 31 Radar Loop
Channel 48 Live Doppler Radar Loop
Weather Underground Animated Radar Loop for Northern Alabama

Additional Radar
Huntsville and Regional Weather Map, Weather Underground
Hytop (Alabama) | Hytop Radar Loop, National Weather Service
Columbus Air Force Base (Mississippi), National Weather Service
Southern Mississippi Valley Sector Mosaic, National Weather Service
National Radar Mosaic, National Weather Service
NEXRAD for HSV / Regional NEXRAD for SE US
Satellite / Severe / Tornado / Hurricane
Alabama - Next Generation Weather Lab, College of DuPage
National Radar | National Satellite | SE US Radar | SE US Satellite - Source: NBC WeatherPlus

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Satellite Images

GOES Northern Hemisphere Composite IR Image

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GOES Northern Hemisphere IR Image
GOES Northern Hemisphere Composite IR Image
GOES Northern Hemisphere Visible Image
GOES Northern Hemisphere Water Vapor Image

GOES East Full Disk Infrared
GOES West Full Disk Infrared
GOES Tropical Sector Images

Source: Geostationary Satellite Server, National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), NOAA. Both single images and looped images available.

NOAA/NESDIS North America Infrared Image

GOES Eastern US IR Image

See also: GOES Western US IR Image
GOES East 1 km Infrared Weather Satellite Image

SE US – Infrared

Source: Aviation Weather Center, NCEP, NWS

NOAA/GOES Severe Weather Infrared Images
 

East Coast | Florida | Gulf of Mexico | Gulf Coast | Montserrat

Source: Severe Storms and Special Events

Other NWS Satellite Products
Visible Satellite, SE US
Water Vapor Satellite, SE US
SE US Infrared Satellite Loop
 

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GOES Eastern US Water Vapor Image

Source: Geostationary Satellite Server, NESDIS, NOAA

 GOES Western US Water Vapor Image, NOAA Satellite Information Service
SE US Water Vapor Satellite, Aviation Weather Center, NOAA
Current Precipitable Water Plot, Unisys

NOAA/NESDIS North America Water Vapor Image

Water Vapor – Southeast

Additional Interactive Global Geostationary Weather Satellite Images, Earth Science Office, Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL. Provides the ability to “drill in” into images, including color-coded infra-red.

Satellite Services Division, NOAA. Comprehensive resource for satellite products.

Satellite Images and Products, Huntsville WFO, NWS.
Regional and National - Visible, Infrared and Water Vapor (both still images and loops), plus:
Lifted Index | CAPE | Convective Inhibition (CINH ) | Precipitable Water

GOES Sounder Temperature and Moisture Products is another comprehensive resource.

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Surface and Upper Air Maps
RAP Real-Time Weather Data
The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)
Operated by the University Corporation of Atmospheric Research

250 mb Upper Air Map

Northern Hemisphere and North America, Jet Stream Analyses and Forecasts at 300mb
US Wind Speeds, WeatherPlus | Current 300 mb Streamlines Plot, Unisys | 250 mb Plot, Unisys
Southeast Jet Stream Contour (WAAY-TV) | Southeast Wind Speed Contour (WAAY-TV)
300mb Contours, Isotherms & Data, American Meteorological Society

An upper level chart. Note the location of low pressure areas, troughs and ridges, and whether we are above or below the main flow of the Jet Stream. Horizontal divergence and convergence may influence surface conditions. Convergence is where the upper level winds are coming together; divergence is where the upper level winds are being split. In both cases, atmospheric lift can result, enhancing convective activity.

[As appropriate, insert Southeast Jet Stream Contour from WAAY-TV, Huntsville, AL]

500 mb Upper Air Map

Source: RAP Real-Time Weather Data

Take particular note of the 540 line (corresponds roughly to freezing at sea-level).
See also: 500 mb Plot, Unisys
 Daily Weather Map, Department of Commerce
500mb Contours, Isotherms & Data, American Meteorological Society

An upper level chart. Note the location of low pressure areas, shortwaves (e.g., "upper level impulses"), troughs and ridges and vorticity lobes. What is the direction and force of steering winds?

