Penn State
Soaring Weather Information
Instructions for forecasting a typical soaring day in Central PA:
1. Get an estimate of the forecast high temperature for the day from
The Weather Channel (or your own favorite source). Also take note of
other Weather Channel forecasted information for the day and compare
later to your own best guess of the forecast.
2. Take a look at the temperature sounding to determine trigger
temperature, thermal height, cloud formation, thermal strength, and
chance or over development.
3. Compare temperature sounding observations with Dr. Jack´s
predictions for the day.
4. Look at the weather maps to get an idea of the general meteorlogical
forces that will determine the day's weather. Note locations of high
and low pressures and fronts.
5. Take a look at the forecast surface winds for the day (these are
surface winds, not winds aloft)...ridge day?
6. Beware of cirrus and other factors that may mess up your forecast in
the middle of the day.
Soaring Weather Links
Dr.
Jack's BLIPMAP forecasts:thermal strength and height
Temperature
Soundings for University Park, PA
Intellicast
surface winds for tomorrow afternoon
Intellicast
surface winds for this afternoon
Weather maps
for today and tomorrow
Intellicast
current radar saummary
Current
conditions for University Park
