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Below is a selection of maps I have found useful in determining when and where I will chase severe weather within Iowa and nearby States. Organizations like the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) and the National Weather Service (NWS) provide great forecast tools like these maps to the public. Often times, I will use additional weather maps from the SPC that are too numerous and complex for most visitors' use to have linked on this site. Some are also beyond my full understanding. However, all this information helps form my predications a few days to just hours in advance of a severe weather event.

With all the information available online, it can only be used as a starting point in determining where severe weather, especially tornadoes, may occur. It is vitally important not to forget to take a look and feel outside your own door. What you experience in the open air and see in the sky is most important in the short-term forecasts you can make. It is even more important when you are in your vehicle, racing into storms, and have to make that last minute decision on which cell you are going to chase. I hope this catalog of maps will aid you in your own chase, or merely be a quick source of information for your own safety.

 

Convective Outlook
Tornado Outlook
SPC 1 Day Convective Outlook 2:00 PM CST
SPC 1 Day Tornado Probability Outlook 2:00 PM CST
 
SPC Activity Chart
Watches and Warnings
SPC Overview
SPC Watches and Warnings
 
 
 
Weather Story
IA Watches, Warnings, and Advisories
NWS Des Moines Weather Story
Watches, Warnings, and Advisories
 
Nexrad Mosaic
Nexrad Base Velocity Radar
DMX Nexrad Base Reflectivity Radar
DMX Nexrad Base Velocity Radar
   
NOAA Visible Satellite
NOAA Visible Satellite
NOAA Visible Satellite Central Plains
NOAA Visible Satellite Midwest
 
Surface Observations
Surface/Wind/Presure
SPC Surface Observations
SPC Surface/Wind/Pressure

 

 
NOAA Water Vapor
NWS Frontal Observation
NOAA Water Vapor
NWS Frontal Observation
http://www.weather.gov/sat_tab.php?image=wv
http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/html/sfc2.shtml
   
SPC Mesoscale Discussions
Iowa County Map
SPC Mesoscale Discussions
Iowa County Map

 

Other Helpful Links

SPC U.S. Composite Map

SPC Hourly Mesoscale Analysis MW

 

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