Weather Glossary
| QG | Quasigeostrophic |
| QN | Question |
| QPF | Quantitative Precipitation Forecast. A spatial and temporal precipitation forecast that will predict the potential amount of future precipitation for a specified region, or area. |
| QPF Discussion | This HPC forecast discussion is directed completely to explaining manual forecasts of areas in the contiguous 48 states expected to receive 1/4 inch or more precipitation during a 24-hour period. The manual forecasts are explained in terms of initial conditions and differences and/or similarities in the numerical model forecasts. General confidence in the manual forecast is expressed where it is appropriate and possible alternatives may be offered. This product is issued 3 times a day. |
| QPFERD | NCEP Excessive Rainfall Discussion |
| QPFHSD | NCEP Heavy Snow Discussion |
| QPFPFD | NCEP Precipitation Forecast Discussion |
| QSTNRY | Quasi-stationary - describes a low or high pressure area or a front that is nearly stationary. |
| QTR | Quarter |
| QUAD | Quadrant |
| Quadrature | The component of the complex signal that is 90 degrees out of phase with the inphase component. This component lies along the imaginary axis the complex plane. |
| Quality of Snow | The amount of ice in a snow sample expressed as a percent of the weight of the sample. |
| Quantitative Precipitation Forecast | A spatial and temporal precipitation forecast that will predict the potential amount of future precipitation for a specified region, or area. |
| Quasi-stationary | (abbrev. QSTNRY)- Describes a low or high pressure area or a front that is nearly stationary. |
| Quasi-stationary Front | A front which is nearly stationary or moves very little since the last synoptic position. Also known as a stationary front. |
| Quiescent Prominence (Filament) | Long, sheet-like prominences nearly vertical to the solar surface |
| Quiet | Solar activity levels with less than one chromospheric event per day. |