Weather map symbols
Meteorological map and station-plot notation.
24 symbols
Calm windNo appreciable wind is being observed.
Clear skyNo appreciable cloud cover at the observation point.
Cold frontThe leading edge of colder air replacing warmer air.
DrizzleComma-like marks in a station plot indicate drizzle.
FogThree horizontal lines indicate fog.
HailA triangle combined with a dot indicates hail.
High-pressure systemAn area of relatively high atmospheric pressure, usually associated with fair weather.
Low-pressure systemAn area of relatively low atmospheric pressure, often associated with cloud and unsettled weather.
Occluded frontA front formed when a cold front catches up with a warm front.
One-half cloud coverApproximately half of the sky is covered by cloud.
One-quarter cloud coverApproximately one quarter of the sky is covered by cloud.
Overcast skyThe sky is completely covered by cloud.
RainDots in a station plot indicate rain.
Sky obscuredThe sky cannot be observed, commonly because of fog or another obscuring phenomenon.
SnowAsterisk-like marks in a station plot indicate snow.
Stationary frontA boundary between warm and cold air masses that is barely moving.
Three-quarters cloud coverApproximately three quarters of the sky is covered by cloud.
ThunderstormA lightning-style mark indicates a thunderstorm.
Warm frontThe leading edge of warmer air replacing colder air.
Wind speed: 10 knotsOne full barb represents a wind speed of 10 knots.
Wind speed: 15 knotsOne full barb and one half barb represent 15 knots.
Wind speed: 25 knotsTwo full barbs and one half barb represent 25 knots.
Wind speed: 5 knotsA half barb represents a wind speed of 5 knots.
Wind speed: 50 knotsA triangular pennant represents a wind speed of 50 knots.