The diagnosis of middle latitude synoptic development

Abstract The use of diagnostics based on different forms for the forcing term in the omega equation is explored. These forms are the two‐level and continuous versions of the approximation used by Sutcliffe (1947) in his development theory, the usual dynamical meteorology version involving vorticity and thermal advection, and that involving the so‐called Q‐vectors which was introduced by Hoskins et al. (1978). The diagnostics are applied to a model baroclinic wave and to a subjectively analysed real data case. The Sutcliffe form is simplest and gives a global view of the system movement and development, but details such as active frontal regions are missed. The vorticity and thermal advection form has few advantages. It is demonstrated that the Q‐vector analysis can provide more information than the Sutcliffe form in describing details of system development, particularly with respect to (a) a vectorial view of the horizontal ageostrophic motion field, and (b) some indication of the intensity of frontal circulations. A case is presented for including Q‐vector fields in low‐ and mid‐tropospheric forecast charts.