700 mb Upper Air Map

Source: RAP Real-Time Weather Data
700 mb Plot, Unisys
700mb Contours, Isotherms & Data, American Meteorological Society

A Low Level chart, look for troughs and shortwaves, as well as ridges. Some thermal advection can also be seen on the 700 mb chart. Some also display vertical velocity (rotation). Check the location of the 540 line.

850 mb Upper Air Map

Source: RAP Real-Time Weather Data
850 mb Plot | 925 mb Plot, Unisys
Additional Surface and Upper Air Maps are available from Unisys, Mandatory Plot Levels,
850mb Contours, Isotherms & Data, American Meteorological Society
and the National Weather Service, Surface and Upper Air Maps

Temperatures below 0° (the blue line) on the 850mb chart probably indicate snow, etc., while precipitation at temperatures above 0° C will fall as rain. This chart can also help identify cyclogenesis, thermal advection and dynamic lifting or sinking (WAA & CAA). Increases in thickness may signal improving weather.

Unisys 4-panel NGM MOS plots (12, 24, 36, and 48 hour forecasts; temperature, convection, dew points and winds): Surface 1000 850 700 500 300 plus Relative Humidity & Lift (other forecast models also available)

Unisys Single-panel “Initial” NGM MOS Plots (temperature, convection, dew points and winds):

Surface 1000 850 700 500 300, plus the 850-500 mb Relative Humidity & Lift plot (other forecast models also available)

Surface and Upper Air Maps, Storm Prediction Center

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National Temperatures

Source: RAP Real-Time Weather Data, National Center for Atmospheric Research
(RUC Forecast Model; Eta and GFS also available for comparison)

Southeast Temperature Contour (WAAY-TV)
National Temperatures Map – WeatherPlus.com

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National Dew Points

Source: RAP Real-Time Weather Data, National Center for Atmospheric Research

Southeast Dew point Contour (WAAY-TV)
National Dew point Map – WeatherPlus.com
See also: National Relative Humidity
Southeast Humidity Contour (WAAY-TV)
Additional Imagery from RAP Real-Time Weather Data
Wind speed and surface pressure | Four Panel Plot | Theta-E Index Image

What temperatures and dew points are being experienced by "upstream" locations? Is there a Theta-E ridge building?

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National Theta-E Image

Source: RAP Real-Time Weather Data, National Center for Atmospheric Research

The Theta-E image depicts the combination of temperature and moisture. Where the two co-exist over a given area, there is a greater chance for convective activity if a source of lift exists; see Powerful Lifting Mechanisms, Meteorologist Jeff Haby. Theta-E is also referred to as "potential temperature." Also see A Look At TEI (Theta-E) and Potential Temperature and Equivalent Potential Temperature, also from Haby.

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Skew-T Sounding Chart
Station KEET (Birmingham, Shelby County, AL)

SKEW-T Text

Source: Upper Air Plots, Unisys.com

Other Upper Air Sounding Locations

Regional Skew T Plots

Skew-T Sounding Charts from National Weather Service

I find that some information on the NWS chart is easier to read, and there is additional information that is found on those charts that is not found on the UNISYS chart. On days where severe weather is in the forecast, I download, save and incorporate the most recent NWS soundings.

Meters to Feet Conversion Calculator (Source: unitconversion.org)

GOES Satellite Sounding - Huntsville, AL

SKEW-T Sounding Image for Huntsville, AL - GOES

Microwave Profiling Radiometer (MPR) Sounding
University of Alabama Huntsville
Note: no listing of numeric values.
See generally NOAA Ground-Based Radiometers, NOAA
Ground-Based Passive Microwave Profiling during Dynamic Weather Conditions

Op40 Sounding SKEW-T for KDCU, Decatur
Source: Forecast Research Branch, NOAA

MAPS Skew-T Sounding Chart and RUC2 Skew-T Sounding Chart, Station KDCU, Decatur, AL
Source: Rapid Update Cycle (RUC), Earth System Research Laboratory, NOAA

Upper Air Sounding (Radiosonde) Locations from Decatur:
At approximately 360 Miles | At 720 Miles | At 1080 Miles | At 1440 Miles

Upper Air Cross-section Analysis:
Albuquerque, NM/Nashville, TN
Del Rio, TX/Tallahassee, FL
(College of DuPage)

