Explanation:
Let’s go through each question one by one, using the weather map information (fronts, pressure systems, precipitation, and temperature bands).
1.
Would you expect to find clear weather or clouds near Fargo, North Dakota?
- Look at Fargo on the map. It is located just behind a cold front (the blue line with triangles pointing south/southeast).
- Cold fronts bring clouds and precipitation *ahead* of them (to the east/southeast), but *behind* the front, the air is usually drier and clearer because cold, dense air pushes out the warm, moist air.
- Also, Fargo is not in a shaded temperature band (which shows similar temps), and there’s no rain/snow symbol over it.
→ So, clear weather is expected.
2.
Where would you expect to find a storm?
- Storms (especially strong ones) often form along fronts where warm and cold air meet — especially where a cold front catches up to a warm front, forming an occluded front (purple line with both triangles and half-circles).
- On the map, there’s an occluded front over the Great Lakes region (near Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland). Also, there’s heavy precipitation (rain/snow symbols) and high moisture there.
- Another clue: the area around the low-pressure center (marked “L” near Minnesota/Iowa) is where rising air causes clouds and storms.
→ So, expect storms near the Great Lakes and the low-pressure area in the Midwest.
3.
How is the weather in Salt Lake City (west of stationary front) different from Denver (east of the front)?
- A stationary front (black line with alternating triangles and half-circles) means air masses are not moving much — so weather is often cloudy and wet along the front.
- Salt Lake City is *west* of the front — that side is likely under cooler, more stable air (possibly Pacific air), and the map shows no precipitation there.
- Denver is *east* of the front — that side is likely warmer, moister air (from Gulf of Mexico), and the map shows 50% chance of rain there (shaded + rain symbol).
→ So, Salt Lake City is likely dry and clearer; Denver is likely cloudy with rain.
4.
What is happening to the air masses at the cold front?
- At a cold front, colder, denser air moves *under* warmer, less dense air, forcing the warm air to rise rapidly.
- This rapid uplift causes condensation, clouds, and often heavy precipitation (like showers or thunderstorms) along and just ahead of the front.
→ So, cold air is pushing under warm air, lifting it upward.
Final Answer:
1. Clear weather
2. Near the Great Lakes and the low-pressure center in the Midwest
3. Salt Lake City is likely dry and clear; Denver is likely cloudy with rain
4. Cold air is sliding under warm air, forcing the warm air to rise
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of using a weather map worksheet.
