Cover Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society
Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 0 0 0
Full Text Views 285 62 2
PDF Downloads 161 47 2
Article Type:
Research Article

Nonfederal Automated Weather Stations and Networks in the United States and Canada: A Preliminary Survey

Steven J. MeyerHigh Plains Climate Center, Department of Agricultural Meteorology, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska

Search for other papers by Steven J. Meyer in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
and
Kenneth G. HubbardHigh Plains Climate Center, Department of Agricultural Meteorology, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska

Search for other papers by Kenneth G. Hubbard in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
Online Publication:
01 Apr 1992
Print Publication:
01 Apr 1992
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0477(1992)073<0449:NAWSAN>2.0.CO;2
Page(s):
449–458
Restricted access

Not all weather data are collected by federal agencies. Fueled by the need for more specific meteorological data in real or near-real time, the number of automated weather stations (AWSs) and AWS networks has expanded to the state and private sector over the past decade. This study employed a survey to determine the spatial extent and disposition of these nonfederal AWSs and AWS networks in the United States and Canada, the type of measurements taken, the operating procedures (i.e., maintenance and data-retrieval techniques), and the uses of the data (e.g., research, public service, agency needs). The rapid growth and expansion in the number of AWSs and networks can be viewed as a positive step toward expanding data available for meteorological research and service. As AWS networks continue to grow and expand in the United States and Canada, it is recommended that an AWS climatic database be established. With proper logistical coordination and the cooperation of network operators, development of such a database can become reality.

*Published as Paper No. 9685, Journal Series, Nebraska Agricultural Research Division. The work reported here was conducted under Nebraska Agricultural Research Division Project 27-008.

Not all weather data are collected by federal agencies. Fueled by the need for more specific meteorological data in real or near-real time, the number of automated weather stations (AWSs) and AWS networks has expanded to the state and private sector over the past decade. This study employed a survey to determine the spatial extent and disposition of these nonfederal AWSs and AWS networks in the United States and Canada, the type of measurements taken, the operating procedures (i.e., maintenance and data-retrieval techniques), and the uses of the data (e.g., research, public service, agency needs). The rapid growth and expansion in the number of AWSs and networks can be viewed as a positive step toward expanding data available for meteorological research and service. As AWS networks continue to grow and expand in the United States and Canada, it is recommended that an AWS climatic database be established. With proper logistical coordination and the cooperation of network operators, development of such a database can become reality.

*Published as Paper No. 9685, Journal Series, Nebraska Agricultural Research Division. The work reported here was conducted under Nebraska Agricultural Research Division Project 27-008.

Save