The Winds and Clouds screen is divided into 8 different maps, as described below:
6.8.1 – Winds
6.8.2 – Wind Gusts
6.8.3 – Cloud Cover
6.8.4 – Low Clouds
6.8.5 – Medium Clouds
6.8.6 – High Clouds
6.8.7 – Cloud Height
6.8.8 – Convective Clouds
Below, we will discuss each of the maps in detail.
6.8.1 – Winds
The map shows the expected wind, as the average wind speed for the previous time interval. The wind scale is uniform for all parts of the world and seasons. Wind speed is indicated with colors (Cold/Warm, Rainbow) and values when hovering the mouse over the selected area. The direction is indicated by the wind animation.
The Winds map (Nº1) illustrates the different wind speeds and directions, using different colors on the map (Nº2). Figure 6.8.1A below illustrates how the Wind map is presented on the platform.
Figure 6.8.1A – Wind Map
If the user prefers, the wind values on the map can be compared to the legend (Nº3), located in the bottom left corner of the screen. The time selector bar (Nº4) will show the different dates available to check forecasts for the given region. If the user needs to adjust the zoom of the image on the screen, they can use the pre-set Zoom options bar (Nº5), located in the upper right corner of the screen.
6.8.2 – Wind Gusts
The gust maps generally show the gust speed at 10 m with colors. The speed shown is the maximum forecasted speed for the selected time interval.
The Wind Gusts map (Nº1) illustrates the different wind speeds and directions, using different colors on the map (Nº2). Figure 6.8.2A below illustrates how the wind gusts map is presented on the platform.
Figure 6.8.2A – Wind Gusts Map
Hovering the mouse over the map will display the different wind gust speed values (Nº3) for the selected date. If the user prefers, the map values can be compared to the legend (Nº4) located in the bottom left corner of the screen. The time selector bar (Nº5) will show the different dates available to check forecasts for the given region. If the user needs to adjust the zoom of the image on the screen, they can use the pre-set Zoom options bar (Nº6), located in the upper right corner of the screen.
6.8.3 – Cloud Cover
This map shows the total hourly cloud cover (%). The forecast takes into account low, medium, and high clouds.
The Cloud Cover map (Nº1) illustrates the different percentages of cloud cover, using different shades of gray on the map (Nº2). Figure 6.8.3A below illustrates how the Cloud Cover map is presented on the platform.
Figure 6.8.3A – Cloud Cover Map
Hovering the mouse over the map will display the different percentage values of cloud cover (Nº3) for the selected date. If the user prefers, the map values can be compared to the legend (Nº4) located in the bottom left corner of the screen. The time selector bar (Nº5) will show the different dates available to check forecasts for the given region. If the user needs to adjust the zoom of the image on the screen, they can use the pre-set Zoom options bar (Nº6), located in the upper right corner of the screen.
6.8.4 – Low Clouds (0-3.5 Km)
This map shows the hourly coverage of low clouds (%). Low clouds include the cloud types cumulus, stratocumulus, and stratus. Additionally, cumulonimbus and nimbostratus clouds can also be considered low clouds. However, they have immense vertical extension, and their cloud top is at the level of high clouds.
The Low Clouds map (Nº1) illustrates the different coverage of clouds between 0 and 3.5 Km altitude, using different shades of color on the map (Nº2). Figure 6.8.4A below illustrates how the Low Clouds map is presented on the platform.
Figure 6.8.4A – Low Clouds Map
Hovering the mouse over the map will display the different percentage values of cloud cover (Nº3) for the selected date. If the user prefers, the map values can be compared to the legend (Nº4) located in the bottom left corner of the screen. The time selector bar (Nº5) will show the different dates and times available to check forecasts for the given region. If the user needs to adjust the zoom of the image on the screen, they can use the pre-set Zoom options bar (Nº6), located in the upper right corner of the screen.
6.8.5 – Medium Clouds (3.5-8 Km)
This map shows the hourly coverage of medium clouds (%). Medium clouds include the cloud types altocumulus, altostratus, and stratus.
The Medium Clouds map (Nº1) illustrates the different coverage of medium clouds (3.5 – 8 Km), using different shades of color on the map (Nº2). Figure 6.8.5A below illustrates how the Medium Clouds map is presented on the platform.
Figure 6.8.5A – Medium Clouds Map
Hovering the mouse over the map will display the different percentage values of medium cloud cover (Nº3) for the selected date. If the user prefers, the map values can be compared to the legend (Nº4) located in the bottom left corner of the screen. The time selector bar (Nº5) will show the different dates and times available to check forecasts for the given region. If the user needs to adjust the zoom of the image on the screen, they can use the pre-set Zoom options bar (Nº6), located in the upper right corner of the screen.
6.8.6 – High Clouds (>8 Km)
This map shows the hourly coverage of high clouds (%). High clouds include the cloud types cirrus, cirrostratus, and cirrocumulus.
The High Clouds Coverage map (Nº1) illustrates the different percentages of high cloud cover (>8 Km), using different colors on the map (Nº2). Figure 6.8.6A below illustrates how the high clouds map is presented on the platform.
Figure 6.8.6A – High Clouds Map
Hovering the mouse over the map will display the different percentage values of high cloud cover (Nº3) for the selected date. If the user prefers, the map values can be compared to the legend (Nº4) located in the bottom left corner of the screen. The time selector bar (Nº5) will show the different dates available to check forecasts for the given region. If the user needs to adjust the zoom of the image on the screen, they can use the pre-set Zoom options bar (Nº6), located in the upper right corner of the screen.
6.8.7 – Cloud Height
These maps show the height of the cloud base and top. Both are expressed in meters above sea level (m asl) and visualized with colors, as indicated in the legend.
The Cloud Height map (Nº1) illustrates the different cloud heights, using different colors on the map (Nº2). Figure 6.8.7A below illustrates how the cloud height map is presented on the platform.
Figure 6.8.7A – High Clouds Map
Hovering the mouse over the map will display the different cloud height values (Nº3) for the selected date. If the user prefers, the map values can be compared to the legend (Nº4) located in the bottom left corner of the screen. The time selector bar (Nº5) will show the different dates available to check forecasts for the given region. If the user needs to adjust the zoom of the image on the screen, they can use the pre-set Zoom options bar (Nº6), located in the upper right corner of the screen.
6.8.8 – Convective Clouds
These maps show the height of the base and top, as well as the extent of convective clouds. All values are expressed in meters (m) and visualized with colors, as indicated in the legend. A large vertical extension of clouds can indicate precipitation or even storms.
The Convective Clouds map (Nº1) illustrates the different cloud heights, using different colors on the map (Nº2). Figure 6.8.8A below illustrates how the Convective Clouds map is presented on the platform.
Figure 6.8.8A – Convective Clouds Map
Hovering the mouse over the map will display the different convective cloud height values (Nº3) for the selected date. If the user prefers, the map values can be compared to the legend (Nº4) located in the bottom left corner of the screen. The time selector bar (Nº5) will show the different dates available to check forecasts for the given region. If the user needs to adjust the zoom of the image on the screen, they can use the pre-set Zoom options bar (Nº6), located in the upper right corner of the screen.