GOES Sounding Map for United States
SE US GOES Satellite Soundings Locations
Tennessee GOES Satellite Soundings Locations
Alabama GOES Satellite Soundings Locations
Mississippi GOES Satellite Soundings Locations
Missouri GOES Satellite Soundings Locations
Arkansas GOES Satellite Soundings Locations
Louisiana GOES Satellite Soundings Locations
Nebraska GOES Satellite Soundings Locations
Kansas GOES Satellite Soundings Locations
Oklahoma GOES Satellite Soundings Locations
Texas GOES Satellite Soundings Locations

GOES Lifted Index, Mid Atlantic Sector
GOES CAPE Index, Mid Atlantic Sector
GOES Convective Inhibition (CINH), Mid Atlantic Sector
GOES Precipitable Water, Mid Atlantic Sector
GOES Satellite Sounding, Huntsville, AL (SKEW-T)
 

GOES Atmospheric Soundings Display
GOES Sounder Temperature and Moisture Products
GOES Sounding Map of the US
Complete Station List
General Information

High Resolution GOES Maps
Southeast | Mississippi Valley | Gulf Coast | Northern Plains | Central Plains | Texas

Source for GOES Date:
National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), NOAA

Important Note: GOES satellite soundings are available only when sky conditions are clear or partly cloudy.
In cloudy conditions, or when GOES sounder data is missing, a message 'Sounding Unavailable' will be displayed.
As a result, these readings may be unavailable where the worse weather is occurring.

Convective Indices, St. Louis, MO WFO, National Weather Service

RUC 12-hour Forecasts of CAPE/CIN | Moist-Conv/LI | Helicity | Theta-E

Discussions of the contents of a SKEW-T diagram:
UNISYS, Upper Air Sounding Details
NWS, Explanation of SPC Severe Weather Parameters
Jeff Haby, Getting To Know SKEW-T Parameters and Forecasting Severe Weather Using SKEW-T

Charts and Calculators
Celsius to Fahrenheit | Meters To Feet | MM to Inches | Knots to Miles Per Hour
 Weather Conversion Calculators (NWS Boston)

Skew-T Questions

Questions concerning values displayed on the SKEW-T graphic that expand understanding of the stability of the air mass over this area, together with its potential for severe weather:

Sounding variables and indices

Y / N - L57 Lapse Rate: Greater than 5.5° C/km? greater than 6.7° C/km?
Y / N - Is the Theta-E Index greater than 5? Greater than 8?
Y / N - Lifted Index (LI): Less than -4? Less than -8?
Y / N - Showalter Index (SI): Less than -4? Less than -8?
Y / N - Total Totals Index (TT): Greater than 53? Greater than 56?
Y / N - K Index (KI): Greater than 26? Greater than 40?
Y / N - SWEAT Index (Severe Weather Threat Index): Greater than 300? Greater than 400?
Y / N - Energy Index (EI): Less than 0? Less than -2?

Parcel Indices

Y / N - CAPE ( Convective available potential energy): Greater than 1,500? Greater than 2,500?
Y / N - CINH (Convective inhibition): Greater than 51? Greater than 200?
Y / N - CAP: (Cap strength): Greater than 2.0? Greater than 4.1?
Y / N - Super-adiabatic lapse rate – where the temperature decreases with height – at a rate of greater than 10 degrees Celsius per kilometer? (data is displayed on the NWS Skew-T Sounding Charts in the lower left corner)

Wind Parameters

Y / N - HEL (Storm relative helicity): Greater than 300? Greater than 400?
Y / N - EHI (Energy-Helicity Index): Greater than 1? Greater than 5?
Y / N - BRN (Bulk Richardson Number): Less than 45? In the teens?
Y / N - Upper level winds (between 500 and 300 mb level) of greater than 100 knots?
Y / N - Low level winds (850 to 700 mb) at 25 knots or greater?
Y / N - Atmospheric winds increasing at higher levels (upper level speed shear greater than 70 knots)?
Y / N - Atmospheric winds from different directions (directional shear of 60 degrees or more from the surface to 700 mb)?

Current Surface Conditions

Y / N - Dew Point greater than 55 degrees?
Y / N - Temperature greater than 80 degrees? In the forecast? - Y / N (High temperature and high dew point indicates high instability, increasing the threat of severe weather.)
Y / N - Relative Humidity (RH): Greater than 50%? Greater than 80%?
Y / N - Is there a 30 to 50 degree surface temperature/dew point spreads? (High microburst potential.)

