Extratropical Lows - Colorado Lows

Sea Level Pressure and Wind Vectors of the April 2001 Cyclone: A strong surface low associated with a Rocky Mountain cyclone develops on 10 April 2000 and tracks across the Central Plains. Courtesy of Dept. Atmospheric Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Surface Temperature of the April 2001 Cyclone: The animation shows temperature changes associated with a spring Rocky Mountain cyclone that crossed the central United States between 10 and 12 April 2001. Courtesy of Dept. Atmospheric Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Surface Dewpoint Temperature of the April 2001 Cyclone: Surface dewpoint temperature from 10 to 12 April 2001 shows typical changes in moisture across the eastern United States during the passage of a Rocky Mountain cyclone. Courtesy of Dept. Atmospheric Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
National Radar of the April 2001 Cyclone: Hourly images of national radar from 10 to 12 April 2001 show the typical precipitation pattern associated with Rocky Mountain cyclones. Courtesy of Dept. Atmospheric Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
300mb Heights and Winds: A sequence of 300mb heights and winds shows the evolution of a trough east of the Rocky Mountains. This trough, and the jetstreak that migrates through the base of the trough, created divergence aloft that supported the development of a strong surface cyclone. The cyclone tracked northeastward toward the Great Lakes, following the path of the jetstream. Courtesy of Dept. Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Madison
850mb Heights and Temperature: 850mb heights and temperatures show the development of a strong low east of the Rocky Mountains early in the animation. The cyclone tracks northeastward toward the Great Lakes. Cold air is transported southward on the west side of the cyclone. Courtesy of Dept. Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Madison
Infrared Satellite Imagery of the April 2001 Cyclone: The Rocky Mountain cyclone of 10 to 13 April 2001 is seen on the infrared satellite image as a distinct comma cloud. Courtesy of Dept. Atmospheric Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Visible Satellite Imagery of the April 2001 Cyclone: Visible satellite imagery from 11 and 12 April 2001 shows the comma cloud associated with a Rocky Mountain cyclone that moved into the Great Lakes area from the Central Plains. Nighttime darkness limits the tracking of the storm in visible imagery. Research Applications Program/National Center for Atmospheric Research
Water Vapor Satellite Imagery of the April 2001 Cyclone: Water vapor satellite imagery from 10 to 12 April 2001 shows regions of dry air as well as high water vapor content in the middle troposphere. Courtesy of Dept. Atmospheric Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign