Diagram of Different Wind Directions at Differnt Altitudes?

Question

Can anyone refer me to a site that has a (simple) diagram that illustrates diffent wind directions at different altitudes. I can't find one.

I need one to illustrate to kids how pilots of hot air balloons are able to change the direction in which they travel by changing the altitude of the balloons. Thanks.

Answer 1

Good question. I would go to this site: http://weather.unisys.com/
and on the left hand side under Analyses click on upper air data. Then on the right hand side on this page under Index click on Upper Air soundings. You can even select the location nearest you to do this. This will give you the direction and speed of the wind with altitude from the surface to the stratosphere. You could also look at individual levels of the atmosphere beginning at 850 mb which is about 5000 feet altitude and then 700 mb which is at 10,000 feet to get a larger picture of how the winds are changing with altitude.

Answer 2

Here's another way for you:

Go to http://weather.cod.edu/analysis/analysis.radar.html

That is radar sites across the USA. Click on a radar site of choice. That will bring up the radar reflectivities. Near the bottom of the left-hand column, click on "VAD". That will show you wind directions and speeds at various altitudes ("ALT KFT", i.e. thousands of feet).

Those are wind barbs. If you need help understanding wind barbs, go here:

http://www.rap.ucar.edu/weather/info/about_windbarb.html