The urge to understand tropical meteorology has been driven by a variety of forces that include the devastation caused by tropical cyclones, demands by military operations (for example, World War II, the Marshall Islands weapons tests, and the conflict in southeast Asia), and the belief of influential mid-latitude meteorologists that the tropics may hold the key to successful forecasts of global weather patterns and climate change. As correctly forecast in the Preface to the first (1971) edition, “Forecasters' Guide to Tropical Meteorology,” by Major Gary D. Atkinson, AWS TR 240 was used not only to train Air Weather Service meteorologists, but also as a text for university courses. It was even translated into Chinese. Technological advances in the last 20 years, especially in satellite-based observations, have not seriously affected views expressed in the first edition, but have allowed them to be expanded and refined. Both climatology and synoptic meteorology have benefitted, while many hitherto obscure parts of the tropics have been exposed to the global eye. This edition was prepared under contract with the Department of Meteorology, University of Hawaii. Satellite data and wide-ranging research now allow the tropics to be treated more evenly and extensively than before. Sections dealing with Africa, the Americas, and south and southwest Asia have been expanded. Satellite picture illustrate tropical systems and processes.

AWS TR 240, by Maj Gary D. Atkinson, has served as the reference manual for USAF weather forecasting in the tropics since it was first published in 1971. Although it has endured for the past 20 years, HQ Air Weather Service recognized the need for an update and contracted with tropical forecasting authority Dr Colin S. Ramage to produce one. Although a great deal of new material has been added to reflect new techniques and new technology, it still covers the basic facts of climatology, circulation, and synoptic models, with emphasis on analysis and forecasting techniques for the tropics. Physical factors that control tropical circulations are discussed briefly. The climatologies of pressure, winds, temperature, humidity, clouds, rainfall, and disturbances are presented in a form specially suitable for forecasters. Analysis and forecasting of disturbances, cyclones, severe weather, terminal weather, etc., are treated at length. The uses of climatology and the interpretation and use of weather satellite imagery are emphasized. Numerous figures adapted from the literature or prepared by the author illustrate all the essential facts and principles discussed. A summary of the state of art and future outlook of tropical meteorology is included, along with an extensive bibliography. (MM).

A practical manual for training and reference use of USAF weather forecasters who will work in the tropics, it covers basic facts of climatology, circulation, synoptic models, analysis and forecasting, application throughout the tropics. A broad survey is made of the literature, evaluated in light of the experience of the author. Physical factors controlling tropical circulations are briefly discussed. The data sources for synoptic purposes are reviewed. Climatology of pressure, winds, temperature, humidity, clouds, rainfall and disturbances is presented in a form specially suitable for forecasters. Analysis and for forecasting of disturbances, cyclones, severe weather, terminal weather, etc., are treated at length. Emphasis is placed on uses of climatology and satellite cloud photos. Over 230 figures adapted from the literature or prepared by the author serve to illustrate all the essential facts and principles discussed. A summary of the state of art and future outlook of tropical meteorology is included.

A practical manual for training and reference use of USAF weather forecasters who will work in the tropics, it covers basic facts of climatology, circulation, synoptic models, analysis and forecasting, application throughout the tropics. A broad survey is made of the literature, evaluated in light of the experience of the author. Physical factors controlling tropical circulations are briefly discussed. The data sources for synoptic purposes are reviewed. Climatology of pressure, winds, temperature, humidity, clouds, rainfall and disturbances is presented in a form specially suitable for forecasters. Analysis and for forecasting of disturbances, cyclones, severe weather, terminal weather, etc., are treated at length. Emphasis is placed on uses of climatology and satellite cloud photos. Over 230 figures adapted from the literature or prepared by the author serve to illustrate all the essential facts and principles discussed. A summary of the state of art and future outlook of tropical meteorology is included.

What do we mean by the tropics? The weather and the climates it produces across the tropical zone are significantly different from those experienced by the people living in higher latitudes, so forecasters across Europe and much of North America are unfamiliar with its effects. In this book, Jim Galvin demystifies the topic in this zone that is increasingly of interest to those studying weather and climate. This book was written for weather forecasters, meteorology, environmental science and geography students as an introductory guide. It builds on the experience of the author, his professional experience in the World Area Forecast Centre at the Met Office, Exeter, using studies into the weather and climate seen within the tropical air mass conducted over many years. Its unique approach presents a practical approach to tropical weather studies, drawing on both academic and practical knowledge, covering air mass dynamics, seasonal changes, moist and dry weather, climate variability and human health in chapters and appendices that build up the overall picture, summarising our current state of knowledge. As an overview, it covers the broad range of effects connected with climate and weather in a straightforward way and is clearly illustrated throughout.

Winds and pressure. Pressure and wind profiles at the surface. World distribution of winds and pressure. The equatorial trough. Mean winds in the troposphere. Winds in the stratosphere. Steadineess of the upper winds. Basic currents. Temperature. Seasons in the tropics. World distribution of surface temperature. Rainfall. Diurnal and local effects. Convection. The physics of tropical rain. Weather observations and analysis. Divergence and vorticity. Waves in the easterlies. Survey of low-latitude disturbances. Tropical storms. The general circulation.

One of the keys to safe and successful naval operations in the tropics is an understanding of tropical meteorology. The Tropical Cyclone Forecasters Reference Guide is designed primarily as a ready reference for weather forecasters required to provide tropical meteorology support to staff commanders. This report provides an overview of tropical cyclone motion forecasting and is Chapter 4 of the reference guide. Subjects discussed include operational forecasting procedures, synoptic pattern recognition, and tropical cyclone track climatology.

One of the keys to safe and successful naval operations in the tropics is an understanding of tropical meteorology. The Tropical Cyclone Forecasters Reference Guide is designed primarily as a ready reference for weather forecasters required to provide tropical meteorology support to staff commanders. This report provides an overview of tropical cyclone motion forecasting and is Chapter 4 of the reference guide. Subjects discussed include operational forecasting procedures, synoptic pattern recognition, and tropical cyclone track climatology.