Automated Data Plotter

This application dynamically generates many types of graphs. These graphs are derived from processing of various data sources done by the IEM. Please feel free to use these generated graphics in whatever way you wish. Reset App. The IEM Explorer application offers a simplified frontend to some of these autoplots.


First, select a chart type::

Second, select specific chart options::

Valid Timestamp (UTC):
(YYYY/mm/dd HH24MI)
How to consider if an event is active [see footnote]
Select state/sector
Include Statistics in Legend (slows down plot)
Show Counties
Image Resolution (DPI) (50 to 500)
Select Output Format:

Plot Description:

This autoplot generates a map of active NWS Watch, Warnings, and Advisories active at the given timestamp.

Footnote on "Active" WaWA: A more complex than it should be nuance to explain here is the concept of what is "active" at a given timestamp. Let us consider a real world example. On Monday afternoon, the NWS issues a Winter Storm Warning for an upcoming storm that goes "into effect" at noon on Tuesday. You request this plot for a timestamp of 6 PM on that Monday. Is the Winter Storm Warning included in this metric at that time?

  • Yes, if you select the option to include any WaWA that have been created, but may have an VTEC start time in the future yet.
  • No, if you select the option to only include WaWA that have an issuance time before the given timestamp.

The default setting here is the first option, to include any events that have been created, but not necessarily having an issuance time prior to the given timestamp. This is why we can't have nice things!

If you turn on statistics, the legend displays active events nationwide. Central Region NWS maintains a similar map, but is near real-time only.

Autoplot 224 is closely related to this app and provides a table of stats.

Based on a sampling of recent timings for this application, plot generation time has averaged 12 seconds. Hold on for the plot is generating now!


If you notice plotting issues with the image above, please do let us know by providing the URL address currently shown by your web browser.

IEM Daily Features using this plot

The IEM Daily Features found on this website often utilize plots found on this application. Here is a listing of features referencing this plot type.