The Inversion Conditions map is used to determine air temperature conditions within the 30-foot layer above the ground. In addition, dew point temperature and average wind (speed and direction) is shown. Mesonet stations are represented by solid dots on the map. The following variables are displayed:
- Air Temperature at 30 ft (9 m) in degrees F (upper left of station dot)
- Air Temperature at 5 ft (1.5 m) in degrees F (lower left of station dot)
- Average Wind at 33 ft (10 m) in mph -- A wind barb system is used. A half barb along the staff represents 5 mph; a full barb, 10 mph; and a flag, 50 mph. One adds them up to get the total average wind speed. Winds blow in a direction along the staff from the barbed end to the station dot. Calm winds are depicted by an open circle around the station dot.
- Dew Point Temperature at 5 ft (1.5 m) in degrees F (lower right of station dot in green)
- Difference between the 30 ft and 5 ft Air Temperature in degrees F (upper right of station dot); red (> 0F) if there is an inversion, blue (<= 0F) if there is not an inversion.
During the daytime, air temperature usually decreases with height above the surface (no inversion). During nights with clear to mostly cloudy skies and light winds, air temperature usually increases with height above the surface (inversion conditions). This map is updated every 5 minutes.