Meteogram
The meteogram is a graphical display of expected conditions for an individual location for each hour for the next 48 to 168 hours (two to seven days). This product is of particular interest because it gives expected local conditions at each hour. It shows one 48-hour period at a time. On the actual site, users can scroll forward using a "2-days >>" button that is above the graph, to see hourly predicted conditions for each hour of the next week.
The panels of the meteogram show the following conditions:
- Top Panel: Predicted hourly temperature, with dew point and heat index.
- Second Panel: Predicted wind speed and direction.
- Third Panel: Predicted precipitation potential and sky cover.
- Bottom Panel: Predicted rainfall and thunderstorms.
Wind, humidity, and heat stress predictions shown in the Meteogram may be used for several farm operations decisions. For example, wind speed and direction may be used to decide when to irrigate or to apply herbicides or pesticides, because strong winds can blow irrigation water and chemicals out of the targeted fields to affect or damage crops in neighboring fields. Hot weather conditions also may limit the effectiveness of nitrogen fertilizers. In late summer or fall the predicted hourly relative humidity can be very useful for determining when to bale hay in order to best preserve its quality. In addition, the heat index can be used to determine outdoor activities as well as schedule cooling activities for feedlot animals.
For information about how to access this product, how the product might be used in various specific farming decisions, or for more detailed information about the product itself, see the links to the right.