Interpreting Surface Weather Maps

Your marine forecast should always start with an understanding of the current large-scale weather pattern and how it will evolve over time. Surface weather maps provide this information, but use a confusing array of symbols, meteorological shorthand, timekeeping systems, and color schemes. Learning to interpret surface weather maps will improve your forecasting skills and increase the safety and comfort of your outings.

Webinar Topics

  • Barometric pressure
  • Low pressure troughs & high pressure ridges
  • Stationary, cold, warm, and occluded fronts
  • Low pressure systems
  • Tropical cyclones
  • Meteorological time
  • Wind barbs
  • Color shading & contours

Please Note: Attendees will have access to the webinar recording until June 30, 2025.

 

Location:
On-line webinar on Zoom

When:
March 5, 2025 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm (Eastern)


Registration:
$35 (includes live webinar and access to the recording until June 30, 2025.



Special Note:
This webinar is part of a 3-webinar bundle for a discounted price of just $90. Click here for more information and registration.


Please send questions regarding the presentation to Mark Thornton at Mark@LakeErieWX.com.

About The Presenter

Mark Thornton has sailed for more than 30 years and currently owns Osprey, a Mainship 34 Pilot. His interest in weather forecasting grew from his experiences cruising and racing on the Great Lakes. Mark is a 2006 graduate of the Penn State University Certificate of Achievement in Weather Forecasting, a two-year program that develops skills in general, tropical, and severe weather forecasting.

He is the president of LakeErieWX LLC, a company dedicated to providing marine weather education and forecasting resources for recreational boaters (www.lakeeriewx.com). Mark publishes a marine weather blog and teaches basic forecasting seminars to recreational boaters during the off-season. He has served as the Race Meteorologist for the Bayview Mackinac Race since 2014. Mark is also employed as a Teaching Assistant in the Certificate of Achievement in Weather Forecasting Program at Penn State University.