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Forecast Graphics Descriptions
Supported by the Northwest Modeling Consortium

Isotherms

DEFINITION:

A line on a weather map that connects regions that have constant temperature.

SURFACE MAPS:

Isotherms make it easier to determine the surface temperatures on a weather map. Closely packed isotherms are an indication of a front.

UPPER LEVEL MAPS:

Isotherms on upper level maps (i.e. 500 mb maps) depict the temperature field in the middle atmosphere.