Other contributors have said "What are the swirly lines on a weather map?" is the same question as "What do the lines on a weather map mean?" If you believe that these are not asking the same thing and should be answered differently, click here
Answer:
Depends on which lines you're talking about. If you're talking about circles that cover the map (often in black or gray) then those are isobars which are lines of equal pressure (ie. the barometer reads the same everywhere along a line)....If you're talking about a blue line with triangles, that means a cold front with cooler/drier air behind it. A red line with round barbs means a warm front with warmer air behind it. There are many others, but these are the most common seen on television weather forecasts.
First answer by Stormchasertony. Last edit by Stormchasertony. Contributor trust: 10 [recommend contributor recommended]. Question popularity: 4 [recommend question].