Weather Monitoring

“Meteorological” refers to anything related to meteorology / weather, which is the scientific study of the Earth’s atmosphere and the processes that cause weather and climate patterns. Meteorological measurements are often used in weather forecasting, studying climate change, and understanding atmospheric conditions. 

 

The processes of understanding, modeling, and forecasting weather involve the collection of quantitative data regarding the current conditions of the atmosphere, land, and ocean. This is achieved through meteorological data collection standards and satellite observations that integrate both hardware and software technologies. 

 

Automated Weather Stations (AWS) systems include sensor measurements of wind speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity, solar radiation, barometric pressure, lightning, and rainfall.    

 

Frequently calculated weather metrics derived from these AWS sensor measurements include dew point, evapotranspiration, growing degree days, wind chill, heat index, wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) heat stress, rolling averages, and accumulations. 

Applications
Sensor Measurements

Advanced meteorological measurements include: 

 

  • Doppler radar tracking the velocity and direction of rain, snow, and wind to provide better warnings to reduce damage and loss of life from severe weather events, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and thunderstorms,  
  • Weather Satellites such as GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite), NOAA, and WMO (World Meteorological Organization) satellites provide real-time imagery of cloud cover, sea surface temperatures, and atmospheric conditions to track storm systems.  
  • LIDAR used for detecting cloud heights, atmospheric composition, and tracking wind profiles.  
  • Weather buoys deployed in oceans and large bodies of water collect data on sea surface temperature, wave height, and atmospheric pressure.  
  • Dual-polarization radar allows meteorologists to assess the shape and size of raindrops or snowflakes, distinguishing between different types of precipitation (e.g., rain vs. hail) and improving the understanding of storm dynamics.  
  • Radiosondes attached to weather balloons measure temperature, humidity, and pressure at various altitudes to understand atmospheric stability.  
  • Microwave and infrared sensors to monitor snow cover, soil moisture, and vegetation health. 

 

Automated Weather Stations (AWS) systems manufactured by Stevens and advanced meteorological measurements dramatically improved the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasts and climate monitoring. This allows for better preparation and response to weather-related events, leading to improved public safety, and enhanced understanding of the Earth’s atmosphere. 

Applications

AgricultureAir qualitySports field of play
Public noticeDrought managementNautical Navigable charting
RecreationFire fightingGround transportation
Flood warningDust controlAirports and air traffic navigation
Water resources modeling and forecastsClimate change control / researchRocket launches
Groundwater rechargeStormwaterMilitary operations
CSO (combined sewer overflow)ErosionWind energy

Sensor Measurements

Wind Speed

Air moving from high to low pressure, usually due to temperature changes. Wind speed is measured with an anemometer, a cup or propeller movement by wind, or a non-moving part acoustic or ultrasonic sensor.

Wind Direction

Reporting the compass direction or degrees from which wind originates. Measurement sensors include rotating windvane, ultrasonic measurement of sound waves propagation, to the wet finger in the air.

Temperature

A quantity typically expressed in a cold to hot scale, and often measured at different levels of the Earth's atmosphere. There are many analog and digital temperature sensors with different accuracies.

Humidity

Water vapor in the air and is an indicator of precipitation, dew, or fog. Measurements include absolute, relative (RH), and specific. RH is a % of absolute humidity relative to a maximum humidity at the same temperature.

Barometric Pressure

Pressure in the atmosphere. Similar to weight of air over the measuring point. Measurements help forecast weather troughs and frontal boundaries. Measurements are between 940 and 1040 hPa (mbar) at a defined position.

Solar Radiation / Par Radiation

Electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. Sensor measurements for different applications include pyranometers, net radiometers, quantum / photsynthesis (PAR), and pyrheliometers.

Globe Temperature (GT)

GT absorbs heat from radiation such as the sun, air, and convection. GT measurement is used in Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) heat stress index.

Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge

Precipitation units deliver a pre-defined area in a period of time. The tipping bucket funnel design empties the water into a seesaw-like container that tips based on the water weight. Each tip is a units-of-measure.

Weighing Rain Gauge

Precipitation units over a predefined area in a period of time. A storage bin container weights the mass of water to calculate the rain fall over a period of time.