Module 12 | Scenario 1: Meteorological Time

  • Due Apr 6 at 11:59pm
  • Points 3
  • Questions 3
  • Available after Mar 24 at 12am
  • Time Limit None
  • Allowed Attempts 2

Instructions

Overview

The time indicated on satellite, radar, and many other types of meteorological graphics is often Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), sometimes referred to as "Z" or "Zulu," and knowing how to convert from UTC to local time is often important when monitoring or forecasting the weather. After completing this learning activity, you will be able to convert from UTC to local time.

Instructions

Utilize the information located in the Scenario and Key Concepts to answer the questions located in this activity. You may refer to your textbook and notes to help you work through the assigned questions if desired. You will have two attempts to complete this activity. The highest grade will automatically be recorded. Once you have submitted your activity for a second time, you will be able to see the correct answers. Discuss with your instructor if you have questions about your answers or feedback.

  • Activity is due Sunday, by 11:59 p.m. MT

Submission and Assessment Guidelines

  • You will complete the quiz associated with this scenario within Canvas. For help on how to take a quiz in Canvas, review How do I take a quiz.
  • This learning activity is worth 3 points toward your final grade.

Scenario

You are an independently wealthy skier and "weather weenie" who travels throughout the United States in search of powder. You are constantly monitoring the weather and have to become adept at converting from UTC to the local time for the meteorological data to be relevant for your ski planning.

Key Concepts

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is the time standard by which the world regulates time. Time zones around the world are based on offsets from UTC.  

In the contiguous United States, there are four major time zones: Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific. From the 1st Sunday in November to the 2nd Sunday in March, the U.S. is on what is known as standard time. During this period, the Eastern time zone (red) is 5 hours behind UTC, Central time zone (yellow) is 6 hours behind UTC, Mountain time zone (green) 7 hours behind UTC, and Pacific time zone 8 hours behind UTC.  

Contiguous US Standard Time Zones

To convert from UTC to local time when we are on standard time, you subtract 5 if you are in the eastern time zone, 6 in Central, 7 in Mountain, and 8 in Pacific.  

From the 2nd Sunday in March to the 1st Sunday in November, the United States is on what is known as daylight saving time, when clocks are shifted an hour forward so that darkness falls later in the day (UTC time does not change). During this period, the Eastern time zone (red) is 4 hours behind UTC, Central time zone (yellow) is 5 hours behind UTC, Mountain time zone (green) 6 hours behind UTC, and Pacific time zone 7 hours behind UTC.  

US Time Zones during daylight saving time

So, to convert from UTC to local time when we are on daylight saving time, you subtract 4 if you are in the eastern time zone, 5 in Central, 6 in Mountain, and 7 in Pacific.  

Note, however, that most of Arizona is a special case and stays on standard time all year long. Thus, during summer, you still only subtract 7 hours in most of Arizona.  

Citations

Images:

Key Concepts

 

Quiz

 
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