CLIMATE AND WEATHER

MAIN TOPICS

A B C D E
MID- TROPICAL SUBTROPICAL VALLEY URBAN
LATITUDE CYCLONES ANTICYCLONES CLIMATES CLIMATES
CYCLONES

SYNOPTIC
WEATHER MAPS
 DATA RESPONSE QUESTIONS
How can it be
managed? What
is it?

What is the impact

on the environ- Where
ment? Is
it?

What does it
look like?
Why is it
there?
 MID-LATITUDE CYCLONES
What you must know
1 4

General Cross-section
characteristics through a mid-
latitude cyclone
2
5

conditions
Associated weather
necessary for
patterns
formation
.
3 6

Stages of Impact,
development pre-cautionary and
.
management strategies

.
 Where do mid-latitude cyclones form?

90°N

Mid-latitudes

0°

Mid-Latitudes

90°S
 Mid-latitude cyclones
CHARACTERISTICS
 They occur 300 and 600 latitude.
 Move from west to east.
 Steered by westerlies in the westerly wind
belt.
 It consists of cold and warm fronts.
 The size is about 1000km
 They last from 2 to 14 days.
 They rotate clockwise.
 Affects south Africa only in winter.
 Mid-latitude cyclones: Characteristics
Moves from west to east

COLD Steered by westerlies

WARM
FRONT WARM FRONT
SECTOR

CLOCKWISE WIND
CIRCULATION
ISOBAR
L
COLD
SECTOR
COLD
SECTOR
Summer synoptic weather map
WINTER SYNOPTIC WEATHER MAP
CONDITIONS NECESSARY FOR FORMATION
Warm air mass (from 300N/S)meets with the cold
air mass (from 900N/S) at the polar front.
Both air masses move in opposite direction
CONDITIONS NECESSARY FOR FORMATION

The air masses interact because of the frictional

drag.
Why does frictional drag occur?
1)Difference in speed between the air masses.
2)Uneven surface over which they move.
3)Temperature differences between the land and
the sea
STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT
STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT
 What are warm and cold fronts?

COLD FRONT WARM FRONT

Why is is
fast

Cold air behind cold front Warm air behind warm front
COLD FRONT CROSS SECTION

Steep pressure
Gradient
COLD FRONT CROSS SECTION - diagram
WARM FRONT
WARM FRONT
 MIDLATTITUDE CYCLONE: DEVELOPMENT
1 INITIAL STAGE 2 DEVELOPMENT STAGE

3 MATURE STAGE
4 OCCLUSION

FAMILY OF CYCLONES
MID- LATITUDE CYCLONE

Associated weather patterns:

 Cold front conditions
 Warm front conditions
 Occluded front conditions
 Impact on human activities (social and economic)
and the environment
 Possible pre-cautionary and management strategies
 E
X Write a paragraph in which you explain the
A
M
development of a cold front occlusion.

• Air behind cold front is cold

• Cold air moves faster than warm air
• Catches up with warm front
• Cold front undercuts the warm front
• Warm sector is lifted off the surface
Mid- latitude cyclone cross section
 • Temp: sudden decrease • Temp reaches maximum • Temp: sudden rise
• Air pressure increases • Air pressure: at lowest • Air pressure drops
• Wind changes to SW • Wind direction: N-NW • Wind direction: NE
• Thick cloud cover • Cloud cover decreases • Cloud cover increases
• Heavy rainfall • Rainfall stops • Rainfall: steady

A WARM SECTOR
B COLD COLD
SECTOR SECTOR
COLD
SECTOR CROSS SECTION &
WEATHER CHANGES
Warm front occlusion
Cold front occlusion
 Describe the weather changes associated
with the passing of a warm/cold front.

WARM FRONT
COLD FRONT • Temp rises to
• Temp drops maximum
• Air pressure • Air pressure drops to
increases minimum.
• Wind changes • Wind changes from
from NW to SW North East to North
• Cloud cover West
increases. • Cloud cover
• Heavy rainfall decreases.
• Rainfall stops
L
Effects of mid-latitude cyclones on human
activities.
 EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT:
 The rainwater raises the water table and make
periodic rivers flow.
 May cause flooding which may result in soil erosion.
SOCIAL EFFECTS:
 People’s houses in low-lying areas may be flooded.
 People may be affected by waterborne diseases due
to contaminated water.
 People may be forced to cancel outdoor activities
due to bad weather.
Effects of mid-latitude cyclones on human
activities.
 ECONOMIC EFFECT:
 It brings winter rainfall in the South Western Cape which is used
for irrigation of crops. (Positive)
 The approach of a cold front may cause snow that can attract
tourists to the area and generate revenue to the South Western
Cape. (Positive).
 Snowfall may damage crops and kill livestock.(Negative)
 Hiking in the table mountain is limited as the place becomes
inaccessible. (Negative)
 Frontal storm, strong winds and high seas pose a hazard(danger)
to fisherman in the South Western Cape. (Negative)
Precautions
 Avoid construction of houses in low-lying areas to
prevent the risk of flooding.
 Municipalities must have effective drainage systems to
reduce flooding.
 Livestock must be kept in enclosed area to prevent
losses during snowfall.
 Farmers must have sufficient grain and fodder to
minimize loss of livestock.
 People must get a weather update before engaging in
outdoor activities.
 Fishermen must not venture into the sea during frontal
weather.
Precautions - continued
 Peoplemust minimize driving because of
poor visibility.
 Stockup essential supplies such as
batteries, food and medication as power
outage is expected and shorter trading
hours.
WEATHER CHANGES: COLD FRONT