When these values indicate the potential for severe weather, or where there is some questions about the values displayed on the graphic, I bring up the Text version of the SKEW-T and check the appropriate values.

PDF version of the above questions: SKEW-T_Questions

Note: I've acquired these questions from numerous sources, believed to be reliable.
If this is not the case, please contact me at w4dda at arrl dot net. Thanks!

Pryor Field, Decatur, AL - Current Conditions | Meteogram | Text Archive

 Current Conditions-Willow Place 
KALDECAT4 | CW7715 | AWEKAS | CoCoRaHS | CHARM

. 

KDCU, Pryor Field, Decatur, AL

Note: Standard Atmosphere (average sea-level pressure) is 1013.25 millibars or 29.92 inches.

My Personal Weather Station: KALDECAT4

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Mesoscale Analysis Page

Source: Mesoscale Analysis Page, Storm Prediction Center (SPC), NCEP, NWS
 

National | NW | SW | N Plains | C Plains | S Plains | MW | NE | EC | SE

The SPC writes that "These 10 fixed sectors can be used to see regional gridded mesoanalysis data across the United States. This information is provided by SPC as a way of sharing the latest severe weather diagnostic techniques with local forecasters." See: Explanation of SPC Severe Weather Parameters for more information about the mesoscale analysis page and a detailed description of the parameter fields.

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Mesoscale Discussion

Source: Mesoscale Discussion Page, Storm Prediction Center (SPC), NCEP, NWS

Mesoscale Storms are weather systems smaller than synoptic-scale systems but larger than storm-scale systems. Horizontal dimensions generally range from around 50 miles to several hundred miles. Squall lines, MCCs, and MCSs are examples of mesoscale weather systems. (Source: NWS Glossary)

When conditions appear favorable for severe storm development, the SPC issues a Mesoscale Discussion (MCD), normally 1 to 3 hours before issuing a weather watch. The MCD describes what is currently happening, what is expected in the next few hours, the meteorological reasoning for the forecast, and when/where SPC plans to issue the watch (if dealing with severe thunderstorm potential).

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Watch, Warning and Advisory Map

Source: Storm Prediction Center, NCEP, NWS
Southeast US Watches & Warnings, College of DuPage NexLab Weather Site

Weather Warnings, updated every minute from Coast to Coast Weather
Recommendation: run in a separate browser window during strong/severe weather.

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Convective Outlook, Day 1

Source: Storm Prediction Center, NCEP, NWS

If there is a notation "See Text," refer to the text messages at the Day One Convective Outlook. Convective Outlooks are also available for Day Two, Day Three, and Days 4-8. The above graphic is the 2000 UTC update; more recent graphics may be available at Convective Outlook, Day 1

Probabilistic Convective Outlooks

SPC Probabilistic Tornado Outlook
SPC Probabilistic Wind Outlook
SPC Probabilistic Hail Outlook

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Thunderstorm Outlook

This forecast is good for the next 12 hours, as of the date and time indicated on this graphic. For longer range forecasts, consult your local National Weather Service office web site or other reliable media outlets.

Source: Thunderstorm Forecast, The Weather Channel
See also: Weather Underground Interactive Tornado Map of Recent Storms and U.S. Severe Weather Map, Weather Underground
Also for my area: Southeast Severe Weather Map.

National Weather Service's Enhanced Resolution Thunderstorm Outlooks
Storm Prediction Center, NCEP, NWS

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Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Activity

Source: National Hurricane Center, Tropical Prediction Center, NCEP, NWS

Blank Atlantic Tracking Chart

West Atlantic Satellite Images

Additional Hurricane-related resources from the NESDIS and the NWS:

• Severe Storms and Special Events

• Atlantic Hurricanes, NOAA. This page includes archives, plus today's satellite imagery of the Atlantic Ocean. As needed, access from the National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC)

• METEOSAT Full disk Global Satellite Image (Africa, including the Atlantic ocean)
  Visible
  Infrared

• Geostationary Satellite Server:
  ◊ Tropical Atlantic/Pacific
  ◊ Severe Storm Sectors
  ◊ METEOSAT (Europe & Africa)
  ◊ GMS (Western Pacific)

