How Do I Get Old Synoptic Charts?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on obtaining historical synoptic charts for the Lake Michigan and Southern Lake Huron regions during the firestorms of October 8th-9th, 1871. Participants confirm that synoptic charts were indeed compiled during that period, primarily through reports from Weather Bureau offices and telegraphers. One user suggests checking local libraries for microfilm collections of newspapers from that era as a potential source for weather data. The conversation highlights the importance of archival research in accessing historical meteorological information.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of historical meteorological data collection methods
  • Familiarity with synoptic charts and their significance in weather analysis
  • Knowledge of archival research techniques, particularly with microfilm
  • Access to local libraries or meteorological archives
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the history of the Weather Bureau and its data collection practices in the 19th century
  • Explore methods for accessing microfilm archives at local libraries
  • Investigate the availability of historical newspapers from October 1871
  • Learn about the significance of synoptic charts in historical weather analysis
USEFUL FOR

Historians, meteorologists, researchers interested in historical weather events, and anyone seeking to understand the impact of weather on historical events.

BadBrain
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Hey, you've already guessed that I'm looking into the Lake Michigan/Southern Lake Huron Firestorms of October 8th-9th, 1871.

I need to get the synoptic charts for this region for the period 7 October through 12 October 1871. Can anyone tell me how to get these materials?
 
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have you queried your local met office ?
They may have archived data, but it may be hard copy rather than on computer

would be interesting to know if they even had synoptic charts that far back

Dave
 
They did have them back then. I think I once heard that they were compiled by collecting weather reports from Weather Bureau offices and telegraphers.

I'll try looking at newspapers of the time, seeing as I live one block away from a library that has complete collections of newspapers on microfilm going back to before the Civil War.
 

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