002 - Weather Maps

Factual Questions:

How can the weather displayed on a map be interpreted?

How to draw a weather map?

Key Terminology

            • Front
            • Isobars
            • Synoptic
            • Weather Station

You will be using the words above throughout this lesson. Use the useful link below to help you to define them.


Useful Link


Activity One - Watch

Before we look at how to draw a weather map we need to know what they are and how we can read them.


  1. Collect a copy of the question sheet below and fill in the answers as you watch the youtube clip.
  2. If you have any questions don't forget to also jot them down.
Weather Maps Explained

Activity Two - Describe

Your task is to write a script to describe today's weather. Think about the temperature, wind speed and direction, cloud cover, precipitation as well as any advice you would give to your listeners. Some of you will be asked to read out your weather report as if you are on the local news.

  • If you are unsure have a look at the YouTube clip below to help you.

Activity Three - Draw

Now we know what a weather map is and why they are important we are going to draw a weather station.

  1. Copy out the basic diagram of a weather station, labelling the key features you would need to include on an actual one e.g. cloud cover, wind strength, wind direction, temperature and the general weather.

2. You are now going to draw a weather station for Geneva using the information that you and your peers have collected. Use the symbols grid below to help you.

3. Now draw a weather station for the town or city that you were born in for today's weather.