Synoptic map: what is needed and who makes it

A synoptic chart is a geographical map containing the results of meteorological observations of a number of stations monitoring the weather, collected at a certain point in time and fixed by symbols and signs common among weather forecasters. Such maps are meteorological stations several times a day, and the systematization and analysis of this information is used for weather forecasting.

Kinds

Depending on the specifics of the information collected, synoptic maps are surface, circular and high-altitude.

The surface synoptic chart contains observations of weather stations with a frequency of 3 hours. Meteorological elements are placed on it around the location of the observation center, using the international synoptic code KN-01.

The annular map is a kind of synoptic chart, on which meteorological data is shown as a ring by the values of the stations located around a certain meteorological center. Such maps become the main source for short-term weather forecast of a particular region. Data on observed meteorological phenomena, pressure level and frontal zones are indicated on the map in different colors.

Altitude, or aerological, maps systematize information about weather conditions at a certain altitude. They, in turn, are divided into maps of absolute (for a specific height) and relative (for two heights of the selected surface) topography.

What are meteorological elements?

Meteorological elements are called atmospheric characteristics, recorded by meteorological and aerological instruments at weather stations and observatories. These indicators, in addition to the ambient temperature, water and soil, atmospheric pressure and air humidity, also include the direction and speed of the wind, the level of cloudiness, the intensity of precipitation, the degree of solar radiation, various weather phenomena.

As there was a need for weather forecasting

The problem of predicting the weather has always worried humanity. Peasants in pursuit of a large crop sought to produce agricultural work in the most favorable conditions for agricultural crops. Seafarers and fishermen wanted to know how to safely bypass dangerous storm areas, and on what days it is generally not worthwhile to go to sea.

In the Russian Empire, the construction of a network of meteorological stations began in 1832. By 1849 there were 54 of them in the world, most of all among European countries. However, these stations could not systematize and generalize the collected data into synoptic weather maps because of the lack of telegraph communication between them.

Europeans were especially keenly aware of the need for weather forecasting during the Crimean War (1853-1856), when on November 14, 1854, a terrible hurricane struck a crushing blow to the Allied troops under the besieged Sevastopol. The element killed more than 400 people in the sea, deprived of the possibility of transporting food for the army and soldiers' salaries. The result was an epidemic of scurvy and cholera in the Allied forces.

Who started composing synoptic maps and when?

The French government instructed astronomer Urben Leverrier to find out whether it is possible to predict weather cataclysms in advance. Leverrier did a great job gathering information about the weather several days before and after the Crimean hurricane in 250 places across Europe, marking this data on a map. So he got the first synoptic map, which showed that the cyclone could be predicted in about a day and prepare a fleet and an army for it.

In the United Kingdom, a keen interest in weather forecasting was shown in 1860 by Robert Fitzroy, a successful seaman who became the captain of the first English propeller warship and set himself the goal of preventing the destruction of ships during storms. Fitzroy and his assistants received daily data from 24 stations both in England and abroad, generalized them, and a synoptic map was obtained. The term was invented by Fitzroy, taking as a basis the Greek "synopsis", which translates as "visible all at once".

Russian Synoptic Maps

Modern technologies have greatly facilitated the collection and systematization of meteorological observations from all over the world. Today's synoptic map of Russia is compiled using computer technology. It allows you to produce time-consuming calculations in seconds.

The synoptic map of the European part of Russia and the whole country is in general access on the official website of the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring. Here you can see the surface analysis of weather conducted by the department of short-term forecasts and dangerous phenomena of the Russian Hydrometeorological Center.

The synoptic map of the European part of Russia allows the inhabitants of this region to see not only the predicted precipitation and temperature, but also to prepare for natural negative phenomena, to know the degree of fire hazard in the nearest forest areas and other useful information.