Very cool current map, is this possible to do with basemap or mpl?

Here is the link to the flow visualization that I like very much

http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/res/glcfs/currents/glcfs-currents-month.php?mon=02&year=2013

It would be cool to be able to do it on my data....

Start by reviewing the linked NOAA flow visualization and the Basemap repository's mapping scope. The issue names no files, tests, input format, or defined behavior, so clarify the required data, expected output, and whether Basemap or matplotlib is intended before defining completion criteria.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.