Below are examples of the type of answers that I am expecting for part I of homework #1
Part Ia – A strong trough extends from the Texas Gulf coast northward to eastern Kansas, where a closed low is centered. A weaker trough extends north and northwest from there through the Dakotas. Expect very cold conditions either side of the strong trough from eastern NM and CO to the Mississippi River. Precipitation is likely just downstream of the southern end of the trough along the Mississippi valley including LA, AR, MS, TN, and KY. Just downstream of the northern end of the trough there is a decent chance for precipitation over IL, IN, WI, and MN. Near or slightly below average temperature with little chance of precipitation over the western third of the US. Weak ridge along the east coast for slightly above average temperatures.
Part Ib – 500 mb height over Tucson is about 5630 m. Expect below average temperature as this is lower than the average height of 5680 m for this time of year. Tucson is not located in a favorable area for precipitation based on the 500 mb pattern.
Part Ia – A trough in the western US extending from southern CA through ID. Expect below average temperatures near the trough. Just downstream of this trough, expect a chance for precipitation in AZ, NM, UT, eastern ID, and western WY. Zonal pattern over much of the rest of the US, expect little chance for precipitation, with temperatures near or slightly below average (based on comparison of the heights on the map with the average heights for this time of year). West to east oriented trough cuts through central New England, thus a chance for precipitation just downstream of this feature in northern New England.
Part Ib – 500 mb height over Tucson is about 5590 m. Expect well below average temperature as this is significantly lower than the average height of 5680 m for this time of year. Tucson is located just downstream of a 500 mb trough, so expect a decent chance for precipitation.