Originally Posted by
langleybaston
I don't see how these originated in Russia, looking at the wind patterns.
Mr Baston sir,
Back in the days when I indulged in aerial adventures, I applied for a Hysplit account so I could calculate the probable path of long distance balloon flights. The system at the time required a user licence and they were reluctant to provide one as NOAA were concerned that certain groups were interested in releasing unpleasant substances for unpleasant purposes. I managed to persuade them that my intentions were (mostly) above board and I found it very useful. I never did break any ballooning records.
Today, the general public can run projections both forward and backwards so I hope you enjoy calculating the trajectories using the model found at the link below. The radar reflector in the image looks nothing like the ones I have used on sondes so Ivan is probably causing mischief with Ukraine's rader assets. There's no image of the met package that would be suspended below the reflector.
READY HYSPLIT (noaa.gov)