Glossary & Quick Resources
Short definitions for common Bolt and weather terms used in the reference library.
Use this page when you need a short definition for a Bolt term or a weather term used elsewhere in the reference library.
Key Terms
- Bolt PlaceHub
- Bolt's catalog of extra provider feeds. You can browse providers, copy their URLs, or add TXT feeds to your account placefiles.
- CAPE
- Convective Available Potential Energy. Measures potential buoyancy—higher values favor stronger updrafts.
- Chase Session
- A recorded outing in Bolt. It begins when you start a session and becomes replayable after you end it.
- CIN
- Convective Inhibition. The energy needed for parcels to break the cap. Low CIN eases storm initiation.
- Exclusion Zone
- A circular geographic area you define where Bolt suppresses your precise location. Use it to protect sensitive spots like your home or workplace.
- Hook Echo
- Reflectivity signature associated with the wrapping precipitation around a mesocyclone.
- Intent Statement
- A short note about what you are doing during a session.
- Mesoscale
- A weather scale covering 2–200 kilometers. Includes boundaries, outflow, and local convergence zones.
- Organization
- A shared Bolt group with members, roles, org-scoped sessions, and organization pages.
- Placefile
- A text-based overlay feed used by compatible radar or mapping software.
- Replay
- The timeline view for a finalized session.
- RFD
- Rear-Flank Downdraft. Descending air wrapping around a mesocyclone that can produce damaging winds.
- Skew-T
- A thermodynamic diagram plotting temperature, dewpoint, and wind profiles with height.
External Resources
Emergency Contacts Template
- County EOC / Emergency Manager
- Local Sheriff Dispatch (non-emergency)
- Nearest Level I trauma center
- Towing or recovery services along the chase corridor
- Insurance roadside assistance number