W Movement of cyclone E

•NW-wind
•High temp
•SW-wind •Few/no clouds
•Low temp •No precipitation
•High cloud cover •Pressure drops
•Precipitation
•Pressure rises

LP
 WEATHER CHANGES: COLD FRONT

W Movement of cyclone E
WARM FRONT
• Temp rises to
maximum
• Air pressure drops to
minimum.
• Wind changes from
North East to North
West
• Cloud cover
COLD FRONT decreases.
• Temp drops • Rainfall stops
• Air pressure
increases
• Wind changes
from NW to SW
• Cloud cover
increases.
• Heavy rainfall LP
 Mid-latitude cyclones – Synoptic Weather map

Cold front Clockwise rotation

Circular
isobars
Warm
sector
Low
pressure

Cold sector

Occlusion Warm front

Tropical cyclones

Adapted from Glen Samaai WC

1 Favourable conditions

2 Characteristics

3 Location

4 Weather patterns

5 Development stages

6 How managed
General characteristics
 Represented by enclosed isobars.
 Originate over tropical oceans between 50 N/S and 25 0
N/S
 The temperature over the ocean must be over 270C to
develop the intense low pressure.
 They develop in the easterly wind belt region.
 They rotate clockwise in the southern hemisphere.
FAVOURABLE
 They follow and erratic path. CONDITIONS
WHY?
 Because of temperature differences over the ocean.
 Where do tropical cyclones form?

90°N

Mid-latltudes

Tropical cyclones
0°
Tropical cyclones

Mover from east to west.

Mid-Latitudes
Why?
Steered by easterlies

90°S
 Where do tropical cyclones form?

90°

0°

Mid-Latitudes

90°S
Conditions for formation of TC
 Surfacesea temperature of 270 C to develop low
pressure and convection (rising of air)
 High surface temperature of the sea promotes
high evaporation rate.
 There is less friction over the ocean which assists
the rising of air.
 There is high water vapour content over the
ocean and it has latent heat and it triggers the
development of the cyclone.
Conditions for formation of TC ...cont

 Unstable atmospheric conditions are necessary for

convection and the release of latent heat as the
air rises.
 Calm conditions are needed for the convergence
of air and the formation of cumulonimbus
clouds.
 Upperair convergence is needed to maintain a
low pressure on the surface and promotes surface
convergence
 CONDITIONS FOR TROPICAL CYCLONES TO FORM

Divergence in Sea temperature High

upper air levels at least 26º C humidity

Air pressure Coriolus

below 950hPa force

FAVOURABLE
CONDITIONS

Light variable Little surface Unstable

winds friction air
TC occurrences.
 TROPICAL CYCLONES
TROPICAL CYCLONES

CHARACTERISTICS
Equator/Ewenaar
From EAST to WEST

EYE
No wind, rain o r
a t O CC U
& Clouds u •Tro R
eq p
m •Oc ics
o ea
DESTRUCTION fr •Fu n
rther
•Storm winds ay - 5°
•Torrential rain w
A
•Flooding
Why it weakens
on land?
-Frictional drag
over the land
DISSIPATES
Turns EAST at 30° - Lack of
•No Moisture
moisture over
•No warm air
the land.
•Friction
 TROPICAL CYCLONE: DEVELOPMENT

FORMATIVE
Pressure
ABOVE
1000 hPa

The atmospheric pressure is still above 1000hp.

Isobars are far apart.
Eye begins to form as warm air converges.
Cirrus and cumulus clouds produce light rain.
 TROPICAL CYCLONE: DEVELOPMENT

IMMATURE
Pressure
BELOW
1000 hPa

Pressure drops below 1000hpa

Eye intensifies as air continue to converge and rise
around the center in a spiral manner.
Wind reaches hurricane strength.
Diameter is above 100km
Cumulonimbus clouds form around the eye
 TROPICAL CYCLONE: DEVELOPMENT

MATURE
Pressure
WELL
BELOW
1000hPa

Pressure is far below 1000hpa and stops dropping.

