Spaghetti model plots may appear confusing, but they are a very useful tool for meteorologists.

While it may look like a bunch of squiggly lines, each line represents what an individual computer model projects for the track of the center of circulation.

In order to make a thorough, accurate forecast, it is essential to look at multiple computer models and not rely on a single one because each model has certain biases. When the spaghetti lines deviate from one another, it shows model inconsistency and uncertainty on where the storm may go. Forecasters look for the lines to be close together, which alludes to the various models all offering similar solutions.

Spaghetti models can't forecast the track and intensity of a system. They are simply one of many tools in the toolbox.

Satellite and radar imagery, ground observations and upper-air data are some of the other tools that must be taken into consideration. Spaghetti models also don’t focus on storm strength. The only project the forward track.