SYNOP is an acronym that stands for "Synopsis" in meteorology. It refers to a concise, standardized weather report or weather observation that is generated by meteorological stations worldwide. These observations are typically exchanged among meteorological institutions and used for weather forecasting and analysis purposes.
A SYNOP report contains essential weather information gathered at a specific location and time. It includes both current conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction) and recent weather phenomena (e.g., precipitation, cloud cover, visibility). Other variables such as atmospheric pressure, dew point, and significant weather events may also be included in the report. The information is collected through various instruments and measurements made at the surface level.
These weather observations are typically formatted using a standardized code, called the WMO (World Meteorological Organization) SYNOP code, which ensures consistency and compatibility among different meteorological services globally. This code includes specific symbols, numerical codes, and abbreviations to represent each meteorological element.
SYNOP reports are transmitted in real time or with specified frequency, usually hourly or six-hourly, to national or regional meteorological centers. There, the data is processed, quality controlled, and used to produce forecasts, weather charts, and climate analyses. Additionally, SYNOP reports may also be made available to the public, allowing individuals and organizations to access valuable meteorological information.
