Review of Radiosonde Humidity and Temperature Errors

Robert W. Pratt Atmospheric Sciences Research Center, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY 12222

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Abstract

An attempt is made to provide a brief but comprehensive summary of sources of error in National Weather Service upper air data, and a guide to the relevant literature. Error analysis must be tailored for particular applications. Temperature errors are generally 1°C or less, but reports of relative humidity can be low by 20–30% under unfavorable conditions, especially at very low temperatures.

Abstract

An attempt is made to provide a brief but comprehensive summary of sources of error in National Weather Service upper air data, and a guide to the relevant literature. Error analysis must be tailored for particular applications. Temperature errors are generally 1°C or less, but reports of relative humidity can be low by 20–30% under unfavorable conditions, especially at very low temperatures.

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