A climate chart is a graphic representation of how weather and daylight patterns have changed - or are likely to change - over the course of a period of time. Like almanacs, they are often used to forecast weather and daylight hours for a particular geographic region. Meteorologists frequently use these charts to predict weather systems in the short term, usually only a period of several weeks. Climatologists often use climate charts to study historical weather dynamics as well as local, regional, and global climate systems. Based on past climate performance, climatologists predict future climate changes.
The data contained in a particular climate chart can vary. Many charts include basic weather forecasts, such as precipitation predictions and a geographic location’s anticipated high temperature and low temperature. The temperature predictions are usually expressed in degrees – either Celsius or Fahrenheit.
A climate map may also provide information on humidity and atmospheric pressure as well as the first and last day of frost each year. In addition, a climate chart can contain data about a location’s latitude, longitude, and elevation as well as estimated times for sunrise and sunset. Sometimes a chart includes information about tides, stars, and planets.
Global climate warming predictions may also be depicted in a climate chart. Global warming charts can be used to illustrate how the world climate will probably continue to increase in future years. This type of climate data usually shows historical temperature data, contrasting it with anticipated future temperature increases on a worldwide level.
A weather chart is a specific type of climate chart that is used to provide snapshots of meteorological data for the purpose of forecasting the weather for a given period of time. Weather charts can be found on the Internet for most areas of the world. They are also usually included in local, national, or global newspapers and are typically part of news broadcasts on television.
Two common types of weather charts are surface weather maps and aviation weather maps. Surface maps date back to the early 19th century and were the first type of weather map produced. They help establish current weather conditions occurring just above the earth’s surface for large regions. They may also contain information about frontal zones, high and low pressure positions, and mesoscale boundaries, like tropical cyclones and squall lines.
Aviation maps are frequently used by pilots in flight planning. In addition to depicting weather conditions, they usually project cloud cover levels. Some types of aviation maps can also show where icy conditions occur as well as areas of potential turbulence.