• Operational Significant Event Image Server

• Sea Surface Temperature Data

• An Overview of National Hurricane Center Prediction Models

Tropical Cyclone Maps from WeatherPlus.com:

• Atlantic Ocean - Visible Satellite / Infrared Satellite

• Gulf of Mexico - Visible Satellite / Infrared Satellite. The Gulf maps cover all of the Southeast, plus as far west as New Mexico and as far north as New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

• Puerto Rico - Visible Satellite / Infrared Satellite

• Bahamas - Visible Satellite / Infrared Satellite

• Atlantic Ocean - Ocean Temperatures

The Loop Current - MGSVA Three-Month Plot

Other National Weather Service Offices

• Instituto de Meteorología, Cuba

• Servicio Meteorológico Nacional, Mexico

Coastal Water Temperature Tables, National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC)
     Gulf of Mexico: Eastern Coast | Western Coast
 

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National Forecast Map

Source: Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, NCEP, NWS
Storm Prediction Center Graphical Forecast (f000-f087)

National Forecast Model Maps
National Weather Service

Short Range
24 hour - 48 hour

Medium Range
Day 3 - Day 4 - Day 5 - Day 6

Weather - Model Outlook

Short Range Forecast Discussion

Extended Forecast Discussion

Map of North American Continent (with longitude and latitude), WorldAtlas.com
Wind Speed Converter, NWS
Temperature Conversion, NWS 
24 Hour Fronts, Pressure and Weather Forecast 
48 Hour Fronts, Pressure and Weather Forecast 
Day 3 Medium Range Forecast 
Seven Day Loop 

• 24-Hour NAM 4-Panel Plot and "Miscellaneous Plots" (CAPE, Helicity, EHI, Precipitation, Snow), Unisys

• Meteorological Analyses over North America (All Panels)
  The latest NAM analysis issued by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction; Key to Panels
  1. 200mb Streamlines & Isotachs
  2. 500mb Geopotential Height & Vorticity
  3. 700mb Vertical Velocity
  4. 850mb Temperature, Humidity & Wind
  5. Sea Level Pressure & 1000-500mb Thickness
  6. Convective Available Potential Energy & Precipitable Water

• GOES-13 Sounder Derived Product Imagery including Clouds, Fire, Moisture, Severe Weather, and Temperature products.

• Map Rooms: e-Wall-Penn State | Map Wall II-Penn State | Contiguous United States Map Room-Jeff Haby | Map Wall Photo-Penn State

• National forecast maps include: Weather Underground |The Daily Weather Map |Unisys |University at Albany

• Several weather forecast models: Model Output Statistics (contour plots of weather forecast data) from Unisys Weather Services: NGM Model | NAM/Eta Model | GFS/Avn Model | GFSx/MRF Model | RUC Model | ECMWF Model

• Model Analysis and Forecasts, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, National Weather Service

• Current MOS Forecast Products, NWS

• Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) (12-Hour Forecast Graphics)

• NCEP/HPC Forecasts: 24-hour forecast | 36-hour forecast | 48-hour forecast

• Canadian Meteorological Centre (CMC): Canadian Weather | Weather At A Glance | 24 Hour Forecast | Analysis and Modeling

• Instituto de Meteorología, Cuba

• Servicio Meteorológico Nacional, Mexico

• UK Met Office: UK Forecasts | Europe Weather | World Weather

• European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF): Forecast Products (most links require higher credentials) | Deterministic Forecast | North American Wind 850 and MSLP Forecast | NOAM Geopotential 500 mPa | Northern Hemisphere Wind 850 and MSLP Forecast | Northern Hemisphere Geopotential 500 mPa

• World Meteorological Organization: World Weather Information Service | North and Central America | Severe Weather Information Centre | National Meteorological Centers

• 6-10 Day Outlook for Precipitation and Temperature, NWS Climate Prediction Center

• Clouds – RUC 12-hour Forecast: Below 6,000 ft | 6,000 – 12,000 ft | 12,000 – 18,000 ft | Above 18,000 ft. Note: the default is to the RUC model. Other models also available. Source: RUC Model Plots, RAP Real-Time Weather Data, The National Center for Atmospheric Research (Operated by University Corporation for Atmospheric Research).