Isobars are close together.
It is about 300km to 500km in diameter.
The dangerous semi-circle forms in the forward left hand quadrant of the
cyclone.
The worst weather is in the dangerous semi circle.
Towering cumulonimbus clouds form around the eye.
Winds strength is about 120km/h
 TROPICAL CYCLONE: DEVELOPMENT

Decays/dissipates when the

pressure begins to rise
above 1000hpa
DISSI-
PATION
Pressure
RISES

WHY A TROPICAL CYCLONE DISSIPATE?

When it reaches land surface because of friction and there is less moisture.
When cold air enters the system and supply of moisture is reduced.
When it is in the path of a cold front temperature drops and pressure increases.
CROSS SECTION OF A TROPICAL CYCLONE
 Tropical Cyclones: Weather patterns

BEFORE EYE (SH) IN EYE AFTER EYE (SH)

• Wind direction: South • No wind • Wind direction: North
• Towering cumulonimbus • No rain • Wind: storm to hurricane
clouds appear. • No clouds • Air pressure increases
• Wind: Hurricane • Lowest air pressure • Heavy rainfall
(120km/h) • Temp increases. • Starts to dissipate
• Torrential rain, lightning, • Upward spiraling of air
thunder creates artificial wall.
• Air pressure decreases • It prevents surface air from
• Very heavy rainfall rising
 Impact of tropical cyclones.
Coastal flooding Storm surge

Flooding in low-lying areas damage property and cause loss of life.

Strong winds cause storm surge that cause ship wreak and flooding of
coastal areas.
 Impact of tropical cyclones.
Destruction of crops – TC Eloise Coastal erosion

Destruction of agricultural land and crops result in food shortages.

Coastal erosion has a negative impact on tourism.
 Impact of tropical cyclones.

Ecosystem of is disrupted since food chains and food webs are destroyed.
Destruction of transport and communication structures like roads.
Silt is washed into dams thus reducing their water holding capacity.
Insurance companies suffer losses due to large sums of money being paid
out
IMPACT ON HUMANS
 Torrential rain results in the risk of flooding.
 Strong winds damage and shatter windows and rip
off
 roofs.
 Damage infrastructure. Roads and bridges washed
away.
 Loss and damage of homes.
 Damaged water pipes result in lack of fresh water.
 Wind and water damage power lines.
IMPACT ON HUMANS
 Deaths and injuries of people and animals because
of
wind, floods and storm surges.
 Starvation because of lack of food.
 Outbreak of deseases e.g. cholera, typhoid etc.
 Major financial strain on families.
 Subsistence farmers lose everything.
 Swell of waves is dangerous for
fisherman/humans.
IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
 Strong winds cause storm surges which can cause rapid
rise insea-levels.
 Floods and salt water destroy agricultural crops.
 Flooding and rise in river levels because of rain can cause
mudslides and landslides.
 Destroy ecosystems and biodiversity.
 Livestock drowns.
 Lack of clean water.
 Threatening of food security.
 Damaged sewerage pipes result in pollution.
IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY
Airports are closed.
Damage harbor facilities.
Businesses are closed.
No trading is possible.
Costly to repair damages.
Job losses, unemployment
IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY
High medical expenses.
Costly insurance claims (business and
personal).
Put a strain on local civic services.
Limits export.
Increases imports (food and other
commodities).
TROPICALCYCLONE - MANAGEMENT
Precaution and management strategies

Stock up canned foods and water supplies because shops may not
open.
Organize first aid kits and batteries in case of power cuts and
emergency.
Move cattle and stock to higher ground.
Place sand bags along river banks and coastal areas to reduce the
impact of flooding.
Set up evacuation plans for people living in low lying areas.
There must be rescue teams to rescue people from flooded areas.
There must be forecasting of weather to track and predict the path
of a tropical cyclone and issue warnings.
Satellite image of TC

eye
Explain why satellite images are
effective for tracking cyclones

• Data received in real time

• Data can be monitored every hour
• Determine intensity of storm
• Predict path
• Large inaccessible areas can be
monitored
 Tropical Cyclones: Synoptic weather maps

Overcast Low pressure East coast

Symbol Name
Eline 5th

24 February 2000

Clockwise Date
rotation
SUBTROPICAL ANTICYCLONES AND ASSOCIATED
WEATHER

1 Factors influencing climate of SA

2 Line Thunderstorms

3 SA Bergwind
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE
CLIMATE OF SOUTH AFRICA
2. SUBTROPICAL ANTICYCLONES
High temp, dry cloudless

