1. Weather Observations
Spring 2016
Kyle Imhoff

2. Weather Observations
There are many ways in which atmospheric scientists observe the weather, both at the surface and in the upper levels of the atmosphere
Surface weather stations
Automated reporting and human-recorded
Radar
Satellite
Weather balloons (radiosondes)
Aircraft (dropsondes)
Mobile weather stations (trucks, aircraft, etc.)

3. Surface Weather Stations
Two primary observational networks for surface weather conditions
Automated network – regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Weather Service (NWS)
Volunteer observer network – regulated by NWS solely
Known as the Cooperative Observer Network (COOP)

4. Hourly Weather Reports (FAA)
Over 1300 airports take weather observations each hour (or more frequently)
Below is an example of automated output, known as a METAR (Meteorological Terminal Aviation Routine Weather Report):
METAR KABC Z AUTO 21016G24KT 180V240
1SM -RA BR BKN015 0VC025 06/04 A2990
RMK A02 PK WND 20032/25 WSHFT 1715 VIS 3/4V1 1/2
RAB07 POOO3 6OOO9 T

5. Weather Observer Network (COOP)
Report once a day (at 12z or 7am/8am EST)
Almost all report 24-hr precipitation amount
Most report max/min temp and snowfall
Some locations have historical records for 100 years+
Backbone of nation’s climate records

6. Network of “Best” COOP Sites
USHCN (US Historical Climate Network)
Pick COOP stations that have consistent records over many decades

7. Other Surface Weather Networks
Numerous additional automated/weather observer networks
CoCoRaHS (like COOP, but just precip/snow)
DOT
DoD
USDA
EPA
Etc., etc.

8. Observations Satellite Radar Two types: Polar Orbiting Geostationary
very high resolution
only twice a day
Geostationary
lower resolution
nearly continuous
3 basic channels
VIS (visible)
IR (infrared)
WV (H2O)
Radar
Surface based
uses microwave energy sent in rapid pulses to detect wind & precip
Network across USA
WSR88D located at 125 sites including Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and PR
Displays returns of precip & wind in a 250 mile radius of site
refreshed every 6 min.
Can now aid in determining precipitation type

9. Weather Balloons (Radiosondes)
Released twice a day at NWS offices across the country
Crucial to understanding atmospheric conditions at higher levels in the atmosphere
Very important for data ingest to computer weather models

10. Aircraft (Dropsondes)
Provides an additional observational tool for upper-level atmospheric conditions
One of the primary uses for this information is supplementary observations from upper levels within a tropical storm/hurricane

11. Mobile Platforms Not a reference to mobile-phone applications
Relatively new technology
Provides a unique perspective in weather observations – cross-sections over geographical regions for one variable (e.g. temp)
Map showing trucking routes containing weather data

12. Time Series from Vehicle