Weather Banter - View Single Post

Keith Dancey · October 6th 05, 04:01 PM posted to uk.sci.weather

In article , "Col" writes:

I have to admit, I'm getting used to the graphics now.

Surely not? Not gone over to the "Dark Side"? What about the mist? (Or
is it fog??) Why are the clouds depicted as shadows, even when seen from
hundreds of kilometers above, but mist is pale and obscuring? Why does
the rain always fall into giant floods?

If you can keep an eye on your region and the time, following the
rain/cloud patterns for your area gives you a better 'feel' of the
expected progression of the day's weather than the old static
symbols ever could.

Aha! I carefully studied the animated cloud and rain patterns for my
region while on annual leave this summer. I had various activities from
which to choose, and the pattern and the timing of the day's weather were
of prime importance in that choice. Sunnier to the east, say, or to the
west? A strange finger of cloud to the south meant postponing that journey
for another time...

The reality bore no detailed resemblance at all to the graphics!

The resolution of the graphics far exceeds the resolution of the forecast,
and I suspect that, below the forecast resolution (both temporally and
spatially) the graphics play an entirely fictional element.

Unfortunately, because the graphics is designed to impress the eye, it
misleads on integrity. It is the victory of form over content (a bit like
the Tory and Labour Party Conferences) and a lot like "Government" today:-(

To be able to display the element of doubt would be the trick, which is why
"Mickey Mouse" weather symbols were so suitable: they implied an *idea* of
cloud within the area without being specific.

So when you see those detailed isolated puddles (floods) on this expensive
graphics system, pay no attention to the locality shown. It is not accurate!
It may be a counties' width wrong, or more...

Of course, when it comes to the matter of *timing* you need a chameleon's
eye to watch the clock in the bottom right-hand corner while noting the
animated changes going on to the far left! I'm only mildly surprised they
decided not to run the latest football scores along the bottom as well.

How many independently processing eyes does a chameleon need, these days?

I must say, Will's forecast for my weeks off work were much more realistic
and better for it:-)

Having said that, the alien invasion fleet that appears whenever
there are strong winds expected still looks silly and the lack of
synoptic charst (apart from Countryfile) is still woeful.

I agree. The wind arrows tend to strobe, I find.

One thing I am looking forward to this winter is how they will deal
with snow events and more importantly rain/snow transition areas.

I'm sure some fancy whitening of the terrain will delight those incapable
of not being superficial. This package can do volcanos, too!

I wonder if we will be able to resolve more detail than with the old
graphics.

I can almost guarantee it: but it won't be accurate.

Cheers,

keith

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