Kalahari
HP
Co
ol
Col

3. THE PLATEAU
a
q ue
dB

Lower temp, dry bi

nd
et
w am
eng

dry
ment
d z
car p an M
o
uel

e s
m rm
South ar South
a

W a
Atlantic W Indian
HP ulhas HP
Warm Ag

1. INFLUECE OF OCEANS
LINE THUNDERSTORMS

M
O
I
S
T WARM
U MOIST
R
Col

E AIR
dB

F
R
eng

O
COLD
uel

N
T
a

DRY

e
qu
AIR

bi
am
oz
H H

M
m
ar
W
 WINTER

Descending air of Kalahari HP

CLOUDLESS
DRY INVERSION LAYER
CONDITIONS BELOW ESCARPMENT

Warm, Moist
air blocked

Cold
(winter)
 SUMMER
Descending air of Kalahari HP
INVERSION LAYER ABOVE ESCARPMENT

Warm, moist air

LINE THUNDER- can reach
STORMS plateau

Warm
(summer)
Rising
Hot air
SOUTH AFRICAN BERGWIND

Anti clockwise
circulation

High pressure
H in interior

Descending
Danger:
air heated
Veldfires
Warm dry wind at coast
Low pressure over sea L
1. 3. WINTER
2.

±1000m

You must be able to:

BERG WINDS • Identify and Name the 3 pressure cells that are necessary for
berg winds to form/develop (source 3)
• Describe how berg winds form/develop (source 2 and 3)
4.
44 °C • Define a berg wind (source 1)
• Explain the role of the escarpment in increasing the temperature
of berg winds (source 2)
• State why berg winds occur in winter (source 3)
• Read the temperature and the time of a bergwind from a graph
(source 4)
• Describe the impacts (2 -4 facts) of bergwinds on the natural
environment e.g ., veldfires destroy natural vegetation or ash of
veldfires fertilise the soil (see your class notes)
10:00 - 14:00
• Suggest strategies (2 -4 facts) how to reduce/manage the impact
BERG WIND (see your class notes )

5
MOISTURE FRONT AND LINE THUNDERSTORM
 IMPACT:

Heavy rainfall causes flooding which lead to loss of

5.

natural vegetation/habitats.
Lightning can cause fires that destroys natural
vegetation/habitats.
Heavy rainfall causes widespread soil erosion/loss of
fertile soil.
Hail causes damage to natural vegetation / habitats.
 SOUTH AFRICAN BERGWIND

Subsiding air WINTER

Surface
winds
Subsides
HP
warmer

Warm dry
wind LP
 Valley Climates

1 Effect of the slope (aspect)

2 Inversions

3 Frost pockets / Smog

 VALLEY CLIMATES ASPECT (SH)

AR
UL
DIC
EN
S R P N
PE
O O
U WARMER R
T T
H H
NO SNOW

N E
ZO SNOW
OW
AD COLDER
SH
 Air on
INVERSIONS slopes
Cold air Warm air rises
cools
sinks to
the valley
bottom
Frost pocket
 Katabatic winds and Inversions

HP HP

Inversion: Temperature LP
increases with altitude
RADIATION FOG PHOTO
URBAN CLIMATES

1 Reasons for differences

2 Causes of heat islands

3 Pollution domes

4 Effects of heat islands

 Differences
between city
& rural areas

IN CITY
• Artificial surfaces
• High buildings
• Industries
• Many cars

POLLUTION DOME

Mass of polluted air

Warm city trapped by inversion layer
Cooler rural area and prevented to rise.
CAUSES OF URBAN HEAT ISLANDS

Via Afrika
 EFFECTS OF URBAN HEAT ISLANDS

•Human discomfort •Increase in air pollution

•Heat stroke-deaths •Increase in greenhouse gasses
•Reduced visibility (smog) •Respiratory discomfort. Asthma
•Increased energy use •Increased precipitation
•Air conditioners •Reduced insolation (pollution)
Synoptic Weather maps

1 Station Models

2 Features on SA weather maps

3 Satellite images
WEATHER STATION MODEL

WIND N
DIRECTION
TEMPERATUR 20 W E
E

18 S

DEW POINT WIND SPEED

TEMPERATUR 10 Knots
E
15 Knots

5 Knots
 FEATURES ON A SOUTH AFRICAN
SYNOPTIC WEATHER MAP
Isobar Clockwise movement around LP

Tropical
Coastal low cyclone

H
HP air descends
anti-clockwise

L Isobar
LP air rises interval
clockwise 4hPa

South Indian HP
South Atlantic HP

Cold front Weather at PE

HOW TO INTERPRET A SATELLITE IMAGE
LOW PRESSURE CELL CLEAR SKIES
Pivot point of cold front Black/grey area

SOLID CLOUD COVER COLD FRONT

Grey/white area Curved band of clouds
Via Afrika
Acknowledgements:

 Glen Samaai – Western Cape

 Davechand – Gauteng Province