• Two surface analysis forecast loops: USSATSFC & RADSFCUS

• Final Extended Forecast Discussion & Additional Forecast Discussions, The Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (HPC)

• Rules for Finding Fronts, Professor Paul Sirvatka, College of DuPage

• COLA Weather and Climate Data, Center for Ocean-Land Atmosphere Interaction (COLA)
       Includes Analyses of Current Conditions, Weather Forecasts, Metropolitan Meteograms, Short-Term Climate Outlooks, and Maximum Potential Hurricane Intensity

• Physical Sciences Division, NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory
      PSD Map Room weather products include Surface, Upper Air, Satellite and Radar plots compiled from numerous sources.

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Quantitative Precipitation Forecast

24 Hour Precipitation Total - Day 1

Source: Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, NCEP, NWS

Day 2 Precipitation Forecast | Day 3 Precipitation Forecast
Precipitation Forecast Loop

Other Precipitation Forecasts and Resources:

Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts, HPC, NOAA
24 Hour Precipitation Totals (Valid 12Z-12Z)
Quantitative Precipitation Forecast Discussion

Local CoCoRaHS Observations, Huntsville Office, NWS
Norman Junker, HPC, Introduction to Various QPF Techniques

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Graphical Forecast for the Southern Mississippi Valley

Additional Imagery
GOES Eastern Visible Image
GOES Eastern Infrared Image
GOES Eastern Water Vapor Image
Source: GOES Geostationary Satellite Server

SE US Visible Satellite
SE US Infrared Satellite
SE US Water Vapor Satellite
Source: Aviation Weather Center, NOAA

Southeast Satellite Images - Current Plots (previous plots available back to -6 hours)
Surface | Radar | Infared |Enhanced Infared |Visible
Source: Unisys Satellite Images

Weather Models and Forecasts

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Local Forecast Text Products

The 7-Day Forecast for Priceville

Short Term Forecast (The 6-Hour NOWCAST).

Not issued during fair weather. Access during inclement weather; carefully check the date and time.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Severe Weather Statement

Special Weather Statements

Storm Reports

Hazardous Weather Outlook (HWO)

Area Forecast Discussion (AFD)

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Counties in northern Alabama

• Morgan

• Madison

• Limestone

• Lawrence

• Winston

• Cullman

• Marshall

Additional Resources:

• Severe/Hazardous Weather, Huntsville Office, National Weather Service. One-stop shopping during inclement weather. See also: On-line Weather Products - Listing and Links.

• Weather - Model Outlook

• Storm Prediction Center, National Weather Service: Watches, Mesoscale Discussions, Outlooks, All Products

• The Nexlab Alabama Weather Page , Up-to-the-minute weather text products for Alabama from the College of DuPage. Excellent resource.

• Alabama Weather Page, Alabama Office of the State Climatologist; numerous products available.

• National Space Science and Technology Center, University of Huntsville.

• 24-Hour NAM 4-Panel Plot, Unisys.

• Miscellaneous Severe-Weather Plots (CAPE, Helicity, EHI, Precipitation, Snow), Unisys.

Weather at 24 Willow Place, Decatur, AL

 Current Conditions-Willow Place (My Local Page)
Conditions and Forecast - Pryor Field, Decatur, AL
KALDECAT4 | CW7715 | PWS Weather | Cumulus | Cumulus Real-time | CoCoRaHS | CHARM

METAR Data (for Station KEET, Alabaster, AL) from Aviation Digital Data Service (ADDS)

At any time of year, severe storms can damage trees.
The Arbor Day Foundation offers a Storm Recovery Kit to help you make the best decisions about repairing and saving trees.
Avoid scam artists. Check here first before hiring anyone to help you assess or repair trees.

References

• Acronyms and Glossary at JetStream – Online Weather School at the Southern Region Headquarters of the National Weather Service; an excellent educational and research resource.

• A Comprehensive Glossary of Weather Terms for Storm Spotters, Norman WFO, NWS

• Weather Glossary at Fort Worth-Dallas WFO

• Abbreviations and Acronyms, HPC

• American Meteorological Society Glossary

• World Meteorological Organization - Acronyms

• Unit Conversion Org - online unit converters of length, weight, volume, area, and more.

