
The Euro 700 mb Vertical Velocity 00 map is one of the most valuable tools for predicting immediate weather changes across Europe. While surface charts show where the pressure systems are, this specific map reveals the vertical motion of the atmosphere, which is the primary driver for clouds and precipitation.
What is the Euro 700 mb Vertical Velocity 00 Map?
This chart visualizes vertical velocity (often symbolized as Omega) at the 700 mb (or 700 hPa) level, which is approximately 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level.
Meteorologists use the Euro 700 mb Vertical Velocity output to determine if the air is rising or sinking. This motion is crucial because it connects upper-level dynamics, such as vorticity, with surface weather.
How to Interpret the Colors
To analyze the map correctly, you must understand the relationship between color, vertical velocity, and atmospheric pressure changes.
1. Red and Orange Areas (Positive Values)
On the 700 mb Vertical Velocity chart, the red and orange colors represent positive vertical velocity.
- Meaning: Positive values mean the air is sinking (subsidence).
- Weather Effect: Sinking air warms up and dries out.
- Interpretation: If you see large red areas, it indicates stable weather and high pressure. These zones effectively suppress storm formation.
2. Blue Areas (Negative Values)
The blue colors represent negative vertical velocity.
- Meaning: Negative values mean the air is rising (uplift).
- Weather Effect: Rising air cools and condenses, leading to cloud formation.
- Vorticity Connection: These blue areas often correlate with Positive Vorticity Advection. When the atmosphere has strong positive vorticity, it forces the air to rise, creating the blue signals you see on the map.
- Interpretation: Deep blue zones are where active weather, rain, and storms are occurring.
Conclusion: Euro 700 mb Vertical Velocity 00
In summary, the Euro 700 mb Vertical Velocity is your guide to atmospheric motion. By identifying the blue zones (uplift linked to positive vorticity advection) and the red zones (subsidence), you can forecast the weather with professional accuracy.
