Weather Variables/Tools
Current, short-term variations in the atmosphere are referred to as __________.
Weather
High pressure means good weather because __________.
The air masses sink, making it difficult for clouds to form.
The boundary between cold and warm air masses is called a __________.
Front
The most powerful severe storm is a __________.
Hurricane
A(n) __________ __________ shows weather conditions at one specific location.
Station Model
__________ __________ is a measure of the amount of water vapor that air is holding compared to the amount needed for saturation at a specific temperature.
Relative Humidity
The hot and humid weather in Texas during the summer is most likely due to what type of air mass?
Maritime tropical
What type of weather is associated with a cold front?
rain and possible severe storms, colder temperatures, and gusty winds
When severe weather conditions already exist, a(n) __________ is issued.
Warning
List three variables that can be shown on weather maps.
dew point
humidity
type of precipitation
What occurs as altitude increases?
Air pressure decreases
Areas of low-pressure usually have what type of weather?
Cloudy weather
What type of weather is associated with a warm front?
steady rain or snow for several hours, increased humidity and warmer temperatures
What does a severe weather watch mean?
The conditions are right for severe weather, but it is not occurring yet.
What does Doppler radar detect?
Precipitation as well as the movement of small particles, which can be use to approximate wind speed
What instrument is used to measure air pressure?
Barometer
Areas of high-pressure usually have what type of weather?
Clear and Sunny
What type of weather is associated with a stationary front?
Many days of cloudy skies with drizzly rain
Why do hurricanes inflict more damage than tornadoes?
Hurricanes are much larger, last for longer periods of time, and are associated with flooding.
A severe weather warning means
Severe weather is occurring.
What instrument is used to measure wind speed?
Anemometer
Frigid air that travels southward from Canada would be what type of air mass?
Continental Polar
Describe the movement of the warm and cold air masses in a stationary front.
A stationary front occurs when a warm air mass and a cold air mass collide and neither is strong enough to push the other out of the way.
Which classification of tornado on the Fujita scale does the most damage?
F5
What type of weather can be expected if the barometric pressure is dropping and the % of humidity and cloud coverage is rising?
Rain with possible storms