How can weather data be presented?

You need to be able to both draw and interpret weather maps (synoptic charts) and climate graphs.

Synoptic Charts

Weather maps use standard symbols to show a variety of weather data. The information you need to read these charts can be found in the key. Here are the standard symbols used on weather charts:

Synoptic charts also show isobars. These are lines joining points of equal pressure. Remember: pressure is measured in millibars. The pressure readings are shown on the isobars as numbers.

You also need to know about isohyets (which join points of equal rainfall) and isotherms (joining points of equal pressure).

The Met Office pages about synoptic charts can be found here. They offer a very clear summary of the topic, with some activities to complete.

Climate graphs

Climate graphs show temperature and rainfall for each month of the year in a given location.

Rainfall is shown as blue bars (a bar chart).
Temperature is shown as a red line (a line graph).


When interpreting a climate graph, make sure you are reading from the correct axis as there are two different vertical scales, one on each side of the graph.

When plotting a climate graph, make sure that the temperature plot is placed in the middle of the month.

There is a superb living climate graph interactive activity here. Its in two parts - you have to finish the first one to gain access to the second. Thanks to Russel Tarr for making and sharing this activity.