• Meteorological Conversions and Calculations, HPC, and Meteorological Calculator, St. Louis WFO, NWS

As needed, here is a listing of 21 additional Weather Glossaries.

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Other Local Severe Weather Day Resources

• Huntsville Office, National Weather Service

• SKYWARN Storm Spotter Information, National Weather Service

• eSpotter Online Weather Reporting System, National Weather Service | eSpotter page at the Huntsville Office

• NOAA Weather Radio (162.400 in Huntsville area and streamed over the Internet from Weather Underground)

• National and Local Radar

• Local television weather:
  ▪ Channel 19-WHNT Armor Doppler Radar Loop | Weather | Home
  ▪ Channel 31-WAAY Radar Loop | Weather | Severe Weather Streaming Webcast | Home
  ▪ Channel 48-WAFF Live Doppler Radar Loop | Weather | Home
  ▪ Channel 54-WZDX Fox Home (No weather page)

• Local television simulcast:
  ▪ WAFF-48: 95.1; 98.1; 99.1
  ▪ WAAY-31: 96.6 ?
  ▪ WHNT-19: 100.3; 102.1; 106.1

• Weather Underground Animated Radar Loop for Northern Alabama

• Weather and emergency amateur radio for Northern Alabama
  ▪ SKYWARN (Huntsville: 147.24 / PL 82.5; Moulton: 146.96; Section: 147.36)
  ▪ ARES (Madison Co.: 146.94 / PL 100.0; Limestone Co.: 145.15)
  ▪ RACES (147.220 / PL 136.5)
  ▪ Morgan County Emergency Net (temporarily at 147.00 on Tuesday nights, 8 p.m.)
  ▪ Alabama Emergency Management Agency ARES Net (3.965 MHz)
  ▪ kBrews Weather Spotting Frequency Lists - Alabama
  ▪ Amateur High Frequency Emergency Hurricane Nets
  ▪ Alabama NOAA Weather Radio Frequencies by County
  ▪ Other Alabama Emergency Nets (courtesy of Birmingham Amateur Radio Club)

• Alabama State Information from NWS

• James Spann's Alabama Weather Blog

• Storm Prediction Center

• Tropical Weather, Weather Underground

• IWIN. IWIN is the web version of the Emergency Managers Weather Information Network (EMWIN) service that allows users to obtain weather forecasts, warnings, and other information directly from the National Weather Service in almost real time.

• NSSTC Collaborative Weather Blog.

National Weather Service on-line storm spotter training is available: SKYWARN Spotter Training.
Local WFO offices also conduct training in the communities they serve.
For more information about training in Northern Alabama, see: SKYWARN Storm Spotter Information

Emergency Resources

Know your enemy! — that is, what are the threats that you and your family will face in your area? Then make a plan, prepare a disaster kit, and be prepared to take appropriate action as directed by your local emergency management agency. If ordered to evacuate, do not delay. Flood waters can rise with great speed. About 60% of all flood deaths are people in vehicles that were swept away by moving water, including children who were passengers. The next flood can always be bigger than floods you have seen before; 100-year floods can occur every year.

     History's lesson is clear: those who are prepared are more likely to survive, and those who are not prepared are the least likely to survive (this includes those who are disabled, overweight or have mobility issues).

    This is an issue of personal responsibility. It's not the government's job to save me or my family. It is my job as a responsible adult to take all steps necessary to protect me and my family in an emergency.

    It is unrealistic to expect that any level of government will be able to step in and save me and my family in the event of a catastrophic emergency. Some storms will be so severe that local governments will be unable to rescue citizens in immediate danger or provide emergency food or water. If I ignore a mandatory evacuation order, I will be on your own until after the storm passes, flood waters have subsided, and roads have been cleared. This could be days, a week, or more, and if I haven't put aside extra food and water, my family and I will be getting very hungry and thirsty.

   In the past, the recommendation has been for three day's supply of food and water. Based on recent weather emergencies, a three day supply is not enough; one week's supply might be enough, but two weeks is better. In some publications, I've seen recommendations of up to a four week supply of food and water (as well as other needed survival equipment and supplies; see below). Severe weather events can damage power supplies, water supplies, and create "islands" of neighborhoods and towns surrounded by impassible storm debris or damaged roads. Whatever supplies exist will quickly be sold out; if you are unprepared, you should expect to go hungry and thirsty ... in the dark. On the other hand, a well-stocked pantry will sustain you long after your neighbors have run out of food.

