[NLRS] WX maps

[Baker, Donn B]

Tom, WA1MBA, had a pointer to NWS WX forecast maps in a posting on the Microwave Reflector this morning.  It is WELL worth the time to look at it (graphical; bandwidth useful).

For us in Minneapolis/St. Paul, the basic URL is: <http://www.crh.noaa.gov/mpx/>.  Down the left side is a menu; scroll and choose "Forescasts, Interactive."  Just above the map, choose "Forecast Graphics."

The map defaults to Maximum Temperature; click the drop-down and select.  The big thing for us will be the dewpoint chart, etc.

On the right side of the controlls, there's a "tic-tac-toe" board of arrows.  This lets you move from site to site (ex: the right arrow takes you to Green Bay; the left-up arrow takes you to Grand Forks, ND (actually at Mayville, ND)  The IMPORTANT ONE, though is the little "minus sign ('-') in the middle.  One click shows the entire Upper MIssissippi Valley region.  GREAT for looking for tropo openings, especially for local microwave work!

Of course, the summer tropo season is eight or nine months away....

73 Donn
WA2VOI/0