Skew-T Log P Charts

[Marauder]

Has anyone found a good place to learn this chart and more importantly how to translate the details into aviation weather? I have a basic understanding of how it works, but trying to gain a better understand how to translate the information it generates into aviation weather decision making. Also looking for better clarity with things like how Saturation Mixing Ratio Lines come into play.

[M016576]

I've got an aviation weather book that I used for a masters class through Embry-Riddle that goes pretty heavily in depth into Skew-T Log P charts and what they can do for you.  I'll see if I can find it and give you the name / publisher.

[201er]

http://rucsoundings.noaa.gov

 

Very useful when you want to analyze winds and temperatures aloft as well as instability locally. Helps you understand wind direction, potential for icing conditions, cloud layers, strength of thermals, etc.

 

However, let me tell you a much more user friendly way to get most of the same information in a more useful manner for long distance cross country flying: http://aviationweather.gov/adds/winds/

 

You can choose Winds or Temperature diagrams, choose different altitudes, and get predictions for specific hours or days. Better yet it overlays this info on a weather chart. One of the more useful weather planning items for IFR long distance cross country. Whether you're milking your range or dodging icing, this is what you actually want to know.

[Marauder]

http://rucsoundings.noaa.gov

Very useful when you want to analyze winds and temperatures aloft as well as instability locally. Helps you understand wind direction, potential for icing conditions, cloud layers, strength of thermals, etc.

However, let me tell you a much more user friendly way to get most of the same information in a more useful manner for long distance cross country flying: http://aviationweather.gov/adds/winds/

You can choose Winds or Temperature diagrams, choose different altitudes, and get predictions for specific hours or days. Better yet it overlays this info on a weather chart. One of the more useful weather planning items for IFR long distance cross country. Whether you're milking your range or dodging icing, this is what you actually want to know.

Well howdy stranger. I just sent Anthony an email asking if he has seen you lately. And then you show up!

I have been out to the rucsounding site to play around but didn't find it especially helpful telling you what everything means. I do know from speaking with a weather forecaster I met, that most of what is in the skew-T is plotted on the various weather charts you mention. I'm just looking at it as a challenge to learn

I was pulling up the skew-T today as the line of thunderstorms came through. I could see the impact on the skew-T but wasn't able to find the CAPE for it.

[Marauder]

I've got an aviation weather book that I used for a masters class through Embry-Riddle that goes pretty heavily in depth into Skew-T Log P charts and what they can do for you. I'll see if I can find it and give you the name / publisher.

Thank you! That would be a good book to read.

[AndyFromCB]

http://avwxworkshops.com

[midlifeflyer]

http://avwxworkshops.com

 

Absolutely the best.

 

For an excellent introduction, though check out these two YouTube videos. They are Parts 1 and 2 of a PowerPoint presentation. I came across the slides in Ed Williams site and thought they were so good that I offered to merge the slides and video into a self running movie.

 

Weather in the Vertical Part 1 - http://youtu.be/2pMYkSwZp0g

Weather in the Vertical Part 2 - http://youtu.be/SU_ecI-vcNY