    If the sheriff comes by and tells you either to leave or to put on a body tag, then you've had fair notice. Likewise, if the National Weather Service says that people who ignore evacuation notices “will face certain death,” then you've had fair notice.

    During Hurricane Ike, I heard an telephone interview on television with a woman on the Texas coast who said that she was trusting in God to protect her. Due to flooding, she was already cut off from evacuation routes, and this was more than 15 hours before landfall. She was told two days before that she was in a danger area. She was told the day before that she was under a mandatory evacuation order. In short, God had sent her at least two clear messages to evacuate, which she ignored. I don't know if she survived; I hope so. Many in her area did not.

     First reported as a tropical wave on Aug. 28, 2008, in its 18-day existence Hurricane Ike took at least 195 lives, directly or indirectly. As of Feb. 4, 2009, 34 people remained missing. Some debris fields had not yet been searched due to lack of funds; the death toll could still rise. A number of deaths were residents who did not leave after the first evacuation notices were issued, and were unable to leave once rising waters cut off evacuation routes. The storm surge was 10-15 feet on Galveston Island, and pushed up to 30 miles inland in Louisiana. Almost every structure on parts of the Bolivar Peninsula was completely razed from their foundations. It spawned 29 tornadoes, and was the fourth costliest hurricane in terms of damage inflicted. The official report is available from the National Hurricane Center's 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season web page.

    If God sends you a canoe, get in and start paddling.

FEMA home study course: Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness  (Course IS-22)
FEMA’s most comprehensive source on individual, family, and community preparedness.

Get A Kit - Make A Plan - Be Informed
Links Open In A New Window At ReadyAmerica.Com

Other National Weather Resources

Anything Weather
AccuWeather - AccuWeather Hurricane Center
California Regional Weather Server, San Francisco State University
Intellicast.com
Live Weather Images
MSNBC Weather
Unisys Weather
UM Weather, University of Michigan
USA Today Weather Page
Weather.com
Weather.org
WeatherBonk
WeatherBug
Weather For You
WeatherPlus, NBC
Weather Underground
WeatherUSA.Net
Weekly Weather and Climate News, American Meteorological Society
WxUSA

Directories

Yahoo Weather
Google Weather

Other : About.com:Weather

Educational Links

• Weather Education and Outreach Resources, National Weather Service; includes NWS Resources, NOAA Resources, and NWS/NOAA Partners and Affiliate Resources

• Department of Atmospheric Sciences, Texas A & M University

• Penn State Dept. of Meteorology

• Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Especially helpful is their Weather World 2010 Project (WW2010)

• Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison

• Next Generation Weather Lab, College of DuPage

• Atmospheric Sciences Department, University of Alabama, Huntsville

• JetStream Online School for Weather, Southern Region, National Weather Service

• DataStreme Atmosphere Training Initiative, the American Meteorological Society

• Jeff Haby, Weather Prediction: The Tools of the Educated Weather Forecaster

• Jeff Haby, Ultimate Weather Education Website

Conversion Charts and Calculators, Sources include National Climatic Data Center

• Wind Chill Chart and Calculator

• Heat Index Charts and Calculator

• Knots to Miles Per Hour Conversion Chart

• Celsius to Fahrenheit Conversion Chart

• Land Beaufort Scale

• Meters to Feet Conversion Calculator (Source: unitconversion.org)

• On-line Dew Point Calculator

• Dew Point Calculator than can be downloaded and run as a separate application on your computer.

• Units and Constants Useful In Meteorology, Penn State Meteorology

Bufkit forecast profile visualization and analysis tool kit, NWS

• Bufkit Software, NWS

• Bufkit Documentation, NWS

• Bufkit Data Distribution System

• Bufkit Data for SE US

• Bufkit Data for KHSV

Text Products
 

"Is Today A Severe Weather Day?"
Open Office / Microsoft Word

Storm Spotter Reference Sheet - Huntsville (PDF)

These are not NWS products. I created them for my personal use in Priceville, Alabama. Please feel free to copy and adapt to your situation as needed.