Guide to map briefings:
1) Show the following maps and discuss as indicated:
-- Surface temperatures (air masses, gradients)
-- Surface SLP (highs, lows)
-- Surface winds (possible front locations)
-- Surface dewpoint (any moist areas or gradients)
-- Surface Fronts
-- radar
-- satellite
-- 500mb chart (troughs, ridges)
-- 300mb/200mb charts (jets, jet streaks)
-- 850mb chart (temperature advection, moisture advection)
-- Any other charts you think are relevant, interesting, etc.
The following link may provide useful shortcuts to the above maps:
2) Discuss the "Near Term" and "Short Term" sections of the current "Area Forecast Discussion" from the NWS Sterling Office. Show on the current maps and/or the forecast maps what they are talking about. If there is anything confusing, make a note of it so it can be discussed during the map discussion period.
3) Make a forecast for the forecast contest. Discuss your thinking.